Epic Games is suing Google and Samsung because it believes the tech giants are making it harder to sideload apps or allow alternative app stores, like Epic’s, onto Android devices. Epic alleges that Samsung and Google are engaging in illegal acts of collusion to block competition, the game publisher said Monday.”This is a major global fight, which is ultimately for the right of consumers to get all the benefits of competition and choose freely who they want to do business with,” Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney said in a statement to the Agence France-Presse. The Fortnite and Unreal Engine developer argues that features like Samsung Galaxy’s Auto Blocker, which blocks “unknown” apps, is helping Google keep its dominant spot as the app store for Android devices. Features like Auto Blocker can stop users from “sideloading” apps or installing an alternative app store. Samsung’s website states that Auto Blocker can be turned on or off, but it’s on by default and Epic argues the feature is too difficult for users to disable.”Auto Blocker cements the Google Play Store as the only viable way to get apps on Samsung devices, blocking every other store from competing on a level playing field,” Epic said in its announcement.Samsung presents Auto Blocker as a helpful security feature. But Epic sees it as an attempt to thwart third-party competition and circumvent a 2023 court ruling where a US jury found Google’s Play Store is a monopoly.”Allowing this coordinated illegal anti-competitive dealing to proceed hurts developers and consumers and undermines both the jury’s verdict and regulatory and legislative progress around the world,” Epic said. Epic is filing its lawsuit in California, but may also sue Google and Samsung in Europe and Asia as well. Epic has battled Apple and Google in courts around the world for years over the tech giants’ respective app store practices. Epic has criticized Apple’s App Store monopoly on iOS devices, and has slammed Google for its dominance on Android.
Recommended by Our Editors
Epic has secured some wins so far. Back in August, the mobile version of Epic’s smash hit Fortnite finally returned to Android devices globally after four years—but you’ll need to install Epic’s app store on your device. The EU’s Digital Markets Act forced Apple to let Epic launch its own iOS app store in the EU, meaning Fortnite mobile on iOS is only available for EU gamers until further notice. Epic has also added its games to AltStore, a third-party app store available in the EU.PCMag has reached out to Google and Samsung for comment.
Get Our Best Stories!
Sign up for What’s New Now to get our top stories delivered to your inbox every morning.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
About Kate Irwin
Reporter
I’m a reporter covering early morning news. Prior to joining PCMag in 2024, I was a reporter and producer at Decrypt and launched its gaming vertical, GG. I have previous bylines with Input, Game Rant, and Dot Esports. I’ve been a PC gamer since The Sims (yes, the original). In 2020, I finally built my first PC with a 3090 graphics card, but also regularly use Mac and iOS devices as well. As a reporter, I’m passionate about uncovering scoops and documenting the wide world of tech and how it affects our daily lives.
Read Kate’s full bio
Read the latest from Kate Irwin
