Epic Games is once again gearing up for a courtroom showdown, this time targeting Google and Samsung for allegedly colluding to stifle competition in the app store space. Just a year after a significant legal victory against Google, Epic’s latest accusations highlight a renewed push for app store independence, particularly concerning its own alternative app store.
The Core Of The Dispute
At the heart of this latest legal tussle is Epic’s persistent effort to carve out a niche in the mobile app distribution market. The game developer, known for its hit title Fortnite, has accused Google of collaborating with Samsung to block access to its alternative app store. This maneuver, according to Epic, comes as a direct response to their efforts to provide developers and consumers with more options outside of the dominant Google Play Store.
Epic’s accusations are based on recent changes introduced with Samsung’s One UI 6.1.1 update, which made the Auto Blocker feature a default setting. This security measure complicates the process of downloading apps not sourced from Google Play or the Samsung Galaxy Store, effectively limiting user access to Epic’s newly launched app store. Epic contends that this timing is no coincidence, suggesting a coordinated effort between Samsung and Google to suppress competition.
A Legacy of Legal Battles
Epic’s fight for app store freedom has deep roots. The conflict with both Apple and Google began in August 2020 when Epic implemented an alternative payment system within Fortnite, aiming to circumvent the hefty 30% commission charged by both companies. The backlash was immediate, leading to Fortnite’s removal from both platforms and Epic’s subsequent lawsuits against the tech giants.
While Epic’s case against Apple largely floundered, with a court ruling favoring the tech giant on nine out of ten counts, its legal battle with Google yielded more favorable results. In a landmark jury trial in 2023, Epic won on all counts, with the court ruling that Google had engaged in anti-competitive practices related to its Play Store and billing system.
Beyond U.S. borders, Epic has actively pursued legal avenues in Europe, leveraging the new Digital Markets Act to secure victories that compel tech giants to open their platforms to third-party developers. These efforts culminated in August 2024 with the launch of mobile app stores for both Android and iOS, although the iOS version is currently limited to the EU market.
The Implications of Samsung’s Auto Blocker
Epic’s recent accusations raise significant questions about the future of app store competition. The company claims that the Auto Blocker not only impedes developer opportunities but also undermines the consumer experience by limiting access to a wider array of applications. In a statement, Epic expressed its concerns: “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.”
As Epic prepares to file its lawsuit against Google and Samsung in California, the tech world is watching closely. This latest legal battle not only highlights the ongoing struggles for app store independence but also sets the stage for a potential shakeup in how apps are distributed on mobile devices. With Epic leading the charge, the outcome of this dispute could have far-reaching implications for developers and consumers alike, ultimately determining the landscape of app distribution for years to come.
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As the conflict unfolds, Epic Games continues to advocate for a fairer app store ecosystem. The legal challenges ahead will not only test the resolve of Big Tech but also shape the future of app distribution, paving the way for a more competitive marketplace. With the stakes high and tensions mounting, this legal battle could redefine the balance of power in the tech industry.
