Epic's Antitrust Lawsuit Win Opens Doors for Crypto Payments on Android Apps

Yesterday, Google announced that it is giving mobile developers more freedom in how they choose to handle transactions.

The policy change attempts to settle a years-long antitrust lawsuit filed by developer Epic Games, who accused the tech giant of anticompetitive behavior after it banned Fortnite – Epic’s immensely popular multiplayer battle royale game – from the Play Store in 2020.

What's the Scoop?

• Potential Resolution: Google and Epic Games have proposed a joint settlement to resolve their long-running antitrust case. Under the proposed settlement (which remains subject to Court approval), Google would agree to allow developers to accept external payments, implement a registration program for verified apps, and lower fees for developers.
• Uncertain Outcome: Although Google's proposed measures could help foster competition among developers and payments providers, they may not do enough level the playing field. Despite support from both parties, Ars Technica reports that the judge overseeing the case is worried the settlement may be a “sweetheart deal,” which benefits Epic more than it does other developers.

What's the Take:

Not only does a settlement between Google and Epic Games clear the way for Fortnite's return to the Play Store, it may also open the doors for developers to accept crypto payments.

Last year, Apple settled a similar lawsuit with Epic Games for de-platforming Fortnite because of its support for external payments. The terms of that deal expressly prohibited Apple from imposing commissions on off-app purchases and controlling how developers communicate with their users.

Crypto payments are acclaimed for their virtually instant speeds and extremely low costs. While mobile application developers had been previously restricted to using approved high-fee payment channels, Epic Game's string of legal victories is helping clear the way for developers to use whatever methods they please!