Fortnite triumphantly returned to iOS (in Europe) and Android (globally) via the Epic Games Store more than a month ago.
Now, Epic Games is suing Google and Samsung in the Northern District of California over anti-competitive practices.
The “Auto Blocker” feature on Samsung devices, which was unveiled in October 2023 and prevents users from installing apps from stores other than Google Play Store or Samsung’s Galaxy Store, is the subject of the case.
Auto Blocker, which was formerly an opt-in feature, became the default setting in July 2024, making it more difficult to sideload apps like Epic’s mobile shop.
“Our litigation alleges that Samsung’s recent implementation of the Auto Blocker feature was intentionally crafted in coordination with Google to preemptively undermine the U.S. District Court’s remedy following the jury’s verdict in Epic’s case against Google.
“The jury found that Google’s app store practices are illegal, including the unlawful agreements Google enters into with phone manufacturers such as Samsung,” Epic wrote on its official page.
Toggling off Auto Blocker in the options menu allows users to get around the limitation, although it takes several steps to do so.
According to Epic, disabling the capability entails a 21-step procedure that should deter most customers from trying to sideload third-party app stores.
A Google spokesperson said in a statement to CNET, “This is a meritless lawsuit. Android device makers are free to take their steps to keep their users safe and secure.”
In its prayers, Epic said: “We are asking the court to prohibit Samsung’s and Google’s anti-competitive and unfair conduct and mandate that Samsung eliminate the Auto Blocker by default and enable competition.”
We earlier reported that Epic Games’ petition against Apple’s noncompliance with a court-ordered injunction controlling payments in its lucrative App Store has been joined by Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Elon Musk’s X, and Match Group.
