Recently unsealed court documents from Epic Games' antitrust lawsuit against Google highlight that Google explored acquiring Epic during their dispute over Fortnite on Android. Google partially lifted redactions in the amended complaint filed last month, shedding light on internal discussions about competition on the platform.
Related: Apple vs. Fortnite: Apple Takes on Epic in Court
In recent years, tech giants like Apple and Google have faced intense scrutiny over their app store dominance. Apple's ongoing trial challenges its control of the App Store, which generates billions annually across 1.6 billion devices. Epic Games, the North Carolina-based developer behind Fortnite, has similarly clashed with both platforms over in-app payments and competition.
The updated complaint, as reported by The Verge, details Google's strategies: "Not content with contractual and technical barriers to eliminate competition, Google uses its size, influence, power, and money to induce anti-competitive agreements." It accuses Google of sharing monopoly profits with partners to block rivals and even contemplating buying Epic to neutralize the threat.
Epic CEO Tim Sweeney addressed this on Twitter, noting uncertainty over whether it was a negotiated deal or hostile bid. Internal communications remain redacted, with no evidence Google approached Epic. Discussions likely followed Epic's 2018 Fortnite Android launch plans. Sweeney later confirmed Epic was unaware at the time.
