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Epic Games Drops Suit Against Samsung in Antitrust Case, Google Remains in Crosshairs

By  |  July 7, 2025
Epic Games

Epic Games Inc. has officially ended its legal battle with Samsung Electronics Co., resolving claims that the smartphone giant collaborated with Alphabet Inc.’s Google to stifle competition among mobile app marketplaces. The Fortnite creator voluntarily dismissed the case in a short court filing on Monday, though its broader antitrust fight with Google continues.

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    The lawsuit, filed in September in federal court in San Francisco, accused Samsung of aiding Google’s efforts to maintain control over Android app distribution. According to Bloomberg, Epic alleged that Samsung, the world’s largest Android device maker, played a role in preventing the growth of independent app stores by enforcing default settings that favored Google Play and Samsung’s own Galaxy Store.

    The now-settled complaint cited a July 2023 change in Samsung’s device configuration, where the company said it would enable a feature designed to protect users from malicious software. However, per Bloomberg, Epic contended this measure also effectively blocked Android apps from alternative sources—such as those created by Epic, Microsoft Corp., and other competitors—hindering the reach of its newly launched app store.

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    Read more: Epic Games Accuses Apple of Undermining App Store Reforms in Legal Filing

    Epic CEO Tim Sweeney addressed the development in a brief post on X, formerly Twitter, stating, “We are grateful that Samsung will address Epic’s concerns.” No further details were offered by either company, with Samsung referring media inquiries to Sweeney’s statement. Epic’s spokesperson declined additional comment, and Google did not immediately respond to requests for a statement.

    The broader legal context remains contentious. Google is still facing ongoing litigation from Epic after a federal jury in 2023 found the tech giant had abused its control over app distribution on Android devices. That case led to a judge’s order requiring Google to dismantle certain restrictions preventing developers from offering competing marketplaces and payment options. A decision in Google’s appeal is still pending, according to Bloomberg.

    Epic launched its own mobile app marketplace in August of last year, aiming to create an alternative distribution platform for games like Fortnite. However, the company has struggled to gain traction, as most users continue to rely on pre-installed app stores that come standard with Android smartphones.

    Despite the resolution with Samsung, Epic’s antitrust campaign is far from over. The case against Google remains a focal point in the ongoing debate over the competitive landscape of mobile app ecosystems.

    Source: Bloomberg