Mobile Gaming Market Overhaul: Google, Samsung, and Epic Games Make Big Changes
The mobile gaming market has seen significant changes in recent months, particularly after Google finalized its antitrust settlement with Epic Games. As of June 30, 2026, Google's Play Store now charges a tiered commission structure ranging from 10-25% on app sales. This move follows Samsung's decision to cut its Galaxy Store commission from 70/30 to 80/20 in May 2025.
The settlement and changes in commission rates have significant implications for mobile game developers. Epic Games' own distribution terms specify a flat 12% commission, allowing developers to keep more money compared to Google's previous 30% rate. Additionally, the threshold rule resets annually, giving mid-size studios with modestly successful titles the potential to pay nothing in commission for an entire year.
The changes also affect how game stores can operate on Android devices. The settlement removes much of the friction that kept Epic Games' Store niche for years, and a reported Samsung-Google coordination adjusts Android's permission model to allow the Epic Games Store app to be pre-cleared without triggering security warnings. On iOS, Apple has introduced a flat 5% Core Technology Commission on digital transaction revenue for alternative marketplaces like the Epic Games Store.