In a significant development for mobile gaming, Epic Games is poised to bring its popular title Fortnite and the Epic Games Store back to Android devices through the Google Play Store. This move follows a landmark US appeals court decision on July 31, 2025, which upheld a 2023 verdict declaring Google’s Play Store and billing practices an “illegal monopoly.” The ruling marks a pivotal moment in Epic Games’ ongoing legal battle against Google, opening the door for a smoother and more accessible experience for Android users.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney celebrated the decision. "Thanks to the verdict, the Epic Games Store for Android will be coming to the Google Play Store," says Sweeney on X. He also notes that the "Epic Games Store for PC already carries several other PC stores like itch.io and GOG Galaxy."
The timeline for the Epic Games Store’s return to the Play Store remains uncertain, but the move is expected to simplify access to Fortnite and other titles. Previously, Android users had to sideload the game or rely on partnerships with phone makers, a process that posed barriers for some players. The reintroduction of Fortnite to the Play Store is likely to streamline installation and updates, making the game more accessible to a broader audience.
Google, however, has signaled its intent to challenge the ruling further. In a statement to media outlets, the company expressed concerns about the decision’s impact, arguing that it could “significantly harm user safety, limit choice, and undermine the innovation that has always been central to the Android ecosystem.” Google plans to appeal the case to the US Supreme Court, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining a secure platform for users, developers, and partners. Despite this, the upheld verdict currently allows Epic to proceed with its plans.
Fortnite, developed by Epic Games and released in 2017, is a global phenomenon best known for its battle royale mode, where up to 100 players compete on a single map until one player or team emerges victorious. The game combines fast-paced shooting mechanics with a unique building system, allowing players to construct structures in real time for strategic advantage. Beyond its core battle royale mode, Fortnite offers additional modes and features frequent updates, including limited-time events and crossovers with popular entertainment franchises. These collaborations have kept the game culturally relevant, particularly among younger audiences.
Since its removal from both the Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store in 2020 due to disputes over in-app payment systems, Fortnite has been unavailable through official channels on iOS in most regions. Android users, meanwhile, have relied on sideloading to access the game, a workaround that requires technical know-how and carries potential security risks. The anticipated return to the Play Store could mark a significant step toward restoring Fortnite’s accessibility on Android.
Epic Games vs. Google Case Explained
The legal battle between Epic Games and Google began in August 2020 when Epic deliberately bypassed Google Play’s billing system by introducing direct in-app payments in Fortnite. This move violated Google’s policies, leading to the game’s removal from the Play Store and triggering a lawsuit. Epic accused Google of maintaining an illegal monopoly over Android app distribution and in-app payments, arguing that the company’s restrictive contracts with device manufacturers and exclusive deals with developers stifled competition. Although Android allows sideloading, Epic contended that Google’s practices made it difficult for third-party app stores to thrive.
Unlike similar antitrust lawsuits settled by Google with Match Group and US states, which resulted in minor policy changes, Epic rejected financial settlements in favor of systemic reforms. In December 2023, a federal jury unanimously ruled in Epic’s favor, finding that Google’s control over the Play Store constituted an illegal monopoly. The court ordered Google to allow third-party app stores within the Play Store, end exclusive revenue-sharing agreements, and permit developers to direct users to alternative payment systems.
Google appealed the decision, but the July 31, 2025, ruling by the US appeals court upheld the original verdict, solidifying Epic’s legal victory. This decision paves the way for the Epic Games Store to operate within the Play Store without restrictions, potentially reshaping the Android app ecosystem. It also sets the stage for Fortnite’s return, offering Android users a more seamless way to engage with one of the world’s most popular games.
As Epic prepares to relaunch its store and Fortnite on the Play Store, the gaming community awaits further details on the rollout. While Google’s potential Supreme Court appeal could introduce additional developments, the current ruling represents a significant milestone for Epic Games and the broader Android ecosystem.
