Observed Signal · Aug 14, 2020 · Regulation · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Epic Sues Apple and Google Over Fortnite
Fortnite has been removed from Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store after Epic Games introduced payment options intended to bypass the standard 30 percent in-app purchase fees. The removal means Fortnite is no longer available on those platforms, though the game remains accessible on other stores. Epic contends that Apple and Google enforce a monopoly through app distribution and payment terms, and it has filed lawsuits against both companies accusing anti-competitive behavior. Apple has countered that Epic included an unapproved feature that violated App Store guidelines. The dispute centers on the broader goal of challenging the control of Android and iOS ecosystems rather than collecting payments from Apple and Google. The case is expected to unfold over weeks and months, with potential implications for app monetization and platform governance.
Antitrust litigation involving major app stores; potential impact on app monetization ecosystems.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Fortnite was removed from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store due to Epic's bypass of standard payment methods.
- Epic Games offered purchases via Epic directly to reduce the 30% fees charged by Apple and Google.
- Epic Games filed lawsuits against Apple and Google alleging anti-competitive behavior.
- Fortnite had approximately 250 million downloads on iOS before removal from the App Store.
- Epic Games reported $4.2 billion in revenue in 2018 and 2019 combined.
Connected Companies & Entities
3 Entities mappedRelated Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Google Drops Play Store 30% Commission After Epic
Google is ending the 30% commission on the Play Store and introducing a looser payments framework and a first-of-its-kind program for registered third‑party app stores. The move, prompted by the Epic Games dispute over Fortnite, aims to increase developer revenue shares, expand user choice, and allow alternative payment methods. The general rate drops to 20%, with 15% for programs like App Experience or Google Play Games Level Up and 10% for subscriptions. Developers may employ non-Google payment methods or direct users to their own websites; if billed through Google Play, a 5% fee applies in the EEA, UK, and US. Google is also launching a program for registered app stores, permitting third‑party Android marketplaces under security standards and with a simplified installation experience, though sideloading remains possible. Rollout starts in mid‑2026 and concludes globally by 2027. An out‑of‑court settlement between Google and Epic in November 2025, worth around $800 million, will see Fortnite return to Google Play worldwide. The changes also pressure Apple’s App Store model.
Google launches unified agentic AI for Gemini
At a Google Cloud event on Thursday, Google announced it is bringing agentic AI to its Gemini assistant, launching a unified agent that can autonomously plan and execute tasks on behalf of users. Aimed initially at businesses, the agent can connect to internal systems and external tools, use custom skills, and even choose from third-party models like Anthropic's Claude. It will have its own Workspace account with an email address, and will write its own audit trail. Early testers include On, Shopify, and PayPal. Gemini has over 1 billion monthly active users, and nearly 90% of Fortune 100 companies use Gemini Enterprise.
US Government Excludes Microsoft from Visa Program
The US government has barred Microsoft from participating in the permanent residency process for foreign workers with H-1B visas, accusing the company of abusing the program. Vice President JD Vance stated that Microsoft laid off 6,000 American employees last year while benefiting from 6,300 H-1B visa holders. The Department of Labor, led by Keith Sonderling, will not accept new permanent residency applications from Microsoft, as well as several consulting firms and Adobe. This action comes weeks before the midterm elections and reflects the Trump administration's broader criticism of the H-1B program, which it claims disadvantages American workers. Microsoft has not yet responded. The move could impact the tech industry's ability to retain skilled foreign talent.
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