Sweeney reiterates that Epic Games for Android is already available globally for users as a side-loadable app via its website. However, with it coming to the Play Store, users can have an easier time downloading it onto their phones and other devices.<\/p>\n
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The Verge<\/a> chimed in with more details, stating the two areas the jury found Google guilty of illegally monopolizing were “Android app distribution” and “in-app billing.” Moreover, the Ninth Circuit’s decision this week is reportedly resuming a past injunction that would require Google to open its Play Store to third parties. Aside from Epic, the publication reports that the Google Play Store would have to “effectively open up its app store to competition for three whole years.”<\/p>\n Not only will its “rivals” like Epic Games and others have the chance to show up on the Play Store, but Google would be “banned” from requiring apps to utilize its Play Billing service. It’s this Play Store policy and grueling 15%-30% cut<\/a> for in-app purchases that has always been wrapped in Epic’s arguments since day one.<\/p>\n Epic wins, but it’s not over (yet)<\/p>\n (Image credit: Epic)<\/p>\n While Epic took a decisive victory over Google this week, The Verge received word from the latter that it would appeal the ruling. The publication says, “While Google did say it will appeal, it could possibly ask for an en banc review from the full Ninth Circuit first.”<\/p>\n In 2024, Epic started rolling out its own store<\/a> for its games on Android and iOS following the removal of Fortnite from those areas. The fight then included Samsung as big tech companies started incorporating anti-competitive features, such as the Korean OEM’s “Auto Block<\/a>” feature, which reportedly heavily deterred users from third parties.<\/p>\n This was essentially wrapped in the sideloading policies<\/a> companies enforced on their systems. Earlier this year, Epic made a statement, saying, “So far none of the 100 highest grossing mobile game developers are willing to distribute their games on the Epic Games Store because of the Core Technology Fee and Apple<\/a> and Google\u2019s onerous restrictions and scare screens.” Alongside these scare tactics, users attempting to sideload\u2014take the Epic Game Store, for instance\u2014are met with a series of system prompts.<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/rMZRSpnnsvaDe8H7WhB49A.jpg\")
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