Epic Games and Google had another opportunity to disagree over the predominant revenue share model. Epic wants to release Fortnite on Google Play, but is not prepared to give the store 30% of the game’s revenue. The developer called this kind of revenue split “illegal.”
The Android version of Fortnite is distributed outside of Google Play because Epic is not happy with the economic model offered by the store. But, according to 9to5Google, the developer will still try to strike an agreement with Google and release the battle royale on Google Play. That is if Google reduces its commission.
Epic’s position
According to Head of Epic Games Tim Sweene, the Internet giant has no right to charge the developer 30%. Google supposedly requires that all IAPs be processed through Google’s own payment service. However, Google Play’s Developer Distribution Agreement provides no such requirement, Sweeney said.
We believe this form of tying of a mandatory payment service with a 30% fee is illegal in the case of a distribution platform with over 50% market share.
Tim Sweeney, Head of Epic Games
The head of Epic Games stressed that the developer does not require a special exception for themselves. “Rather we expect to see a general change to smartphone industry practices in this regard,” he said. “Further, Epic operates a major PC storefront and payment service and we do not force developers using our store to use our payment ecosystem..”
To be fair, EGS used to make developers use its own payment system, but last week the company lifted that restriction.
Google’s position
No surprises here.
We welcome any developer that recognizes the value of Google Play and expect them to participate under the same terms as other developers.
In case you haven’t been paying attention, Epic Games has consistently criticized Google’s in-app purchase policies since last year.