Epic Games Sues Google and Samsung for Antitrust Violations

Epic Games Launches Second Antitrust Lawsuit Against Google and Samsung

In a striking development four years after Epic Games' triumphant lawsuit against Google for alleged app store monopolization, the game developer best known for Fortnite has initiated a second antitrust lawsuit. This time, Epic is targeting both Google and Samsung, claiming that the two companies are unlawfully conspiring to suppress third-party app stores.

Concerns Over Samsung's Auto Blocker Feature

The focal point of this latest legal battle is Samsung’s controversial Auto Blocker feature, which is automatically enabled on recent Samsung smartphones. This feature restricts users from installing apps that do not originate from "authorized sources"—namely, the Google Play Store and Samsung's own app store. Epic alleges that there is no clear procedure for third-party app stores to earn "authorized" status, leaving them at a significant disadvantage.

Background on Epic's Previous Legal Battles

Epic's original lawsuits against Google and Apple were filed in August 2020, prior to the launch of its own mobile app store. This inaction changed when the Epic Games Store was rolled out globally on Android and made available for iPhones in regions governed by the EU Digital Markets Act. In light of this, Epic now faces an uphill battle as they navigate the complexities surrounding Samsung’s Auto Blocker.

Allegations of Increased Barriers to App Installations

Epic claims that the introduction of Auto Blocker has led to a daunting 21-step process required to install a third-party app store on Samsung devices, thus discouraging many users from proceeding. While some observers perceive this claim as exaggerated, there are concerns that Samsung’s setup could hinder app installation experiences.

The 'Safety' Argument Under Scrutiny

Tim Sweeney, Epic's CEO, argues that while Auto Blocker is marketed as a safety mechanism designed to guard against malware, the truth is it fails to perform any genuine assessment of the apps being blocked. He emphasizes that the aim of this feature appears to be obstructing competition rather than safeguarding users.

Legal Progress and Challenges Ahead

In terms of evidence, Sweeney has admitted that he currently lacks definitive proof of collusion between Google and Samsung, but is optimistic that discoveries made during the legal process may shed light on this potential conspiracy.

Ongoing Negotiations and Future Lawsuit Trends

During negotiations, Epic sought changes to the Auto Blocker’s default setting or a more transparent whitelisting process for app approvals. The inability to reach an agreement prompted Epic to pursue legal action, marking this as another chapter in a broader struggle for app developers seeking fair competition.

The Bigger Picture: Implications of the Lawsuit

As this lawsuit unfolds, it may be influenced by the anticipated ruling of Judge James Donato in the previous Epic v. Google case. If favorable outcomes are delivered for Epic, it could potentially reshape the app distribution landscape, potentially nullifying the implications of Auto Blocker altogether.

Looking Forward: Continuous Vigilance

While Sweeney has indicated that Epic is closely monitoring any company that might introduce barriers to new app stores, he remains hopeful that Samsung is the sole offender thus far. The landscape for app distribution continues to evolve, and with it, the legal ramifications are bound to grow more intricate than ever.

Conclusion

As Epic Games presses forward with its lawsuit against Google and Samsung, the outcomes could significantly alter the dynamics of app distribution and competition. Developers and users alike should stay informed as this case progresses through the courts, which will likely have far-reaching implications for app ecosystems around the globe.