Epic Games CEO calls Google’s antitrust settlement a win for the vision of Android as an open platform

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney Contact Google’s proposal in its antitrust settlement with the maker of Fortnite represents a “comprehensive solution” that “truly doubles down” on Android’s vision of being an open platform.

The companies on Tuesday reached a settlement that sees the search giant agree to Android App Store reforms that include lowering fees and enabling more competition.

Under the new proposal, which still requires a judge’s approval, Google would allow Android app developers to direct users to alternative payment mechanisms within their apps and through external web links. It also caps the fees Google can charge developers at 9% or 20%, depending on the type of transaction and app installation date.

In a Share on XSameer Samat, head of the Android ecosystem at Google, wrote that the company’s proposed changes “focus on expanding developer choice and flexibility, lowering fees, and encouraging more competition, all while keeping users safe.” If the court approves the deal, it will put an end to the antitrust lawsuits.

Sweeney praised the proposal as “fantastic” and compared it to Apple’s model, which he said was focused on “blocking all competing stores and leaving payments as the sole carrier of competition.”

Apple has argued that its policies are about protecting consumers and managing the security of the App Store. However, the iPhone maker recently reported Record revenue for its service businesswhich includes the App Store – this segment’s revenue rose 15% to $28.75 billion in the fourth quarter compared to the previous year.

Epic Games has filed a lawsuit against both Google and appleaccusing their App Store ecosystems of being anti-competitive, and claiming that the companies have too much control, charge excessive fees, and favor their own in-app payment systems. Apple largely won its case with Epic however I had to modify the rules of its app store To allow alternative payment options. Google, however, She lost her appeal in July After the jury found that the search giant had stifled competition and needed to make changes.

After the victory, Sweeney announced that Legendary Games Store For Android it will come to the Google Play Store.

Updated after publication to note that fees also depend on the date the app was installed, according to Deposit.