Currently, Android users can download Fortnite exclusively via Epic Games app. The developers were reportedly planning to submit Fortnite to Google Play Store in hopes of getting an exemption from Google's 30% fee for in-game transactions. Epic generates its revenue via 'V-Bucks,' which is an in-game currency that allows players to purchase cosmetics and its seasonal battle pass. As the game is free to play, Epic's revenue stream is based on in-game purchases.
However, Epic cannot use its own payment method as it would violate Google's policy, where developers who offer in-game purchases must use Google Play In-app Billing as the payment method. Google Play also takes a 30% cut on purchases as operating fees, similar to the App Store. This could be a problem for Epic as in-app purchases are its major revenue stream for Fortnite.
Epic has clarified its stance about exemption from 30% cut in an official statement to The Verge saying, "Epic doesn't seek a special exception for ourselves; rather we expect to see a general change to smartphone industry practices in this regard." The statement further reads, "We have asked that Google not enforce its publicly stated expectation that products distributed through Google Play use Google's payment service for in-app purchase. We believe this form of tying of a mandatory payment service with a 30% fee is illegal in the case of a distribution platform with over 50% market share."
Google has also issued an official statement that reads, "Android enables multiple app stores and choices for developers to distribute apps. Google Play has a business model and billing policy that allow us to invest in our platform and tools to help developers build successful businesses while keeping users safe." It further adds, "We welcome any developer that recognizes the value of Google Play and expect them to participate under the same terms as other developers."
Epic's claims are pretty strange considering it gives 30% of all transactions to Apple as there is no other way to distribute apps on iOS devices.
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