Epic games finally wins the long and tiresome lawsuit against Google
- Yashna Talwar
- December 12, 2023 (UPDATED: December 12, 2023 12:43 IST)
Epic Games has emerged victorious in its antitrust lawsuit against Google, marking a significant win for the gaming giant.
The legal battle, which spanned several years, focused on allegations of anticompetitive practices related to the Google Play app store and its billing services. Notably, this outcome comes on the heels of Epic Games' loss in a similar lawsuit against Apple, making the win against Google a major success for the company.
Epic Games, established in 1991, is a prominent video game and software developer and publisher known for creating Unreal Engine and Fortnite. The company has been actively working to expand its presence across various platforms but encountered challenges with mobile app stores. In response to what it perceived as anticompetitive practices by Google and Apple, Epic Games filed lawsuits against both tech giants. The recent victory in the antitrust lawsuit against Google represents a significant development in Epic Games' legal battles.
Epic Games threw some legal curveballs at Apple and Google back in 2020, claiming they were running monopolistic operations in their app stores. While the Apple saga is still unfolding, Epic just scored a win against Google. The ruling says Epic convinced the court that Google's default setup of Google Play on Android devices is basically a monopoly move. They also argued that Google was playing favorites with app developers, and the court agreed that it was a bit too anti-competition.
The Epic Games legal saga against tech giants Apple and Google could reshape the mobile gaming landscape. Epic's recent victory against Google might mean changes in billing practices and royalties, which could be a boon for smaller game developers. This could lead to more financial viability and diverse platform options for games on mobile app stores. However, legal battles tend to be lengthy and complex, and any potential penalties may face appeals, keeping Epic in the courtroom for the foreseeable future.
The video game industry in 2023 has been marked by a mix of successes and challenges, including studio closures, significant layoffs, and high-profile legal battles. The ongoing legal disputes involving Microsoft's acquisition of Activision-Blizzard and the Federal Trade Commission's involvement continue to unfold, creating uncertainty about the potential impact on consumers. Epic Games, too, remains active in the legal arena, further shaping the landscape of the gaming industry. The industry is navigating through a complex and dynamic landscape, with key developments influencing its trajectory.