Final 12 months, Epic Video games prevailed in court docket towards Google in an antitrust case that alleged the Google Play Retailer is an unlawful monopoly. Now, Epic has filed one other lawsuit towards Google that accuses the corporate of colluding with Samsung with a purpose to make it troublesome for customers to put in the Epic Video games Retailer on their cellular gadgets.
Epic Video games CEO Tim Sweeney made the announcement on X, and his firm posted a prolonged rationalization for the case on Epic’s official site. Primarily, Epic claims that Google directed Samsung to make use of its Auto Blocker function to pressure anybody who makes an attempt to get the Epic Video games Retailer app to undergo a number of pointless steps to obtain it on their telephones.
We’ve filed new antitrust and Unfair Competitors Legislation claims towards Google and Samsung. A jury discovered Google’s practices unlawful and we’re involved that Google is encouraging Android {hardware} makers and carriers to undertake and proceed Google’s illegal practices upfront of the… https://t.co/gBRFYgripd
— Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) September 30, 2024
Whereas the benefit of downloading and utilizing the Epic Video games Retailer app is a giant a part of the case, the bigger concern between Google and Epic is over the 30% charges the previous expenses for video games and apps offered by means of Google Play. Epic has had the identical concern with Apple’s App Retailer, however with out prevailing in its court docket case towards Apple itself. The Epic Video games Retailer permits Epic to set its personal costs and function a competitor to each Google Play and the App Retailer.
Through The Verge, Sweeney instructed journalists that Epic would not have proof of collusion between Google and Samsung, however he hopes it’s going to emerge if the case goes to discovery. He additionally indicated that Epic and Samsung have been in discussions about “whitelisting” the Epic Video games Retailer and different authentic apps so they may sail by means of the Auto Blocker function with out making customers bounce by means of so many hoops. The brand new lawsuit was filed after these talks broke down.
“Opposite to Epic Sport’s assertions, Samsung actively fosters market competitors, enhances client selection, and conducts its operations pretty,” mentioned a Samsung spokesperson through CNET. “The options built-in into our gadgets are designed in accordance with Samsung’s core ideas of safety, privateness, and person management, and we stay totally dedicated to safeguarding customers’ private knowledge. Customers have the selection to disable Auto Blocker at any time. We plan to vigorously contest Epic Sport’s baseless claims.”
Barring any settlement talks between the three firms, this case might be heading again to court docket. However there is not at present a timetable for that to occur.