Epic Games Sues Google and Samsung Over App Store Practices, Alleging Anti-Competitive Auto Blocker Feature
September 30, 2024
- Epic Games has filed a lawsuit against Google and Samsung in federal court in San Francisco, marking its second legal action in four years related to app store practices. 
- The lawsuit alleges that Samsung's new 'Auto Blocker' feature is hindering users from downloading apps directly from Epic's website, which Epic claims is an obstruction of competition. 
- While CEO Tim Sweeney suggests potential collusion between Google and Samsung regarding this feature, he admits there is no direct evidence to support this claim. 
- As of now, Google and Samsung have not publicly responded to the allegations, and legal proceedings are expected to continue. 
- Epic's ongoing legal battles highlight the challenges of regulating powerful tech companies that resist competition and maintain significant control over app distribution. 
- The outcome of this lawsuit could significantly impact the mobile app economy, potentially costing Google billions in revenue and allowing for third-party app stores on Android devices. 
- A previous jury ruling found that Google's agreements with device manufacturers to limit competition are illegal, a decision Epic is determined to uphold. 
- The complaint emphasizes that Google's Play Store is pre-installed on most Android smartphones and accounts for 80% of app downloads, reinforcing its dominance in the market. 
- Epic contends that both Google and Samsung recognize Fortnite as a legitimate app, noting its past availability on Google Play and collaborations with Samsung. 
- Sweeney argues that the lawsuit is intended to benefit all developers, not just Epic Games, framing it as part of a broader fight for fair competition. 
- Despite lacking direct evidence of collaboration, Epic's claims are supported by previous communications suggesting Google's ongoing efforts to limit competition. 
- Epic's own mobile app store, launched recently, has achieved over 10 million installations but is falling short of its year-end target of 100 million, largely due to the obstacles posed by the Auto Blocker. 
Summary based on 22 sources
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Sources

BBC News • Sep 30, 2024
Samsung accused of obstructing Fortnite downloads
The Washington Post • Sep 30, 2024
Epic Games says Google found a new way to violate antitrust law
WIRED • Sep 30, 2024
Epic Games Is Suing Samsung Now
The Verge • Sep 30, 2024
Epic is suing Google — again — and now Samsung too

