Epic Games has finally caved as they put up Fortnite back on Google’s Play Store for Android. About 18 months ago, Epic had delisted their Android Fortnite app from the Play Store, instead choosing to make it available to download via their own Fortnite website. After struggling with many of Google’s third-party software protocols, Fortnite is back on its marketplace.

When Epic Ditched Google’s Play Store

Fortnite Mobile on Android was featured on the Play Store until August of 2018 when Epic Games decided to ditch Google. They were not happy with Google’s 30% store tax on the app. Additionally, the developers also believed that cutting out the middle-man would ensure better communication and interaction with their users.

“The 30 percent store tax is a high cost in a world where game developers’ 70 percent must cover all the cost of developing, operating, and supporting their games,” said Epic when they delisted from the Play Store.

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These were a couple of valid and logical reasons behind Epic’s decision. However, there is a reason Google reigns supreme on the Android app market; it’s a platform that the public trusts while it also provides a range of services.

Fortnite Back on Play Store

Fast forward 18 months and Epic has reconsidered and is now back on the Play Store. It proved too cumbersome to survive as a third-party app on Android. The reason? Google, of course!

If you’re an Android user, you’ll have noticed the many pop-up warnings you get when you try and download a third-party app. It makes you mull if it would be safe to go ahead with the download. Who wants a malware on their personal device, after all. Even after the download is done, you get warnings when trying to update the app or enable features.

The developers are clearly miffed with Google but know they have little option but to comply. They could not help take a final potshot either.

“After 18 months of operating Fortnite on Android outside of the Google Play Store, we’ve come to a basic realization. Google puts software downloadable outside of Google Play at a disadvantage.” 

They also expressed hope that Google will revise its policies down the line.

“We hope that Google will revise its policies and business dealings in the near future, so that all developers are free to reach and engage in commerce with customers on Android and in the Play Store through open services, including payment services, that can compete on a level playing field.”

Epic will once again have to pay Google its 30% cut on all in-app purchases, at least for now. But now, they can rest easy knowing the rest of their worries will be put to bed once and for all.