Fortnite finally returns to the Google Play Store

It's been more than a year since Google was ordered to open its Play Store to third-party app stores. However, Fortnite is only now making its comeback to the wider Android scene. This means more Android users now have access to the game again without going through possibly insecured third-party stores. More details below.

Back on the Google Play Store worldwide

Yesterday, Epic Games announced the return of Fortnite on the Google Play Store. Although there are alternatives for dedicated fans to download the game to their Android devices, wider access via the Google Play Store should help the game's global reach. At least, it should make things easier for less tech-savvy children.

For your information, Apple and Google initially removed Fortnite from their respective stores in August 2020. This was due to Epic Games Store implementing an external payment system in Fortnite for in-game purchases, bypassing the Apple App Store and Google Play Store's billing systems. Both app stores charge a 30% (at the time) fee for all transactions, so an external payment system allowed Epic Games to avoid that.

Ban, lawsuit, and the aftermath

Of course, neither company could allow this loss of profit. Fortnite was quickly banned by both platforms, but Epic Games quickly hit back with antitrust lawsuits. Epic Games won the lawsuit in October 2024, allowing the company to start planning for an official comeback.

Now Fortnite is back on the Google Play Store, and Google has been pressured to change its fee rates. Google announced the changes to the Play Store's payment system earlier this month. Firstly, the standard fee has been reduced to 20%. Google Play also allows developers to use their own billing systems, which is what Epic Games was going for. If you're a developer, check Google's blog post for details.

So, that's the latest (and hopefully last) news on the Fortnite-Google drama. Are you glad to see Fortnite back on the Google Play Store? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned to TechNave for more news like this.