Google and Epic Games have formed an $800M secret collaboration covering Android, Unreal Engine, and Fortnite. Discover how this surprising partnership emerged from their legal battle.
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Google and Epic Games appear to have made an unexpected pivot from a protracted legal battle to a secret collaboration. During a U.S. antitrust proceeding, a new agreement between the companies, valued at approximately $800 million, came to light. The details are currently permitted to remain confidential.
Court proceedings revealed the deal covers joint product development, marketing activities, and partnership initiatives related to Android, Unreal Engine, and Fortnite. Judge James Donato explicitly noted that Epic will assist Google in promoting Android, while Google, in turn, will gain access to key Epic technologies.
The court suggested this agreement might have influenced Epic Games' softened stance, leading to the settlement the parties announced back in November, effectively ending their years-long conflict. Epic representatives confirmed this involves a new business arrangement between the companies, established after the main court rulings.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney hinted the collaboration could be connected to the metaverse, though he clarified he cannot disclose details due to confidentiality. It is known that under the deal's terms, Epic will be the party paying Google over a six-year period.
For the market, this represents a surprising turn. Not long ago, Epic was accusing Google of abusing its dominant position; now, the companies plan to jointly develop products. More questions than answers remain, but it is clear this partnership could significantly impact the future of Android and the gaming technology ecosystem.