After successfully suing Apple and Google, Epic Games now goes after Samsung

Epic Games, led by its determined CEO Tim Sweeney, has once again entered the legal arena, this time setting its sights on Samsung. Following Epic’s high-profile battles with Apple and Google over app store monopolies, the gaming company has filed a lawsuit in the US, accusing Samsung of making it harder for users to install alternative app stores, including Epic’s own marketplace.

Sweeney’s concern had always been that even after winning a legal victory against Google, which forced the company to allow alternative app stores on Android, phone manufacturers could still create barriers. According to Epic, Samsung has done exactly that, requiring users to change their phone settings to download apps from the web, including Epic’s app store.

This requirement, introduced in July, makes the installation process longer and more complicated, allegedly extending the steps from 15 to 21. Epic launched its app store in August, only to face these new hurdles.

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Auto Blocker sparks a legal clash
Samsung’s Auto Blocker feature is at the heart of the dispute. The tech giant claims Auto Blocker is designed to protect users from malicious software and apps from unauthorised sources. However, Epic argues that the additional steps required to download apps are not about security but about blocking competition. According to Sweeney, the more obstacles users face, the fewer are likely to complete the process, making it harder for alternative app stores to gain a foothold.

In response to the lawsuit, Samsung defended itself, saying it fosters competition and enhances consumer choice. Samsung also pointed out that users can disable Auto Blocker if they wish, dismissing Epic’s claims as baseless. Google, which is also mentioned in the lawsuit, stood by Samsung, with a spokesperson noting that Android device makers are free to take steps to protect their users.

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Despite these denials, Epic believes the situation is a clear case of obstructing competition. The company has cited previous communications between Google and Samsung that allegedly discussed limiting competition, although Sweeney admits there’s no direct evidence of collaboration between the two tech giants regarding Auto Blocker.

App store freedom
This latest lawsuit is part of Epic’s broader campaign to open up mobile app stores to more competition, which began in 2020. While downloading apps freely is simple on desktops, mobile platforms like Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android have been more restrictive. Their app stores generate massive revenue from commissions, something Epic has been fighting to change.

Epic has already secured a minor victory against Apple, though further legal challenges are ongoing. Similarly, Google may soon face penalties for its practices. Yet, for Epic, the fight is far from over. Sweeney acknowledged that despite reaching out to Samsung to find a resolution, no agreement could be reached, leading to the lawsuit. He admitted it wasn’t ideal to sue Samsung, a company that has supported Epic in the past, but insisted the fight for a level playing field must continue.

Although Epic’s app store has gained over 10 million installations, it’s still far short of the company’s goal of 100 million by year’s end. Sweeney believes features like Auto Blocker have slowed their progress. Despite the ongoing legal costs and challenges, he remains focused on the long-term benefits, confident that the barriers will eventually be removed, allowing for more competition and choice in the mobile app marketplace.