Epic Games Fights for Smartphone App Store Freedom

Fortnite-maker Epic Games has launched a major legal battle against tech giants Google and Samsung, accusing them of colluding to stifle competition on Samsung devices. The company's CEO, Tim Sweeney, has vowed to take the fight to authorities worldwide, in a bid to force Apple and Google to open up their smartphone ecosystems to rival app stores.

Empowering Consumers and Developers in the Digital Marketplace

Challenging the Dominance of Google and Samsung's App Stores

Epic Games' latest lawsuit focuses on Samsung's Auto Blocker feature, which the company claims was implemented in coordination with Google to undermine a recent court decision against Google's app store practices. Following that decision, Epic launched its own app store, allowing users to bypass the Google-run store and access content directly. However, Epic alleges that Auto Blocker surreptitiously blocks the new app store and others like it by obstructing the ability to install apps from sources other than the Google Play Store and Samsung Galaxy Store.Epic argues that in July 2024, Samsung changed Auto Blocker from an "opt-in" feature to the default setting, forcing users to navigate a cumbersome 21-step process to download apps from third-party stores or the web. The company claims this move cements the Google Play Store's monopoly and violates the jury verdict in Epic's court victory against Google, which found the tech giant's app-store practices, including agreements with phone manufacturers, to be illegal.

Seeking Regulatory and Legislative Progress Worldwide

Epic's legal battle is part of the company's ongoing efforts to challenge the dominant position of major tech companies in the app store ecosystem. The company has previously sued Apple, in a case it mostly lost, and Google, arguing that their app store practices are monopolistic and harm developers and consumers.The new lawsuit comes at a time of increasing scrutiny of big tech companies' market power by regulators and lawmakers worldwide. In recent years, new laws have been passed in Europe, Japan, and South Korea, limiting the way these giants can do business. Epic's CEO, Tim Sweeney, has vowed to take the fight to authorities in Europe and Asia if necessary, as part of his long-running battle to force Apple and Google to open up their smartphone ecosystems to other app stores.

Protecting Consumer Choice and Developer Opportunities

Epic's lawsuit against Google and Samsung is a high-stakes battle that could have far-reaching implications for the digital marketplace. The company argues that the coordinated anti-competitive conduct between the tech giants hurts developers and consumers, and undermines both the jury's verdict and regulatory and legislative progress around the world.By challenging the dominance of the Google Play Store and Samsung Galaxy Store, Epic aims to empower consumers with more choice and developers with greater opportunities to reach their audiences. The company's fight for smartphone app store freedom is a crucial step in ensuring a more open and competitive digital landscape, where innovation and consumer interests are prioritized over the interests of a few powerful tech giants.