Google has submitted a sweeping proposal to settle its long-running lawsuit with game company Epic Games, the developer of the Fortnite game, in a move that could reshape its Android app store Google Play on a global scale.

According to the agreement submitted to the court for review, Google will allow app developers to use alternative payment systems within apps or via external links, rather than requiring them to use the Google Play Store's payment system, Reuters reported.

Google will support what are known as Registered App Stores, which are alternative stores that can be easily installed alongside the Google Play Store. The move will enable Epic Games, and others, to launch their own Android stores to offer their games independently for very limited fees, which the company has sought since its lawsuits against Google and Apple in 2020.

Financially, Google will adopt a new fee structure of 9% to 20% depending on the type of transaction and the date the app is installed, with an additional fee of 5% when using Google Play's payment system.

The 9% will apply to regular apps and subscriptions, as well as in-game purchases that don't impact gameplay, while 20% will be charged to in-game items that give players tangible benefits, such as weapons or performance-enhancing items.

Google has confirmed that it will not enter into any agreements that give its store priority or exclusivity to app launches, and will allow developers to communicate directly with users about lower prices available outside of its store.

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney described the settlement as a great and comprehensive solution that stands in contrast to Apple's model that completely prevents stores from competing.

The settlement is a major shift after Google lost its case to a jury, which argued that the company had exploited its dominance of the app market to charge exorbitant fees.