In the latest stage of Epic Games case against the technology giants, Fortnite developer takes Google to court – this time in Australia.
complete case that Epic filed charges in Australian federal courts earlier this week Google has a “near monopoly” on the distribution of applications and payments in the Android market by imposing a series of “contractual and technical” restrictions on the developers it works with. Overall, says Epic, these circles that Google is asking its partners to pass are a flagrant violation Australian competition laws.
“Google has the illusion of being open, arguing about the presence of alternative app stores on its platform or allowing the direct download of applications from third-party vendors, Epic founder and CEO Tim Sweeney said in the a declaration. “In reality, these situations are so rare that they barely make a drop in the monopoly of the Android operating system.”
As for Australia, it is right. Android commands just under half of market share for about 20 million smartphones across the country. And, as Epic points out statement, about 90% of the applications on these phones are obtained through the Google Play Store, per market research which the Australian authorities have previously eliminated.
What’s happening in Australia is the latest from Epic’s ongoing crusade against two of the largest honchos in the mobile operating space: Apple and Google. Back in August, Epic PUT a direct payment system in Fortnite which was explicitly designed to circumvent the 30% Apple or Google discount taken from subscriptions and in-game purchases made through Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Pretty soon after it was heard that Epic was trying to get around them cash discounts, both companies stuck Fortnite from their respective stores.
G / O Media may receive a commission
At that time, Epic (rightly so) Highlighted that being forced into this type of payment system for gambling is more than a little unfair. When none of the operators will move, the processes have begun. In August, Epic filed a lawsuit against him Apple and Google in California courts, accusing them both of anti-competitive conduct. A few months later, Epic filed an action against Apple’s Australian headquarters for reasons similar to the current Google case. He then filed additional charges against Apple and Google in Europe just last month.