Google and Epic’s Secret $800M Android Deal Revealed in Antitrust Trial

A previously undisclosed $800 million deal between Google and Epic Games has surfaced during their ongoing antitrust court fight, raising fresh questions about how the two companies are working together while still battling in court over Android app market power.

The deal came to light during a hearing in federal court, where U.S. District Judge James Donato openly questioned whether the agreement looked like a “sweetheart deal” that could weaken the impact of the antitrust case. The judge raised concerns that the partnership may have affected Epic’s position or demands in the legal dispute.

What the secret deal includes

Court documents referenced in reports show the agreement involves collaboration across multiple areas, including:

• Joint product development
• Joint marketing commitments
• Joint partnerships

The projects are said to be connected to Unreal Engine, Fortnite, and Android.

During the hearing, Judge Donato indicated the arrangement could involve Epic helping Google with marketing Android, while Google would use Epic’s core technology.

The deal is worth $800 million over six years

The judge stated the deal totals $800 million across six years, and importantly, Epic would be paying Google as part of it. What the work specifically involves has not been made public, and details remain confidential for now.

Epic confirmed the agreement in court as “new business between Epic and Google,” but did not provide detailed explanations of the products or deliverables involved.

Epic hints at a metaverse connection

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney suggested the partnership may connect to the metaverse, though he stopped short of explaining fully and indicated confidentiality restrictions were limiting what he could say publicly.

Why this matters in the antitrust case

This reveal is especially sensitive because Epic and Google are in a long-running legal battle over whether Google holds an unlawful monopoly in the Android app ecosystem, including how the Google Play Store operates.