Epic Games has filed a legal complaint against Samsung, accusing the tech giant of making it overly complicated to download its popular video game, Fortnite, on certain mobile devices. According to the complaint, users have to navigate through “21 steps” to install the game on new Samsung products, which includes viewing security warning screens and adjusting device settings. Epic argues that this cumbersome process leads to 50% of users abandoning the installation attempt.
In contrast, Epic claims that the installation process on other Android phones and tablets requires only 12 steps. The company attributes the complications to a feature called Auto Blocker, which is enabled by default on Samsung’s latest devices. This feature is designed to prevent unauthorized app installations, but Epic contends that it hampers legitimate downloads like Fortnite, violating competition laws.
Samsung, however, has denied Epic’s allegations, stating that users have the option to disable the Auto Blocker feature. The company emphasized its commitment to fostering market competition and ensuring user security and privacy. Samsung added, “The features integrated into our devices are designed in accordance with Samsung’s core principles of security, privacy, and user control, and we remain fully committed to safeguarding users’ personal data.”
While apps from Samsung or Google’s stores can be installed with just a few clicks, Fortnite must be downloaded from Epic’s own store, which triggers the Auto Blocker warnings. Epic asserts that both Google and Samsung recognize Fortnite as a legitimate app and believes that these warnings are unnecessary.
Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite, has highlighted its past collaborations with Samsung, including running Fortnite competitions and creating digital skins for characters. The game was previously available on Google Play, which complicates the current situation regarding its installation on Samsung devices.
Tim Sweeney, Epic’s CEO, expressed disappointment over initiating new legal action against Samsung, stating, “The fight against Samsung… is new, and it really sucks. I did not think we would end up in this place.” He indicated that while pursuing previous legal battles may have cost Epic potential revenue, his aim is to establish a “truly level playing field” for all developers.
Epic is advocating for a process that would allow legitimate third-party app developers to apply for whitelisting from Samsung’s Auto Blocker feature, which they argue is hindering the installation of Fortnite. Despite efforts to negotiate, they have not reached an agreement with Samsung.
Fortnite was removed from both Apple and Google’s app stores in 2020 after Epic introduced its own in-app payment system, circumventing the established payment models of the app stores. In a recent legal victory, a jury ruled that Google was operating a monopoly in its app store practices, which adds to the ongoing tension between Epic and the major tech companies.
The BBC has reached out to Google for comment on this developing situation.
