Bandcamp and Epic’s Lawsuit Against Google

Epic Games have been involved in an antitrust lawsuit against Google, and Bandcamp, which belongs to the first company, could potentially suffer some consequences. Nevertheless, Google has agreed not to ban the app from the Play Store, although some changes will be made to billing rules. Bandcamp will keep its in-app payment system on Android while Epic deals with the lawsuit.

Artists don’t need to worry about getting fewer shares from the app, but Bandcamp has decided to temporarily put 10 percent of releases on Android into deposit until the case is finished. This arrangement will have power from the 1st of June, although Google also installs a new rule that apps like Bandcamp can use only the Play Store billing system for in-app purchases.

This comes off as a compromise for both companies. Epic Games intends to keep the revenue from Bandcamp even if Google decides to remove the app from the Play Store. The mother company has previously stated that Google’s requirements can affect the artists that want to cooperate with the platform, and they also reduce the shares that come from the app. On the other side, Google claimed that Epic Games and Bandcamp are trying to avoid the installed fees of the Play Store, and a 10 percent intake is actually not bigger than those companies require from their users.

Musicians can be sure that it won’t really damage their income. Despite the argument, both companies want to keep their profit, and, even if Epic Games loses its lawsuit, no immediate changes will come. Google will still defend its position regarding the question of the Play Store fees. The results of the lawsuit can be expected at any time.

Who do you think will win the argument? Can it really not affect the artists on the platform? Please, share your opinion in the comments below.