Epic Games, the creator of the popular battle royale game Fortnite, is once again taking on tech giants in court. This time, the company has set its sights on both Google and Samsung, alleging anti-competitive practices that hinder third-party app installations on Android devices.
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| Google's involvement in the lawsuit marks another significant legal confrontation for Epic Games |
The New Lawsuit
Epic has filed a new lawsuit targeting Samsung's Auto Blocker feature, which is enabled by default on Galaxy devices running One UI 6 and above. This feature reportedly prevents users from downloading and installing unauthorized apps, including those from third-party app stores.
Epic CEO Tim Sweeney claims that the feature is not designed to protect against malware, but rather to prevent competition. The gaming company alleges that there is no straightforward process for outside parties to authorize themselves, effectively locking out potential competitors.
A Continuing Crusade
This latest legal action is part of Epic's ongoing campaign against what it perceives as unfair practices in the mobile app ecosystem. The company has previously taken on both Apple and Google in high-profile lawsuits, arguing for more open platforms and reduced fees for developers.
In December 2023, Epic scored a significant victory when a jury unanimously agreed that Google's Play Store operated as a monopoly and employed anticompetitive practices against other developers.
Broader Implications
Epic's fight against Samsung and Google is not just about its own interests. Tim Sweeney has stated that this battle, like the previous one against Google, is for all developers, not just Epic. The company is pushing for a more open digital ecosystem where developers can freely distribute their apps without facing what they see as excessive restrictions or fees.
The Road Ahead
As Epic Games continues its legal crusade, the outcome of these lawsuits could have far-reaching implications for the mobile app industry. If successful, it could lead to significant changes in how app stores operate and potentially open up more opportunities for third-party app distribution on mobile platforms.
With Sweeney vowing to keep fighting on until there's an ultimate victory, it's clear that this battle is far from over. The tech industry will be watching closely as these legal proceedings unfold, potentially reshaping the landscape of mobile app distribution in the years to come.