Epic Games has removed Fortnite from the Samsung Galaxy Store. This decision was made in protest against Samsung's new security feature that blocks the sideloading of apps.
Epic Games has announced that Fortnite and their other games have been removed from the Samsung Galaxy Store. This decision was made "in protest of Samsung's anticompetitive decision to block sideloading." With this drastic measure, Epic Games is responding to the restrictions imposed by Samsung, which block the ability to sideload, i.e., install apps from external sources.
Samsung has introduced a new security feature called Auto Blocker on Galaxy devices with One UI 6.0. When enabled, it prevents the sideloading of apps. Sideloading means installing an app or game via APK files from unofficial sources. With One UI 6.1.1, this feature was activated by default. This feature protects less tech-savvy users from potentially harmful apps from dubious sources.
First Apple, Now Samsung: Epic Games Won't Bow Down
Epic Games recently announced that Fortnite will return to iOS in the EU after over four years, and also plans for the worldwide availability of the Epic Games Store for Android and iOS. Epic offers all developers attractive conditions: a store fee of 12% for payments processed by Epic and 0% for payments by third parties.Additionally, Epic plans to bring its own mobile games, including Fortnite, to other mobile stores that offer fair conditions to all developers. In return, the company will end distribution partnerships with stores that act as "rent collectors," do not offer strong competition, or treat developers unfairly.
But just when it seemed that the dispute between Epic and one of the biggest tech companies had ended, a new war started with the other giant in mobile, Samsung.
Fortnite was removed from the Galaxy Store to protest against Samsung's new security feature. Samsung's blockade of sideloading is seen by many as an attempt to restrict competition and bind users more closely to the Galaxy Store.
New users can no longer install Fortnite on their Galaxy smartphones and tablets through the Galaxy Store. However, Sweeney confirmed that Epic Games will "continue to fully and wholeheartedly support Samsung devices now and in the future."
These developments mark another step in Epic's ongoing battle against the major tech giants and their control over app distribution. The gaming community and the tech industry will be watching closely to see how this situation evolves and what impact it will have on the availability of Fortnite and other apps.