Epic Games Accuses Samsung of Making Fortnite Downloading Process Too Difficult
Epic Games has filed a legal complaint against Samsung, claiming that the process of downloading the popular video game Fortnite on certain mobile devices is overly complicated. According to the complaint, users have to go through "21 steps" before they can play the game on a new Samsung product, which includes viewing security warning screens and changing settings. Epic alleges that this arduous process causes 50% of users to give up before completing the installation, compared to only 12 steps required for other Android devices.
The issue stems from a Samsung feature called Auto Blocker, which is turned on by default on the company's latest products. While the tool is meant to block malicious activity and prevent unauthorized app installations, Epic claims that it is hindering Fortnite downloads and is in violation of competition laws. Unlike apps on Samsung or Google's stores, Fortnite must be downloaded from Epic's own store, triggering Samsung's Auto Blocker feature with warnings.
Epic argues that both Google and Samsung are aware of Fortnite's legitimacy as an app, given its previous availability on Google Play and collaborations with Samsung. The company is seeking for Samsung to implement a process where legitimate third-party app developers can apply to be whitelisted from Auto Blocker, but so far, no agreement has been reached.
In the past, Epic has taken legal action against Google and Apple over their app store practices, with varying outcomes. While the game has returned to EU-registered iPhones following a court order against Apple, it remains unavailable on iOS in the UK. Epic's CEO, Tim Sweeney, expressed disappointment in having to initiate more legal action against Samsung, emphasizing the importance of creating a fair playing field for developers.
In a nutshell, Epic Games is battling Samsung over what it perceives as obstacles hindering Fortnite downloads on certain mobile devices. This dispute highlights the ongoing tensions between app developers and tech giants over control of app stores and competition issues. For users, this could impact their ability to easily access and enjoy popular games like Fortnite, as well as potentially influence the broader landscape of app distribution and competition in the digital marketplace.