Epic Games accuses Samsung of blocking Fortnite downloads

Epic Games has accused Samsung of making it too difficult to download Fortnite on certain mobile devices. In a legal complaint set to be filed on Monday, Epic says users face 21 steps before they can play the game on new Samsung products. These steps include security warnings and changing settings. Epic claims this lengthy process causes 50% of users to give up before completing the installation.

The company blames Samsung’s Auto Blocker feature, which is enabled by default and blocks app installations from unauthorized sources. Epic argues this violates competition laws, as downloading the game is far simpler on other Android devices, requiring only 12 steps. Samsung denies these allegations and says users can disable Auto Blocker if they choose.

“Samsung actively fosters competition and ensures user security,” said a spokesperson, defending the feature’s purpose of preventing malicious activity. Epic claims both Samsung and Google know Fortnite is legitimate and shouldn’t trigger warnings. The game was once available on Google Play, and Samsung has collaborated with Epic in the past.

Google’s VP Dave Kleidermacher stated that Samsung independently created Auto Blocker and designed it for user safety, not game access. Fortnite developer Tim Sweeney expressed disappointment at having to take legal action again, seeking a “level playing field” for developers. Epic hopes to get Samsung to whitelist legitimate third-party apps but has been unable to reach an agreement.