Epic Games is one of those companies which mainly concentrates on developing games. One of the most popular games by it is Fortnite. Recently, Epic Games has filed big lawsuits against Google and Samsung, pleading for something unfair that was being done with the two giants. Epic Games states that Google and Samsung are colluding to hinder other successful app developers.
What’s At Stake?
Epic Games claims Google and Samsung are stifling app makers. According to them, these giants of the world were preventing others from coming on the Samsung phones. The logic here is that the move is not in favor of the app maker and eventually the consumer.
There is something that Epic Games refers to as the Auto Blocker, at least about something that worries them. The feature in question can be found on Samsung phones. Epic Games is worried because this feature prevents users from downloading apps from places other than the Google Play Store or the Samsung Galaxy Store.
How Does the Auto Blocker Work?
For a user, the Auto Blocker is live from the time he or she receives the Samsung mobile phone. Unless a user send a link to his or her homepage from where an application can be downloaded, it is not very easy to download an app from elsewhere. According to Epic Games, this makes it difficult for people to find other apps and then download them. According to them, this is adversely affecting everyone.
Epic further reveals that the Auto Blocker is not easy to be canceled. They want users to have freedom while choosing where they source their apps. In case the auto blocker is too strong, it denies the user choices. Not so good for users and app developers.
Claims by Epic Games
Epic Games says it’s not a minor issue. They believe this is a violation of the law. According to them, Google and Samsung are committing offenses because they are undermining fair competition in the marketplace. Antitrust offenses exist as guidelines to keep the marketplace fair. Such guidelines ensure big companies cannot misuse their positions to cripple others.
In an after-post by Epic Games, these actions are termed “coordinated illegal anti-competitive dealing.” They argue that this harms not only developers but also users. It does so since they believe that when there is low competition, apps tend to be more expensive and less interesting.
Google and Samsung React
Google and Samsung reacted sharply against the claims by Epic Games. Google branded the lawsuit “meritless,” suggesting that companies who make Android devices have the choice of what they want to do in regard to the safety of their users. According to them, this can be a good protection for users from malicious apps.
However, on the flip side, Samsung has contended that they will also defend themselves in the claims made by Epic Games. They believe these claims to be false and look forward to disputing them. They intent to prove that their actions are fair, and the Auto Blocker is for user safety.
Previous Conflict Between Epic and Google
It’s the second time Epic Games have sued Google. Last year, they had filed a lawsuit against Google for the same reasons. According to them, Google is making it hard for other developers to compete with their apps. Epic Games won this case last year too. This has proven to be a reflection that most people do feel Google wields too much power.
What’s Next?
Now, with this new lawsuit, Epic Games will do what it takes again to change things. They want all the app creators to compete fairly. They want the choices when users download apps. They argue that such will result in better apps that cost less money.
Epic Games is passionate about standing up for what they think is correct. It doesn’t like the fact that one company should be able to dominate the entire market just because it offers an app. They want to ensure that no single company ends up controlling everything.
Why This Matters
What it might mean: This case could be very important for everybody. If Epic Games wins, this may change how apps are sold on the smartphone. It gives users more choice. It may help smaller app makers get apps in phones without large companies becoming gatekeepers against that approach.
More choices can lead to better apps. People will have apps that they will really enjoy. This may make usage of phones more enjoyable and also useful for people. The prices for applications could also go down, hence making them accessible to everyone.
Epic Games vs. Google and Samsung: A Battle for Equity
Conclusion
The battle raised between Epic Games, Google, and Samsung is not over one game or one company; it’s about the justice of the app market, it’s about everyone having a chance to succeed. There is a whole bunch of developers and users who need to be heard.
As this case continues, many people will watch to see how this plays out. The ruling will have a huge impact on us as well as the kinds of apps we are permitted to receive. It’s a big thing for the future of app developers.
