By asahifile 
Epic Games Sues Google and Samsung for Download Barriers on Fortnite
Epic Games, the developer behind Fortnite, has launched a new lawsuit against Google and Samsung. This move comes as part of an ongoing battle for app distribution rights, with Epic alleging that Samsung’s Auto Blocker feature is hindering users from installing the Epic Games Store on recent Samsung devices.
Understanding the Lawsuit
Epic’s claims are built upon their previous legal victory against Google, where a court determined that Google had an illegal monopoly over Android app distribution and in-app billing. Despite this win, Epic contends that Samsung’s default Auto Blocker now limits users to only installing apps from the Google Play Store and Samsung Galaxy Store, unless they go through the effort of disabling this feature.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has suggested that Google and Samsung may be collaborating in this effort, although he lacks direct evidence to support this assertion.
Real-World Experiences
To understand the implications of the Auto Blocker, The Verge’s Sean Hollister tested the feature, noting that it did indeed prevent him from installing the Epic Games Store. However, he encountered no clear instructions on how to deactivate the Auto Blocker, which complicated the process of bypassing these restrictions.
Previous Legal Battles Against Tech Giants
This latest lawsuit follows Epic’s previous victories against both Google and Apple regarding app store policies. Although they won an antitrust verdict against Google last December, and forced Apple to reconsider its stance on allowing Epic’s app store on iOS devices, the companies are still pushing back.
Awaiting Responses
As this legal saga continues, it remains uncertain how Google and Samsung will respond. They may assert that they are not intentionally obstructing the installation of the Epic Games Store. Ultimately, the resolution will depend on the ongoing legal processes.
Conclusion
Epic’s lawsuit highlights the challenges that developers face regarding app distribution on major mobile platforms. As the legal landscape evolves, the implications of these disputes will be closely watched by industry observers and consumers alike.