• Loading stock data...
Monday, February 10, 2025
Law

Google Countersues ‘Fortnite’ Maker, Claims Breach of Terms

  • Google is countersuing ‘Fortnite’ maker Epic Games, alleging an intentional breach of its developer agreement.
  • Epic initially sued Google in August 2020.
google_logo_on_phone
Design: Alex Brooks

Epic Games is being countersued by Google as it fights a two-front legal battle against tech giants.

Google claims that Epic intentionally breached the terms of the Google Play Developer Distribution Agreement by circumventing its 30% fee on in-app purchases for developers with over $1 million in annual revenue. 

In the filing, Google claims that “Epic sought a systematic change which would result in tremendous monetary gain and wealth,” and that the company “sought to challenge the policies and practices of Apple and Google, which are an impediment to [Epic CEO Tim] Sweeney’s vision of an oncoming metaverse.”

Documents from Epic’s lawsuit against Google, which began in August 2020, have revealed an ongoing push and pull between the two companies.

  • Google considered acquiring Epic to prevent game developers from leaving Google Play, perhaps lured by the Epic Game Store’s substantially lower 12% developer fee.
  • The tech giant believed it could lose up to $6 billion by 2022 if too many developers left.
  • Google reportedly paid out hundreds of millions to developers to get them to stay in the Google Play store.

Epic is also still locked up in a legal battle with Apple. Both sides are appealing a ruling from September that favored Apple in nine out of 10 claims.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Brady and Mahomes

Chiefs Fatigue Is Real. It’s Nowhere Near Patriots Hate Yet

People who have covered both teams say the difference is stark.
Nov 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) celebrates with running back Saquon Barkley (26) after the Eagles defeat the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium.

How the Eagles Reinvented Championship Roster Construction

Philadelphia is one of the most innovative franchises in the NFL.

ESPN Faces Potential Exit from MLB Media Rights As Opt-Out Looms

A 35-year rights relationship now faces a very different media landscape.

Featured Today

‘Ultimate Throwback’: The Unimpeachable Cool of Hartford Whalers Gear

Nostalgia and street cred have driven a consistent frenzy for merch.
January 20, 2024; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Kristin Juszczyk, wife of San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44), before a 2024 NFC divisional round game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi's Stadium.
February 1, 2025

The New WAGs: Sports Wives Building Business Empires

Athletes’ wives and girlfriends are bucking stereotypes and cashing in.
Feb 3, 2019; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears mascot dances on the court during a stoppage in play in the second half against the Stanford Cardinal at Haas Pavilion.
January 31, 2025

The Toll of Bicoastal Travel on New ACC Members Cal and Stanford

Cal and Stanford face missed flights, chaotic sleep schedules, and academic demands.
January 28, 2025

It’s Starting to Pay to Be Good at Cornhole

American Cornhole League players made $7.7 million in 2024.

What the NFL and Fox Risked With Kendrick Lamar Performing ‘Not Like..

Lamar didn’t use the word “pedophile,” but he still made allegations.
A Fox Sports camera records on the sideline prior to the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.
February 6, 2025

Fox Seeks Dismissal of Sex Abuse Lawsuit, While Bayless, Taylor Deny Wrongdoing

Skip Bayless and Joy Taylor deny the allegations made against them.
February 6, 2025

Ippei Mizuhara Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for Stealing Millions From..

Mizuhara had asked for a lighter sentence of 18 months.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
The NCAA logo on the field in the closing second of the Anderson University inaugural football game with St. Andrew's University on Spero Financial Field at Melvin and Dollie Younts Stadium at Anderson University in Anderson, S.C. Saturday, September 7, 2024. Anderson won 51-14.
February 5, 2025

Three Penn Swimmers Sue Ivy League, NCAA Over Trans Participation Policy

The lawsuit’s plaintiffs are requesting class-action status.
New York attorney general Letitia James
February 5, 2025

NWSL to Pay Players $5 Million in Abuse Settlement

Years of abuse in the NWSL came to light in 2021.
Dec 9, 2023; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Crew forward Cucho Hernandez (9) celebrates scoring a goal in front of Los Angeles FC goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau (16) during the MLS Cup final at Lower.com Field.
February 3, 2025

NASL Loses Antitrust Lawsuit Against MLS, U.S. Soccer

The defense argued bad business moves, not a conspiracy, tanked league.
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle John Simon (54) sacks Michigan Wolverines quarterback Denard Robinson (16) in the first half of their NCAA football game between Ohio State and Michigan at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, November 26, 2011. (Dispatch photo by Neal C. Lauron)
January 30, 2025

NCAA, Big Ten Seek to Dismiss Lawsuit of 300-Plus Former Michigan Football..

The former Wolverines are seeking $50 million in unpaid NIL usage.