Epic Games has returned to court, this time with a new legal action against Google and Samsung, claiming that a specific feature on Android devices is hindering the installation of the Epic Games Store and Fortnite. The studio aims to secure more freedom for users to install third-party stores on their devices, an issue previously addressed in their dispute with Apple and Google.
The dispute centers around a feature called Auto Blocker, introduced to Samsung smartphones in 2023. This feature automatically blocks the installation of apps that don’t come from official stores, such as the Google Play Store or Samsung Galaxy Store. What concerns Epic Games is that this feature is enabled by default, making the process of installing the Epic Games Store and Fortnite significantly more complicated for users.
The Lawsuit Against Google and Samsung
Epic Games argues that although Auto Blocker can be disabled, the process to do so is extremely lengthy and complicated, involving around 21 steps. This has led many users to abandon attempts to install the Epic Games Store, directly impacting Fortnite’s popularity and sales on Android devices.
The company believes that both Google and Samsung are engaging in anti-competitive behavior by making it harder for users to access third-party apps. In the lawsuit, filed in the Northern District of California, Epic demands not only that the Auto Blocker be disabled by default but also seeks compensation for financial losses and legal expenses. According to the developer, false claims that the Epic Games Store is an unsafe software are damaging the company’s reputation and causing loss of profits.
Challenges in the Android Ecosystem
Epic Games also pointed out that although it has previously worked with Samsung, it is currently being treated as an untrusted developer, which is hurting the visibility of its products in the Android ecosystem. The studio further criticized Google for creating barriers to competition, making the Google Play Store almost the only option for Samsung users to download content.
The company stated that it will continue fighting to ensure that the mobile ecosystem becomes more open and accessible, allowing users to choose where and how to install their apps.
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