Epic's Fortnite end run around the Play Store could cost Google more than $50 million this year
Search result in the Google Play Store warns Android users that Fortnite cannot be found there
Eventually, when the game is officially offered to Android users, they will have to sideload Fortnite through Epic's website. The company feels that the game is so popular that eventually Android users with compatible handsets will flock to its website to install Fortnite, even without a Play Store listing. App research firm Sensor Tower says that from now through the end of the year, Epic's end run around the Play Store will cost Google $50 million or more in lost platform fees.
Sensor Tower also says that Epic has grossed $180 million from iOS users since it first became available on March 15th via invitation to iPhone and iPad users. Now, the game is available from the App Store. Apple's share of the take has amounted to $54 million thus far.
With Epic's decision not to launch the game in the Google Play Store, Google is reminding those who search for the game there, that it can not be downloaded in the usual manner (see the screenshot at right). This is being done to prevent Android users from getting scammed by knockoff and copycat apps.
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