Epic isn’t satisfied by Google’s app store billing stunt

Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge

The first step in what could lead to a dramatic reshaping of the app economy was announced on Wednesday by Google, which said it would test letting developers use their own billing systems in their apps. Despite being a strong advocate for opening app marketplaces and suing Google after the search giant removed Fortnite from its Play store for including direct payments, Epic Games still isn't happy. According to a statement shared with The Verge, it plans to continue advocating for an app ecosystems that offers more choices.

Corie Wright said in the statement that Apple and Google abuse their market power with policies that stifle innovation, inflate prices and reduce consumer choice. We will continue to fight for fair and open platforms for all developers and consumers, and work with policymakers and regulators to hold them accountable for their anticompetitive conduct.

Developers will be able to offer a billing option under the new pilot. It's not clear who else will be involved in the program or when it will be available more widely.

The pilot does not include Epic, according to the company's spokesman. She didn't say if the offer was rejected or if it was simply not asked to participate. Rick VanMeter, a spokesman for the Coalition for App Fairness, wouldn't confirm if the Coalition's non-Spotify members were approached by the search giant.

For years, companies have criticized Apple and Google's app store policies, including what they claim are high fees. Even though it's loosened its stance on alternative billing systems, it still sounds like it will get some kind of commission from Spotify as part of the pilot.