Epic Games boss Tim Sweeney has come out on top once again in his dispute with how platform holders dictate the relationship that developers have with their users. After starting disputes with both Apple and Google years ago, which initially took popular Epic Games titles like Fortnite off Android and iOS mobile platforms, Epic and Sweeney's dispute with Google has finally come to a close.
To be clear, Fortnite has already made its return to iOS and Android when Epic was finally able to launch a mobile version of the Epic Games Store worldwide back in 2024 (though Australians had to wait a little longer to play Fortnite on their phones). What's changed today is that not only will Android users be able to play Fortnite through the Epic Games Store, but it'll also be available as a downloadable game through the Google Play Store.
What's also changed is that Google will now allow competing app stores, competing payment processes, and it is lowering its Google Play fees for developers who still choose to use the Google Play Store's billing system on Android devices.
"At this important moment, we want to continue leading the way in how developers distribute their apps and games to people on billions of devices across many form factors. A modern platform must be flexible, providing developers and users with choice and openness as well as a safe experience," writes Sameer Samat, president of the Android ecosystem, in a blog post.
"Today we are announcing substantial updates that evolve our business model and build on our long history of openness globally. We’re doing that in three ways: more billing options, a program for registered app stores, and lower fees and new programs for developers."
Samat continues to explain how the rollout will work, with these updates being official worldwide by September 30, 2027. They'll first reach the EEA, United Kingdom, and the US by June 30, 2026. By September 30, 2026, they'll reach Australia, and by December 31, 2026, they'll reach Korea and Japan. Everywhere else has to wait until September 2027.
As for when Fortnite will make its triumphant return to the Google Play Store, Sweeney adds that it will arrive "soon," but does not provide a specific date.
"We believe these changes will make for a stronger Android ecosystem," writes Samat, "with even more successful developers and higher-quality apps and games available across more form factors for everyone. We look forward to our continued work with the developer community to build the next generation of digital experiences."
About the author: David has been writing about videogames, technology, and culture since 2020, with a focus on reporting daily news across multiple publications, including GameDaily.Biz, GameSkinny, and PlayStation Universe before joining Wccftech in 2025. David started contributing as Canada/US reporter for Wccftech's gaming section in 2025. Besides being up-to-date on the industry's movements, he loves interviewing developers, reviewing games, and writing intricate essays about the symbolism and layered meanings to be found in rich narratives as he's done for publications like GamesIndustry.Biz, LostInCult, and others. Outside of games he loves movies, music, theatre, his hometown, and his family, though not necessarily in that order.
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