Google to Allow Additional Payments

Drama

31 October 2025 15:21

Google has updated its Play Store policies in the United States to permit developers to use alternative payment systems and link to external download sources. The move comes in response to an injunction upheld by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, compelling Google to loosen its control over app distribution and billing on Android devices.

According to a statement on Google’s support page, the company introduced two major policy adjustments to comply with the court’s directive. Developers can now inform users about app availability and pricing outside of Google Play and are allowed to include links directing users to download apps from external sources.

Additionally, Google will no longer restrict developers to its own Play Billing system, nor will it mandate pricing structures based on whether Google’s billing tools are used. These policy changes will remain in effect until November 1, 2027, when the injunction is set to expire.

Industry leaders have praised the update as a major victory for developers, particularly in the mobile gaming sector.

“Google Play's move to allow external purchase links is a major win for U.S. mobile game developers,” said Xsolla president Chris Hewish in a statement to GamesIndustry.biz. “It gives studios greater control over monetisation, letting them direct players to their own web shops, retain more revenue, and build stronger relationships through direct payments and loyalty programs.”

Hewish added that the newfound flexibility could drive creativity across the industry: “This freedom encourages innovation in pricing, bundles, and player engagement strategies that were previously limited by platform fees and rules. It’s a pivotal step toward a more open, developer-empowered, and player-friendly mobile game ecosystem.”

The changes stem from Google’s loss in a 2023 antitrust trial initiated by Epic Games, in which a jury determined that the company’s Play Store and billing practices constituted an illegal monopoly and stifled competition.

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Google to Allow Additional Payments

Drama

31 October 2025 15:21

Tags: Google

Google has updated its Play Store policies in the United States to permit developers to use alternative payment systems and link to external download sources. The move comes in response to an injunction upheld by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, compelling Google to loosen its control over app distribution and billing on Android devices.

According to a statement on Google’s support page, the company introduced two major policy adjustments to comply with the court’s directive. Developers can now inform users about app availability and pricing outside of Google Play and are allowed to include links directing users to download apps from external sources.

Additionally, Google will no longer restrict developers to its own Play Billing system, nor will it mandate pricing structures based on whether Google’s billing tools are used. These policy changes will remain in effect until November 1, 2027, when the injunction is set to expire.

Industry leaders have praised the update as a major victory for developers, particularly in the mobile gaming sector.

“Google Play's move to allow external purchase links is a major win for U.S. mobile game developers,” said Xsolla president Chris Hewish in a statement to GamesIndustry.biz. “It gives studios greater control over monetisation, letting them direct players to their own web shops, retain more revenue, and build stronger relationships through direct payments and loyalty programs.”

Hewish added that the newfound flexibility could drive creativity across the industry: “This freedom encourages innovation in pricing, bundles, and player engagement strategies that were previously limited by platform fees and rules. It’s a pivotal step toward a more open, developer-empowered, and player-friendly mobile game ecosystem.”

The changes stem from Google’s loss in a 2023 antitrust trial initiated by Epic Games, in which a jury determined that the company’s Play Store and billing practices constituted an illegal monopoly and stifled competition.

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