Nuked Epic games has filed suit against Google over alleged antitrust violations. The suit alleges that Google’s payment restrictions on the play store constitute a monopoly.
Epic’s Fortnite was removed from the Google Play store earlier today. Epic’s game Fortnite was pulled from the store.
Epic’s complaint focuses on the company’s infamous 1984 ad. The complaint alleges,’Google has relegated its motto to nearly an afterthought’.
Epic is specifically concerned about the Google Play store’s role as a distributor of Android apps. The play store required that hosted apps use Play store billing for any in-app purchases.
Android has long allowed for the installation of third party app stores. Apps can also be sideloaded through direct links without the involvement of an app store.
Fortnite finally arrived on the Google Play store in April. It overcame longstanding concerns over the play store policy of taking 30 percent of all in-app purchases.
Thursday’s lawsuit claims that Google has established the play store as the only viable distribution method for Android apps. The lawsuit also argues that Google is trying to make Android devices open to competition.
Fortnite has been removed from the play store for violating clear and pre-established rules.’we have consistent policies that are fair to developers and keep the store safe for users,’ Google representative said.
