Epic Games says it’s reached a settlement with Samsung after suing both Samsung and Google last year over antitrust issues. The action is likely a turning point for players of Fortnite and other games.
Epic didn’t disclose the terms of the settlement, but the original suit focused on Samsung blocking the installation of apps on its mobile devices, making it more difficult for users to install Epic Games titles, such as the popular Fortnite. At the time, Epic said it took 21 steps to install a game because of Samsung’s Auto Blocker feature.
In an email to CNET, Epic Games pointed to CEO and founder Tim Sweeney’s post on X, which says: «We’re dismissing our court case against Samsung following the parties’ discussions. We are grateful that Samsung will address Epic’s concerns.»
Even though the terms weren’t disclosed, consider it another win for Epic in its ongoing legal challenges, says one game industry expert.
«This settlement and the broader momentum around developer rights signal a monumental shift in mobile game monetization, one that’s long overdue,» says Chris Hewish, chief strategy officer at Xsolla, a finance company for game developers. «For over a decade, developers have been confined to restrictive ecosystems that limit their ability to build relationships with players, offer value, and retain revenue. Now, that era is ending.»
Samsung didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
Epic’s legal battles against Apple and Google are ongoing.
The Federal Trade Commission recently extended a deadline for players to claim money in a $245 million settlement involving Fortnite. That deadline is now July 9.
What it means for Fortnite fans and other Epic Games players
In its suits against Apple, Google and Samsung, Epic Games has repeatedly claimed that restrictions from those companies have been anticompetitive because they have required the company to adhere to rules for the Apple App Store and Google Play storefronts.
In addition to having to give a cut of sales from app purchases to Apple and Google, Epic has been restricted from giving users access to its own storefront, Epic Games Store. The company argues that consumers should be able to access games like Fortnite and Fall Guys without having to download them from the App Store or Google Play.
In response, Epic Games made Fortnite unavailable to play on iOS devices, but has since relented.
Those companies, meanwhile, argue that their app stores are more secure and protect consumers from security or privacy threats from third-party app ecosystems.
Hewish, a veteran of game companies including Activision, says the changes to app stores and to the way platforms are managed mark a significant shift, making the landscape «more open and equitable» for those in the business of making mobile games.
«The ability to drive players from in-game experiences to branded web shops means higher revenue margins, stronger customer relationships and more predictable monetization strategies.»
