The legal dispute between Epic Games and Google has been going on for quite a while, but it could be close to a solution.
Today President of Android Ecosystem at Google Sameer Samat announced on X (formerly Twitter) that the two companies have jointly filed a proposal including changes to Android and Google Play that would expand developer choice and flexibility, lower fees, and encourage competition, while preserving security.
Samat added that the proposal will be discussed in court on Thursday, and would resolve the litigation between the two companies if the Judge approves it.
“Exciting news! Together with Epic Games we have filed a proposed set of changes to Android and Google Play that focus on expanding developer choice and flexibility, lowering fees, and encouraging more competition all while keeping users safe. If approved, this would resolve our litigations. We look forward to discussing further with the Judge on Thursday.”
Epic Games Founder and CEO Tim Sweeney responded on the same platform, calling the proposal “awesome” and confirming that it would settle the differences between the two companies.
He also added that it’s in line with Android’s original vision as an open platform, would streamline installs of competing stores worldwide, reduce service fees for developers, and enable third-party payment methods both in-app and on the web.
Sweeney also took the chance to throw shade at Apple, which continues to stubbornly fight the decisions of courts and regulators compelling the company to open its platforms to competing marketplaces and payment methods.
“Google has made an awesome proposal, subject to court approval, to open up Android in the US Epic v Google case and settle our disputes. It genuinely doubles down on Android’s original vision as an open platform to streamline competing store installs globally, reduce service fees for developers on Google Play, and enable third-party in-app and web payments.
This is a comprehensive solution, which stands in contrast to Apple’s model of blocking all competing stores and leaving payments as the only vector for competition. The public filings are live.”
It’ll be interesting to see whether the proposal will be accepted, and whether it’ll really turn the last page on the long-running dispute between the two companies. We’ll likely know more on November 6.
Interestingly, a settlement between Google and Epic Games could further weaken Apple’s position as well, but we’ll have to wait and see.
