Epic Games has confirmed that its popular battle royale title Fortnite will return to Android devices worldwide and be available again through the Google Play Store, following major changes to Android’s app distribution and payment policies. The announcement comes after a long-running dispute between Epic Games and Google over app store rules and developer fees. Epic said the updated policies would allow greater competition among app stores and provide developers with more control over payment systems used inside apps.

In a post on the social media platform X, Epic Games founder and CEO Tim Sweeney thanked Google after the company announced the changes.

"Google is opening up Android all the way with robust support for competing stores, competing payments, and a better deal for all developers. So, we've settled all of our disputes worldwide. THANKS GOOGLE!" Sweeney wrote.

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The message came in response to an update from Sameer Samat, President of the Android Ecosystem, who outlined several policy changes to the platform. Sweeney later added that Fortnite will return to the Google Play Store worldwide soon, while Epic Games will continue operating its own app store for Android devices.

Policy changes reshape Android’s app ecosystem

In a blog post, Epic Games said Google’s updated policies represent a major shift toward a more open Android ecosystem. "Android is now fully open to robust competition among mobile app stores outside of the US, and Epic and Google have submitted a proposal to the US District Court to finalize the same here," the company said.

Epic added that developers will now have more freedom in how payments are handled within apps. This includes the ability to use alternative payment systems alongside Google Play billing or direct users to external purchasing options.

The company said these changes could foster a competitive environment similar to the desktop ecosystem, where multiple platforms such as Steam and the Epic Games Store operate simultaneously.

Google introduces new billing options and developer incentives

Google also confirmed several changes aimed at expanding developer choice on Android. According to the company, developers will soon be able to offer multiple billing options inside their apps, including their own payment systems. Google Play will continue to offer its billing system, but developers will have more flexibility in how they manage in-app transactions.

Google said it will also launch a Registered App Stores program, designed to make it easier for users to install alternative app stores on Android devices. The program will initially roll out outside the United States before expanding further.

Speaking about the update, Sameer Samat said the Android platform must remain flexible for developers and users.

"At this important moment, we want to continue leading the way in how developers distribute their apps and games to people on billions of devices across many form factors," Samat said.

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"A modern platform must be flexible, providing developers and users with choice and openness as well as a safe experience."

Under the new structure, developers using Google Play billing in regions including the United States, United Kingdom and the European Economic Area will pay a 5% billing rate, while service fees for in-app purchases will drop to 20% for new installs and 15% for some developers under incentive programmes.

Google said the changes will begin rolling out gradually, with initial updates expected in the US, UK and EEA by June 30, followed by Australia by September 30, and Japan and Korea by December 31. A broader global rollout is expected by September 2027.

With the dispute now resolved, Epic confirmed that Fortnite will soon be available again on the Google Play Store worldwide, while the Epic Games Store for Android will continue to operate alongside other platforms including Windows and macOS.