Google has publicly rebuffed game developer Epic over its reported attempt to distribute its popular battle royale hit Fortnite through the Play Store without paying the company's standard 30 percent fee.
In a statement to The Verge, Google says the Android platform is dependent on the existing Play Store terms because that is how the company is able to reinvest in its platform to help it grow and to provide ample security measures.
"Android enables multiple app stores and choices for developers to distribute apps. Google Play has a business model and billing policy that allow us to invest in our platform and tools to help developers build successful businesses while keeping users safe," a Google spokesperson tells The Verge. "We welcome any developer that recognizes the value of Google Play and expect them to participate under the same terms as other developers."
News of Epic's intent to publish Fortnite on the Play Store after distributing it independently since its August 2018 launch on Android first broke late yesterday. 9to5Google reported that Epic was planning to submit the game and ask for a special exemption that would allow it to bypass the 30 percent cut on all in-app transactions. Fortnite, as a free-to-play game, makes all of its money through such transactions, including for cosmetic items and its seasonal battle pass subscription service.