Now that Epic Games is buying Bandcamp, it’s worried that Google could pull the music app. In conjunction with its antitrust lawsuit, Epic has filed for a preliminary injunction preventing Google from removing or otherwise blocking access to Bandcamp from the Play Store. Most notably, the developers claim that Google’s stricter in-app purchase requirements (which will require Bandcamp to use Google’s billing system from June 1) and delayed payments (from a maximum of 48 hours to as long as 45 days) will For epics and musicians.
Epic has also maintained that it may win its antitrust case. Meanwhile, Google will reportedly face “no harm” if existing Play Store policies remain in place.
We’ve asked Google for comment. There’s a good chance Android creators will oppose the ban.It countersued Epic in October for “intentionally” violating Play Store rules Fortniteand a successful request will force Google to make an exception to Bandcamp’s update policy.
Whether it is successful or not, the ban document will draw attention to regulatory pressure on Google and its main rival, Apple. Google faces antitrust lawsuits from 36 states and Washington, D.C. for allegedly abusing control of the Play Store, while the company and Apple are facing a wave of billing and other investigations over their app policies. People are closely watching how Google treats Bandcamp, and removing the app could spark more criticism or legal action.
Update April 29 at 3:05pm ET: Google told Engadget that it rejected Epic’s argument that Bandcamp would only pay 10 percent. You can read the full statement below.
“This is yet another baseless claim by Epic, which is now using its newly acquired app, Bandcamp, to continue its efforts to avoid paying for the value Google Play provides. We have always Transparent Regarding Play’s payment policy over 18 months, and as Epic knows, Bandcamp is eligible to charge just a 10% service fee through Play’s Media Experience Program – much less than what they charge on their own platform. Despite their claims, the open nature of Android means that Bandcamp has a variety of ways to distribute their apps to Android users, including through other app stores, directly to users through their website, or as a consumer application. “
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