The Epic vs. Google ruling should help make the metaverse much more Android-centric.

Above: Epic v. Google ruling (.pdf here)

We won’t immediately feel the impact of Epic winning its lawsuit against Google, but barring some twist, the Metaverse must It’s going to start to become a lot more Android-centric in the next few years. That is, if Epic’s Tim Sweeney gets his way, having made the fight over control of Apple and Google’s mobile app stores central to the future of the Metaverse. We’ll know for sure in early 2024:

Be careful, we don’t knowwhatEpic is I haven’t won the case yet. It will be up to Judge James Donato to decide what the appropriate relief is. Epic has never sued for monetary damages. The court wants Google to know that every app developer has complete freedom to bring their own app store and payment system to Android, and there’s no telling how, or even whether, a judge will grant that wish. . The parties are scheduled to meet with Judge Donato in the second week of January to discuss potential relief.

Starting with Fortnite and Roblox, every major metaverse platform has a very popular mobile app for Android, as do mid-level leaders Zepeto, Rec Room, and VRChat (which launched an open beta for its Android app last week). OG influencer Second Life is set to launch its own mobile app (both iOS and Android) next year.

The biggest barrier so far has been the 30% commission that Google and Apple take on mobile purchases on their platforms. In reality, this is an immediate excuse/rationale for companies like Roblox to give community creators only a small percentage of the revenue earned on their platform. But the situation could change significantly depending on Judge Danato’s relief.

In any case, Android became the first option for the metaverse platform after Epic lost a similar lawsuit against Apple and the App Store, allowing Apple to still set its own terms. But check back later next month!