Epic vs. Google: What the Settlement Means for Developers and Why Xsolla Is Standing With You

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Epic vs. Google: What the Settlement Means for Developers and Why Xsolla Is Standing With You

November 6, 2025•3 min

A settlement that should have set developers free, but didn’t

After five years of legal battles, Epic Games and Google have reached a proposed settlement that could significantly reshape the distribution of mobile games on Google Play. The deal, awaiting court approval by December 11, 2025, was supposed to bring fairness and flexibility. Instead, for many developers, it feels like another door being quietly closed. The agreement introduces new service fees of 9% and 20% on purchases made through external web links, including transactions completed in a developer’s own web shop within 24 hours of a player linking out from a Google Play game if that game was installed or updated after October 30, 2025 It also establishes a system of “Registered Alternative App Stores,” which can operate on Google Play without percentage-based fees but must be reviewed and approved by Google. For massive publishers with multiple titles and the personnel required to manage their own app store, that’s manageable. For smaller studios, it’s another barrier and another reminder of who holds the keys. On paper, it’s billed as progress. In practice, it re-taxes the very direct-to-consumer (D2C) freedom developers fought for.

We understand your frustration

Developers have spent years fighting for the right to control their own revenue, their player relationships, and their creative direction. You’ve built communities, earned loyal fans, and navigated every change these platforms have thrown at you.
And now, just as D2C was gaining real traction, the rules could change again, introducing new fees, definitions, and compliance risks. We get it. It’s exhausting. It’s unfair. And it’s precisely why Xsolla exists. “The proposed Epic–Google settlement marks a turning point for mobile commerce, but not necessarily in the right direction for developers. While it formalizes alternative payments and third-party app stores, it does so under Google’s continued control and introduces new service fees that effectively tax direct-to-consumer revenue in brand new ways.” Chris Hewish, President at Xsolla

This isn't just about fees, it's about fairness

The settlement introduces complexity when developers need clarity the most. “External link” remains undefined in court filings, meaning Google could interpret any link from an email, social post, or web campaign as a fee-triggering action. Virtual currency is subject to the higher 20% rate until it’s manually prorated. Developers are still required to display Google Play Billing alongside any alternative payment methods, thereby preserving Google’s role at the checkout. These policies don’t create openness; they reshape control. And that’s not the kind of ecosystem innovation the industry needs.

Our message to developers: You're not alone

At Xsolla, we’re not sitting on the sidelines. We built our entire business to give developers freedom, control, and fairness regardless of the changes made by the platforms. We know that trust is earned, not claimed. While this settlement introduces new complexity, we’re here to simplify your path forward, ensure your business remains compliant, and protect your ability to sell directly to your players.

Take back control

If you’re unsure how this settlement might affect your game or you want to future-proof your monetization strategy, our team can help you chart a path forward. We stand with you, not the platforms. Learn more about Xsolla Web Shop Explore Xsolla Buy Button Contact us directly and we’ll help you plan your next move. Written by Chris Hewish, President at Xsolla