Epic Games is constantly seeking opportunities to expand the reach of its titles. It is no secret that Fortnite is, if not the biggest, one of the biggest games worldwide. Epic Games and Google are creating a new, mutually beneficial collaboration worth $800 million over the next six years. This move took many by surprise.
Details of this new collaboration come after the two tech giants moved to settle their five-year legal battle over Google Play Store practices. California District Judge James Donato previously questioned Tim Sweeney, the CEO of Epic Games. He also questioned economics expert Doug Bernheim about the agreement. He also asked how the collaboration may have led Epic to step back in their legal battle against Google.
According to Doug Bernheim, the new $800 million collaboration between Epic Games and Google is a sign of new business between the two companies. As of today, both entities are keeping details about the agreement wraps. However, Tim Sweeney’s previous court testimony provides a small insight into what this new collaboration might bring. Google and Epic Games will partner on product development and marketing commitments for starters.
Judge Donato also noted that the new collaboration includes an element of marketing synergy. He discussed the staggering $800 million figure, describing it as a very healthy partnership. Under the deal, Google will help Epic Games promote Fortnite and other properties. Meanwhile, Epic will assist Google in marketing the Android platform as an open ecosystem. This would let the metaverse of Epic Games, including Fortnite, to remarkably further its reach on a global scale.
Donato also noted that Epic Games and Google will only proceed with this agreement if the settlement on standard Google Play Store commissions and alternative app options is finalized. Tim Sweeney revealed that Epic has not yet reached a deal with Google but hopes it will be finalized soon. He emphasized that both the settlement and the collaboration are key parts of Epic’s future growth plan.
