Fortnite Returns Globally to Google Play Store on March 19 After Settlement

Following the resolution of protracted disagreements between Epic Games and Google, the popular game Fortnite is poised to become accessible once more to Android users worldwide. The game is slated for a global re-release on the Google Play Store on March 19, coinciding with the launch of its upcoming season. This follows its reintroduction to the US Play Store back in December.

The game was initially removed from the Play Store in 2020 by Google when Epic attempted to circumvent the standard 30 percent commission on in-app transactions. A similar action was taken by Apple regarding the App Store version of Fortnite. Consequently, Epic initiated lawsuits against both Google and Apple, leading to extensive legal battles spanning several years.

The conflict with Apple eventually prompted the tech giant to permit alternative app distribution methods in specific regions, such as the US and EU. Fortnite subsequently became available again on the App Store in the EU in 2024, followed by its re-entry in the US the previous year. Meanwhile, Google and Epic successfully finalized a settlement in November. This month, Google also disclosed plans to reduce its in-app payment commission from 30 percent to a range of 10 to 20 percent. Following this announcement, Epic CEO Tim Sweeney confirmed Fortnite's imminent return to Google's mobile platform, reportedly agreeing to refrain from public criticism of the Play Store until 2032 as part of their agreement.

In related news, Epic recently disclosed an increase in the pricing for its in-game currency, V-Bucks. Additionally, it was confirmed that Fortnite Save the World, the game's foundational mode, will transition to a free-to-play model starting in April.