Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney recently took the witness stand in the ongoing trial between Epic and Google, saying Google offered a “crooked” deal to maintain an illegal monopoly on Android apps through Google Play Store. Read on to know more.
Epic Games CEO's Testimony Unveils ‘Crooked’ Deal Offers
Google's Attempt to Secure Fortnite on Play Store and Allegations of Monopoly
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney's testimony recounted an episode where Google attempted to persuade Epic Games to release Fortnite on the Play Store rather than through its independent website. He characterized Google's proposition as a "crooked arrangement," involving various financial incentives that Epic Games ultimately declined.
The lawsuit, initiated by Epic Games, contends that Google has established an illegal monopoly on Android apps, primarily to boost profits through commissions ranging from 15% to 30% on in-app purchases. "It seemed like a crooked arrangement," Sweeney told the jury. "Google was proposing a series of side deals, which seemed designed to convince Epic not to compete against them."
"The result of what Google is doing is higher prices, lower quality and less choice for everybody," Epic’s attorney Gary Bornstein said during an opening statement. Google attorney Glenn Pomerantz attempted to debunk the portrayal of the company having a stranglehold on Android apps.
Pomerantz outlined competition from rival mobile and video game console stores, as well as Apple’s app store. He asserted, "because Google faces strong competition from Apple and others, it cannot be and is not a monopolist."
Google’s Documents Reveal More in Trial
In the trial, documents revealed that Google had offered video game maker Activision Blizzard a substantial package, valued at $360 million, to abandon plans to compete against the Play Store. While Google's lawyers argued that the deal would bring over $315 million in benefits to Activision, Sweeney maintained that such incentives seemed designed to thwart competition.
During questioning, Google's lawyer highlighted the 30% commissions that Epic willingly pays to Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo for transactions on gaming consoles without raising objections. This was contrasted with Epic's discontent over Google's commission rates. Sweeney, responding to a juror's question, disclosed that more than 90% of Epic's revenue from in-app purchases came from video game consoles and personal computers during a specific period in 2020.
Epic’s Goal in the Trial
Sweeney concluded his testimony by emphasizing Epic's goal in the trial: to establish that Google had violated the law. Epic compelled the court to intervene and put an end to what Epic perceived as unfair practices.
Previously this week, court documents revealed that Google had considered partnering with video game giant Tencent to gain a control stake in Epic Games. The objective was to utilize Epic Games as a "leading business driver."
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CEO of Fortnite game maker casts Google as a ‘crooked’ bully in testimony during Android app trial
