UOW gamers have weighed in on what a recent court battle will mean for console gaming.
In 2020, Fortnite creators Epic Games brought two lawsuits into play against both Apple and Google, alleging they were monopolising Apple and Android products respectively through their digital storefronts.
While Apple initially came out on top in their case, the matter with Google was ruled in Epic Games’ favour last year. In October, Judge Donato ruled that Google allow other app stores to be downloadable via Google’s Play Store. Google is appealing the decision.
Creative writing student Zali Gavin said she hoped for changes.
“Creating more competition in the online sphere usually spells changes in pricing, and I see no reason that wouldn’t be the case here,” she said.
“Maybe it could break down some of those exclusivity barriers that make people buy one console over another.”
UOW Pokémon Society President Sonia May Murray is concerned about pricing.
“Mobile is a different beast. It’s a huge market to get in and a monopoly on mobile is different to Sony having a monopoly on the Sony console with a Sony play store,” she said.
“Microsoft isn’t going to develop a game for Sony consoles. Sony isn’t going to develop a game for Microsoft consoles.”
Whatever does happen, gamers will be watching how Googles appeal is decided.
Video: The UOW Video Game Society has held its first in-person event this month, a fighting game tournament. The tournament switched between four different games over the month of October and featured Guilty Gear: Strive, Tekken 8, Super Smash Bros Ultimate and Brawlhalla. The event has given the group an opportunity to connect with each other and enjoy a Smash-ing time, as their community continues to expand on campus.
