Epic Games takes on Google in high-stakes app-store fee battle

Epic Games, the maker of "Fortnite," is taking Google to court over allegations that the company's digital payment processing system in the Play Store has been driving up prices for consumers and developers. The trial, which follows a similar case against Apple, will determine if Google's commission system is anti-competitive. Epic Games argues that Google maintains a stranglehold on the Android app ecosystem and payment system, while Google defends its commissions as necessary for the investment in the Play Store and to protect user security. The trial is expected to last until just before Christmas and will include testimony from Google CEO Sundar Pichai.