Google Updates Play Store Billing Fees After Epic Games Settlement
Google 在與 Epic Games 達成和解後，更新 Play Store 的計費費用
Introduction
Google has started introducing a new fee system for the Play Store. This change follows a legal agreement with Epic Games regarding unfair competition and market practices.
Google 已開始為 Play Store 引入一套新的收費系統。此次變更係隨後與 Epic Games 就不公平競爭和市場行為達成法律協議而定。
Main Body
The new system replaces the old 30 percent commission model. Now, Google has divided its costs into two parts: service fees and billing fees. For developers who earn less than $1 million per year, there is a flat 10 percent service fee. For larger companies, the rates vary between 20 and 25 percent depending on when the app was installed. Additionally, a 5 percent billing fee applies to transactions made through Google's own platform, although this rate can change depending on the country.
新系統取代了舊有的 30% 抽成模式。現在，Google 將其成本分為兩部分：服務費和計費費。對於年收入低於 100 萬美元的開發者，將收取 10% 的固定服務費。對於大型公司，費率則根據應用程式的安裝時間在 20% 至 25% 之間變動。此外，透過 Google 自家平台進行的交易需支付 5% 的計費費，不過此費率可能會根據國家而有所不同。
Furthermore, the agreement allows developers to use external payment links. By using 'choice screens' that follow Google's guidelines, developers can send users to their own billing systems. This allows them to avoid the 5 percent billing fee, although they must still pay the service fee. To encourage better app quality, Google is also launching the 'Games Level Up' and 'Apps Experience' programs. These initiatives offer lower fees to developers who improve their app's security, memory use, and cross-platform performance.
此外，該協議允許開發者使用外部付款連結。開發者可以透過遵循 Google 指南的「選擇螢幕」，將使用者導向至自己的計費系統。這讓他們能避開 5% 的計費費，但仍須支付服務費。為了鼓勵提升應用程式品質，Google 還推出了「Games Level Up」和「Apps Experience」計畫。這些計畫將為改善應用程式安全性、記憶體使用及跨平台性能的開發者提供更低的費用。
These changes are being released in stages across different regions. The US, UK, and Europe started on June 30, while Australia will follow on September 30, and Japan and Korea on December 31. The entire global rollout is expected to finish by September 30, 2027. Although these changes give developers slightly more money, Google still maintains a high level of control over the Android system.
這些變更將在不同地區分階段發布。美國、英國和歐洲於 6 月 30 日開始，澳洲將於 9 月 30 日跟進，而日本和韓國則在 12 月 31 日。預計全球全面推行將於 2027 年 9 月 30 日前完成。雖然這些變更讓開發者獲得略多一點的收益，但 Google 依然對 Android 系統保持高度控制。
Conclusion
Google is currently rolling out a new global system of lower, separated fees and more payment options to settle its legal dispute with Epic Games.
Google 目前正在全球推行一套更低且分開計算的費用系統，並提供更多付款選項，以解決與 Epic Games 的法律爭端。
Vocabulary Learning
🚀 The 'B2 Leap': Moving from Simple to Complex Connections
At the A2 level, you usually connect ideas with simple words like and, but, and because. To reach B2, you need to use Logical Connectors that show a sophisticated relationship between two ideas.
⚡ The Power of 'Although'
Look at this sentence from the text:
*"Although these changes give developers slightly more money, Google still maintains a high level of control..."
Why this is B2 level: Instead of saying "Google gives money, BUT they still have control," the writer uses Although. This creates a "concession." It tells the reader: "I acknowledge Fact A is true, but Fact B is actually more important."
How to use it:
Although + [Opposing Fact], [Main Point].
- A2 Style: I studied hard, but I failed the test.
- B2 Style: Although I studied hard, I failed the test.
🛠️ Expanding your Utility Kit: 'Furthermore' & 'Additionally'
In the article, Google doesn't just list things; they build a case using Additive Transitions:
- Furthermore: Used to add a point that is even more important or convincing than the last one.
- Additionally: Used to add extra information that is of equal importance.
The Logic Shift:
- A2: "Google changed fees. They also allow external links."
- B2: "Google changed fees. Furthermore, the agreement allows developers to use external payment links."
🎯 Quick Transformation Guide
| Stop using (A2) | Start using (B2) | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| And / Also | Furthermore / Additionally | Makes you sound professional |
| But | Although / Despite | Shows complex thinking |
| So | Consequently / Therefore | Shows a logical result |