Epic Games files app store lawsuit against Google and Samsung over its Auto Blocker tech

by Danny Craig Β· 9/30/24, 1:58 PM
Epic Games files app store lawsuit against Google and Samsung over its Auto Blocker tech
Epic Games

Epic Games is continuing its war on mobile app stores after its previous battles with Apple and Google, this time accusing Google and Samsung of collusion as Samsung's Auto Blocker feature makes it more difficult to install its apps.

The details:

  • Epic claims in the lawsuit (via GamesIndustry.biz) that Samsung's Auto Blocker feature, which was introduced to its Galaxy smartphones in October 2023, creates a barrier for users to install the Epic Games and Fortnite apps. The setting, which was previously opt-in, prevents the installation of apps that do not originate from the Google Play Store or Samsung Galaxy Store, and Samsung confirmed in July that it will now be enabled by default.

  • Epic states that when Auto Blocker is turned on, users must go through "an exceptionally onerous 21-step process" in order to download apps from what Samsung refers to as "unknown" sources, which includes a number of intimidating warning messages. Without the feature enabled, installing the Epic Games Store on Android still takes 12-15 steps on average, and Epic claims that the setting "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."

  • The publisher is also seeking monetary relief, legal fees, and damages from Google, claiming that its Chrome browser is required to install the apps, accusing it of engaging in "anti-competitive and unfair conduct" with Samsung. This comes after Epic won a legal battle over Google's app store practices in December 2023, when the jury ruled that the company participated in anti-competitive behavior by forcing developers to use its payment systems and allegedly offering financial gifts as bargaining chips to keep them on the Play Store.

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