Top Highlights
- Epic Games and Google settled their legal dispute, leading to Fortnite’s return to the Google Play Store on March 19.
- The game previously left the Play Store in 2020 due to Epic’s challenge to the 30% commission on in-app purchases.
- Google recently reduced its commission fee from 30% to 10-20%, facilitating Fortnite’s comeback.
- Meanwhile, Fortnite’s Save the World mode will go free-to-play in April, and the game is now accessible on compatible Android devices again.
Fortnite will return to Google’s Play Store worldwide on March 19, marking a significant milestone in the game’s history. This comeback coincides with the debut of the game’s new season, exciting players around the globe. Previously, Fortnite was removed from the Play Store in 2020 after Epic Games challenged Google’s 30 percent cut on in-app purchases. The dispute was part of a larger legal battle involving both Google and Apple.
Thanks to a recent settlement, the two companies have now resolved their issues. Google also announced it is lowering its commission on in-app payments from 30 percent to between 10 and 20 percent. This move benefits developers like Epic and, ultimately, players who enjoy competitive and innovative games. The popular game previously returned to the App Store in the EU in 2024 and in the US last year.
Epic CEO Tim Sweeney confirmed that Fortnite would come back to the Play Store amid these changes. The return is a step toward more open app marketplaces, encouraging better competition and innovation. Additionally, Epic announced a price increase for V-Bucks, the game’s currency, and plans to make Fortnite’s original mode, Save the World, free-to-play in April.
The game’s comeback emphasizes the importance of flexible digital platforms, especially for urban innovations like smart cities. When app stores open up and reduce commissions, developers can create more engaging, affordable experiences for users. This, in turn, fuels technological growth and smart city advancements, making urban life smarter, safer, and more connected.
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