Fortnite is finally coming back to the Google Play Store. Google and Epic Games have ended their long-running dispute over app store rules and payment systems.
The fight between Epic Games and Google started years ago when Epic challenged the way app stores charge developers. Because of that dispute, Fortnite was removed from official mobile app stores.
Fortnite later returned to Android through the Epic Games Store in 2024. But users had to download Epic’s store separately. It was not available directly on the Google Play Store.
Now that is changing. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney has confirmed that Fortnite will arrive on Google Play “soon.” He has not shared a date yet.
For Android users, this simply means easier installation. They will be able to search for Fortnite on the Play Store and download it like any other app.
Google has also announced major updates to how the Play Store works for developers. Developers will now be allowed to use their own billing systems inside apps. They can also guide users to their own websites to complete purchases. This gives developers more control over payments. If a developer still chooses to use Google Play billing, Google will charge a separate billing fee. In the EEA, the United Kingdom, and the United States, this billing rate will be 5 percent.
Google is also lowering service fees. For new installs after the new system launches in a region, the in-app purchase service fee will be reduced to 20 percent. Developers who join special programs can get even lower rates. Recurring subscriptions will have a 10 percent service fee.
These changes will roll out in phases.
- By June 30, 2026, the updates will go live in the European Economic Area, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
- By September 30, 2026, Australia will get the changes.
- By December 31, 2026, Korea and Japan will follow.
- The rest of the world will receive the update by September 30, 2027.
Google is also introducing a Registered App Stores program. This will make it easier to install third party app stores on Android devices.
