Google Urges Judge to Reject Epic Games' Proposed Changes to Play Store

In the ongoing antitrust showdown between Google and Fortnite maker Epic Games, the tech giant has vehemently opposed sweeping changes proposed by Epic Games for its Play store. Google filed its response late on Thursday in San Francisco federal court, contesting Epic’s bid to overhaul app downloads and payment policies on Android devices.

Last year, Epic managed to successfully convince a jury that Google unlawfully restrained competition through its stringent controls over app downloads and in-app transactions on Android devices. Now, Epic’s proposed changes, according to Google, would severely hamper its ability to compete effectively in the market.

Google’s filing emphasized that Epic’s proposal “would make it nearly impossible for Google to compete,” signalling the company’s firm stance against what it perceives as overly restrictive measures.

In March, Epic Games urged US District Judge James Donato in San Francisco to compel Google to streamline app downloads from alternate sources, grant developers greater flexibility in offering and pricing in-app purchases, and facilitate the integration of its Epic Games Store on Android devices without impediments. A hearing on Epic’s proposed injunction is scheduled for May 23, with no immediate response from Epic to Google’s recent filing.

Wilson White, Google’s head of government affairs and public policy, expressed concerns about the potential consequences of Epic’s demands, stating that they would adversely impact the privacy, security, and overall user experience for consumers, developers, and device manufacturers.

Google further argued in its filing that a prior Play store settlement with states and consumers obviated the need for Epic’s injunction. According to Google, the remedies outlined in the settlement adequately address the anticompetitive conduct alleged by Epic during the trial.

In December, Google reached a $700 million settlement to resolve the states’ case, which included provisions for alternative billing options for in-app purchases, among other reforms.