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Epic gives up, puts Fortnite for Android on Google Play

Epic bites the bullet

Epic gives up, puts Fortnite for Android on Google Play

Fortnite is now available for download on Google Play. That's something I never thought I'd write, but it turns out that Epic has decided to bite the bullet and deal with Google's policies after suffering the tech giant's questionable handling of Android software downloadable outside of its digital storefront.

In a statement made to Polygon, Epic lays out why exactly it's changed its mind. It boils down to Google automatically putting software not available via Google Play "at a disadvantage" by using "technical and business measures such as scary, repetitive security pop-ups for downloaded and updated software" as well as "restrictive manufacturer and carrier agreements and dealings" to more or less characterise third-party software as nasty malware.

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In some cases, third-party software has even been blocked altogether by new security efforts such as Google Play Protect. Epic is clearly not best pleased about any of this, perhaps rightfully so. And while Fortnite is now downloadable from Google Play, Epic will continue to operate the Epic Games App and Fortnite itself outside of Google's storefront.

"We hope that Google will revise its policies and business dealings in the near future, so that all developers are free to reach and engage in commerce with customers on Android and in the Play Store through open services, including payment services, that can compete on a level playing field". As Polygon points out, Epic had previously voiced its displeasure with Google taking a 30% cut of IAPs purchased through its mandatory payment service. 

If you're yet to give it a go or fancy jumping back in after a break, you'll find Fortnite available for download now as a free-to-play title from over on the App Store and Google Play

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Cameron Bald
Cameron Bald
Cameron started out as an intern here in late 2018, then went on to join us as our News Editor in July 2019. He brings with him an encyclopedic knowledge of decade-old GamesMaster review scores and plenty of stinking takes on games, movies, and proper pizza etiquette.