Google is significantly reducing its Play Store commission fees, an issue that has been consistently raised as a problem. At the same time, it is allowing third-party billing, effectively settling a five-year legal battle with the Epic Games Store.

Google announced these changes via a post on the Google Developers Blog on the 5th. Google stated that this measure is intended to expand the openness of the Android ecosystem and reduce the financial burden on developers. The revised fee structure is scheduled to be applied in South Korea and Japan within the year.

The core change is the reduction of fees that developers must bear. Google has decided to change the existing system by separating billing system usage fees from service commissions. The in-app payment service commission will be reduced from 30% to 20% for new installs (defined as a user's first installation after the new rates go into effect in the region), and to 25% for existing installs. Additionally, the commission charged on subscription services has been significantly cut to 10%.

Developers who participate in the new developer support program will receive even lower commission rates. This is an overhaul of the existing Google Level Up program, designed to improve user experience based on quality standards and enhanced user benefits. Participating in-app payment developers will be subject to a 20% transaction fee for existing installs and 15% for new installs.

Along with the fee reduction, autonomy in payment methods is also guaranteed. Developers can introduce their own payment methods within the app in addition to Google's own system, or guide users to external websites to proceed with payments. If developers continue to use Google's payment network, a separate 5% market-specific tax will be applied in regions such as the European Economic Area, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

Along with the change in fee policy, Google has finalized a settlement to end its legal dispute with Epic Games. As a result, 'Fortnite' is scheduled to be re-released on the Google Play Store. Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, stated on his official X account, "Fortnite is returning to the Google Play Store worldwide soon," adding, "The Epic Games Store will continue to support Android worldwide alongside Windows and Mac, and the installation process on Android devices will become much easier in the second half of this year."