Google accused of paying competitors to prevent them from making alternate app stores

Fortnite developer Epic Games has filed a lawsuit against Google, stating that the latter paid off developers and prevented them from developing alternate app stores. The charges revolve around Google’s Project Hug, which was later renamed to ‘Apps and Games Velocity program’.

Epic Games’ motion states that some of the agreements were intended to, and even stopped developers from launching competing app stores. However, Google states that the program that Epic Games is fighting against gives incentives to Android developers and early access to Google Play users whenever they launch new content.

A Google spokesperson said, “In fact, the program is proof that Google Play competes fairly with numerous rivals for developers, who have a number of choices for operating systems and app stores. Epic and Match are adding more inaccurate claims to their failing lawsuits and we’re looking forward to setting the record straight in court.” The spokesperson further went on and said that it will oppose the new claims.

Epic is arguing that Google is illegally forcing app developers to use its payment processing service, which charges mandatory commissions of up to 30%. Epic also sued Apple over roughly the same issue, losing its first major round in court and currently arguing appeals.