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Judge Questions Epic-Google Partnership in Antitrust Case
23 Jan
Summary
- A new deal between Epic and Google involves joint product development and marketing.
- The agreement reportedly includes an $800 million spend by Epic over six years.
- A judge is concerned the deal may have influenced Epic's antitrust settlement demands.
A judge overseeing the Epic Games and Google antitrust dispute is examining a previously undisclosed partnership between the two companies. California District Judge James Donato expressed concern that this new agreement, described as involving joint product development and marketing, could have influenced Epic's position in settlement negotiations. The deal reportedly entails Epic spending $800 million over six years on Google services, framed as Epic paying market rates.
During a hearing, Judge Donato probed witnesses on the deal's implications, noting it involves Epic assisting Google with Android marketing and Google utilizing Epic's core technology. While details remain largely confidential, the judge suggested the settlement and this business deal are interdependent. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney indicated the agreement relates to the 'metaverse' and involves Google gaining more extensive use of Unreal Engine, describing it as a significant transfer of value from Epic to Google.
