Google Opens Up to Third-Party App Stores After Epic Games Agreement
Google has made a significant shift in its policies regarding app marketplaces on Android devices. The company has allowed third-party app stores to be hosted on the Play Store, with Aptoide Games being the first such store.
This decision is a result of an agreement between Google and Epic Games, which has been litigating against both Google and Apple over unfair controls in app marketplaces.
The ruling found that Google had an illegal monopoly over Android applications and needed to open up its platform to third-party options. After trying to compromise with Epic Games, Google eventually agreed to host third-party app stores on the Play Store.
Aptoide Games can distribute its own apps as well as those from the Play Store, but it must pay Google certain fees to maintain the integrity of the platform.