In today's roundup: Apple restructures its App Store fees in response to EU regulations, signaling a major shift for developers operating in Europe. Playgama partners with the United Nations to launch an environmentally focused game jam aimed at browser developers. And Garena marks its return to Indian esports with the announcement of the Free Fire India Cup 2025, setting the stage for one of the region’s largest mobile gaming tournaments of the year.

Apple introduces revised App Store fee structure in EU amid DMA pressure

Apple has overhauled its App Store economics in the European Union following regulatory pressure under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Apple has already applied a multi-tier “Store Services” fee ranging from 5% to 13%, depending on the developer’s revenue bracket and user base. In addition, it is imposing a 5% “Core Technology Fee” on developers who use alternative payment methods outside of the App Store.

This new structure replaces the earlier €0.50-per-install fee that faced criticism from developers and regulators alike. The changes aim to stave off further antitrust penalties from the European Commission, which has already signaled its readiness to fine Apple over noncompliance. Developers now face a more complex cost calculus when distributing apps in the EU.

Playgama, UN partners launch Green Web Game Jam to promote sustainability

Playgama, in partnership with GameDistribution and the Playing for the Planet Alliance, has launched the Green Web Game Jam 2025, an HTML5 game development initiative scheduled for July 4–21. Backed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the event calls on browser-game developers to build titles that educate players on sustainability, climate change, and environmental action.

Top entries will be distributed across partner platforms, with revenue streams directed toward environmental nonprofits and conservation efforts. The initiative marks a growing alignment between the global gaming sector and environmental advocacy, part of a wider push to integrate “green nudges” into interactive media.

Garena announces Free Fire India Cup 2025 after regulatory return

Garena has confirmed the launch of the Free Fire India Cup 2025 (FFIC 2025), signaling the company’s renewed investment in Indian esports following a prolonged suspension due to government restrictions. The competition will begin with in-game qualifiers starting July 13, followed by online qualifiers (July 26–August 3), league stages (August 22–September 14), and the Grand Finals on September 27–28.
Player and team registration opens on July 7. Notably, the event will feature India’s top esports organisations, including GodLike Esports and K9 Esports.

Garena’s return comes amid a broader reopening of the mobile gaming market in India, where Free Fire had been banned in 2022 over national security concerns related to data sovereignty. The tournament also aligns with the global esports calendar, with winners likely to qualify for international competition under the Esports World Cup umbrella.