- Google lost an important lawsuit against Epic Games in the US
- His decision must open the Play store to competing stores
- At the same time, developers must not force their own payment system
- Microsoft wants to take advantage of this and will start selling console games directly in the Xbox mobile app
Last December, Google lost a three-year lawsuit against Epic Games, which accused the other party of abusive monopoly practices. A Northern California District Court jury ruled in favor of the game studio, forcing Google to allow developers to use alternative payment systems and distribution channels. However, this dispute did not end there.
Google must open up the Play Store to competition
Last week, Epic Games filed a new lawsuit against Google in a California district court alleging anti-competitive practices and got an unexpectedly quick verdict – District Judge James Donato issued a permanent injunction ordering Google to open its Play Store to competing digital stores for three years. In addition, Google may not enter into exclusive agreements with app and game developers preventing the sale of titles on competing marketplaces, nor may it force developers to use its own payment system.
The order of the court is supposed to enter into force on November 1 this year, for which not only the Epic Games studio is preparing, but also other big players, including Microsoft.
You can buy games for your Xbox from your mobile
The court’s ruling to open up Google´s mobile store in the US will allow more choice and flexibility. Our mission is to allow more players to play on more devices so we are thrilled to share that starting in November, players will be able to play and purchase Xbox games directly…
— BondSarahBond (@BondSarah_Bond) October 10, 2024
Microsoft is trying to promote the Xbox brand on smartphones as much as possible – one of the next steps is to release its own store with mobile games. Its arrival was originally expected in July, but we haven’t seen it yet, the latest information from August this year is that the testing of the mobile game store has entered the testing phase.
Author of the article
Jakub Karásek
Google’s Legal Trouble: A Game Changer for Developers?
Well, ladies and gentlemen, grab your popcorn because the tech courtroom drama is throwing more twists than a rubber band in a cheap magician’s hand! Google has just lost a pivotal lawsuit against Epic Games in a decision that has the cherry on top of the competition sundae. Who would have thought a game studio would snag a victory over one of the biggest players in tech? As if Google wasn’t already juggling enough balls, now they have to figure out how to share the stage!
Google’s Monopoly Takes a Hit
In an epic turn of events—pun absolutely intended—the verdict mandates Google to throw open the doors of the Play Store, letting in a little fresh air from competing digital markets. It’s like Google’s just been told, “Sorry, Google, you can’t keep playing Monopoly without giving the other players a chance!” The repercussions? Developers are now dancing in the streets, free to choose their payment systems. But it’s not a free-for-all; they can’t just waltz in with their own payment plan like it’s the hottest club in town.
- Google lost an important lawsuit against Epic Games in the US
- They must now open the Play Store to rival stores
- Developers can’t force their own payment systems—sorry, not sorry!
- Meanwhile, Microsoft’s ready to strut its stuff in the mobile gaming realm
Microsoft’s Opportunity Knocks
Ah, Microsoft! The old dogs are learning new tricks and it appears they’ve got their eye on the mobile gaming prize with plans to start selling console games directly through the Xbox mobile app. If there’s one thing Microsoft loves more than smashing its competitors, it’s an impeccable timing on opportunities (and maybe cake, they’ve got some fine cake). Thanks to this court decision, their chance to sell directly to users has never looked sweeter.
“The court’s ruling to open up Google´s mobile store in the US will allow more choice and flexibility. Our mission is to allow more players to play on more devices. We are thrilled to share that starting in November, players will be able to play and purchase Xbox games directly…” – Sarah Bond, Microsoft
With Epic Games taking the gloves off, it’s a whole new ball game, my friends! Microsoft is now flexing its muscles to promote Xbox on smartphones. It’s like watching a heavyweight boxing match where the smaller fighter just landed a punch; the big guy is not happy, and it’s time for a comeback! This new mobile game store will be a game changer itself, or, should I say, a game *changer*? To say people are eager for some Xbox action on their mobile devices is a massive understatement.
What’s Next for Google?
Google, meanwhile, is scrambling. This is no cakewalk; they’ve been handed a massive shakeup post-verdict. Their Play Store might soon feel more like a bustling market with vendors crawling out from every corner, eager to sell their wares without Google’s intervention. The question stands, how will Google manage this epic transition? Can they still keep their cake and eat it too? Or will they find themselves serving crumbs?
In conclusion, whether you’re a fan of the ‘Goliaths’ of this digital landscape or rooting for the ‘Davids,’ one thing is for sure: it’s an exciting time to feel alive in the gaming industry. Grab a snack, sit back, and enjoy the show—the courtroom battles are far from over!
