Google Play will have to open itself up to third-party stores…for three years

Google Play will have to open itself up to third-party stores...for three years

  • Google Play must allow third-party app stores onto its storefront for three years
  • The verdict was made as part of Epic’s ongoing anti-trust case against Google
  • However, it’s significantly shortened from a proposed six years

As a longtime mobile gamer, I’ve seen the app landscape evolve over the years. It’s always been Google Play that’s been my go-to for downloading games, but lately, it felt like it was becoming a bit of an old boys’ club, with smaller developers struggling to make their way in. That’s why I’m thrilled about today’s news!


Today is the end of a day with a ‘y’, and that implies there’s fresh news emerging from the ongoing Epic Games court case! However, this time, it’s not just any news – it represents another significant step. A new ruling has been issued that aims to limit Google’s perceived monopolistic actions.

In simpler terms, for the next three years, Google won’t be able to prevent its competitors from creating their own app stores. Instead, these rival app stores will be accessible through Google Play. Moreover, app developers will have the freedom to choose alternative billing systems and guide users towards their own websites for purchases or subscriptions.

In essence, this decision is a substantial advantage for consumers, but it’s also a concession from the initial plan that would have required these changes to be implemented over a six-year period. This seems to imply that Google will face a brief period of compliance with this judgment before resuming regular operations as they were previously.


A saga of epic proportions

It seems quite evident that this is being shaped as a form of retribution, yet it strikes me as peculiar that the sentence has already been reduced to only half its initial length. To me, if the intention was to create a more balanced environment, modifying the entire system would be more effective rather than just adjusting individual penalties. However, I’m not a judge, so my opinion might not carry much weight.

For now, regardless of the platform you prefer, there’s an abundance of fantastic games to explore. Why not spice up your ‘games to play’ list with a glance at our own top picks for the standout mobile games of 2024?

Additionally, you might find even more diversity with our alternative collection of the top 25 free-to-play games available on iOS and Android. This selection spans various genres and includes highly recommended titles.

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2024-10-08 15:48