Epic Games has accused Samsung of making it unnecessarily difficult for users to download Fortnite on certain mobile devices, alleging that the process is so complex it deters many potential players.
In a legal complaint expected to be filed on Monday, Epic claims that users must go through as many as “21 steps” before they can start playing Fortnite on a new Samsung device. These steps reportedly include navigating security warnings and altering device settings. According to Epic, this cumbersome process causes 50% of users to abandon the installation.
Samsung has responded to the allegations, stating it will “vigorously contest” what it calls “baseless claims.”
Epic argues that on other Android devices, the installation process involves only 12 steps. The game developer attributes the difficulty on Samsung devices to a feature called Auto Blocker, which is enabled by default on the company’s latest products. Auto Blocker is designed to prevent malicious activity and block apps from unapproved sources, which Epic claims is hindering Fortnite downloads and violating competition laws.
Samsung, however, denies any wrongdoing, emphasizing that users have the option to disable Auto Blocker. “Contrary to Epic Games’ assertions, Samsung actively fosters market competition, enhances consumer choice, and conducts its operations fairly,” the company said in a statement. It further explained that its security features, including Auto Blocker, are aimed at safeguarding user data and giving users more control over their devices.
While apps available in Samsung’s or Google’s app stores can be downloaded with a couple of clicks, Fortnite must be installed through Epic’s own store. This triggers Samsung’s Auto Blocker to display warnings, despite Epic’s argument that both Samsung and Google know Fortnite is a legitimate app. The game was once available on the Google Play Store, and Samsung has previously partnered with Epic on Fortnite promotions, such as in-game competitions and exclusive character skins.
The BBC has reached out to Google for comment on the situation.
A Battle for Fair Play
This legal move is not Epic’s first clash with major tech companies. The developer has previously sued both Google and Apple over app store practices. Although Fortnite returned to iPhones registered in the EU in August following a legal order for Apple to open up its marketplace, the game remains unavailable on iOS devices in the UK.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney expressed regret over the need for further legal action, calling the fight against Samsung “new, and it really sucks.” He acknowledged that the company could have earned “a lot more money” by avoiding legal disputes, but emphasized his goal of establishing a “truly level playing field” for developers.
Epic is asking Samsung to create a process allowing legitimate third-party developers to be whitelisted from Auto Blocker, but so far, the two companies have not reached an agreement.
Fortnite was removed from Apple and Google’s app stores in 2020 after Epic introduced its own in-app payment system, bypassing the tech giants’ platforms. In December 2023, Epic secured a significant legal victory against Google when a jury ruled that the company had been operating a monopoly in the app store market.
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