Epic Games' popular battle royale game, Fortnite, remains conspicuously absent from Samsung's Galaxy Store. This situation stems from a complex interplay of corporate policies and strategic decisions that have unfolded over the past year.
The Genesis of the Conflict
In July 2024, Epic Games made the decisive move to withdraw Fortnite and its other titles from the Galaxy Store. This action was a direct response to Samsung's implementation of the 'Auto Blocker' feature in its One UI 6.1.1 update. The Auto Blocker, enabled by default, restricts the sideloading of applications—installing apps from sources outside official app stores—citing security concerns. Epic Games perceived this as an anti-competitive maneuver that hindered users from accessing alternative app stores and third-party applications.
Epic Games' Stance on App Distribution
Epic Games has consistently championed open app distribution ecosystems. The company has previously engaged in legal battles against major tech entities like Apple and Google, challenging their app store policies and advocating for developers' rights to distribute applications freely. The confrontation with Samsung aligns with Epic's broader mission to promote fair competition and prevent platform holders from imposing restrictive practices.
Samsung's Perspective
Samsung introduced the Auto Blocker feature as a security measure to protect users from potential malware and unauthorized software installations. By defaulting this feature to 'on,' Samsung aimed to safeguard less tech-savvy users from inadvertently installing harmful applications. However, this move has been interpreted by some, including Epic Games, as a strategy to funnel users exclusively through Samsung's official app distribution channels, thereby limiting competition.
Historical Collaboration Between Epic Games and Samsung
The relationship between Epic Games and Samsung was once notably collaborative. In 2019, Samsung Galaxy device owners were granted exclusive access to Fortnite, complete with unique in-game skins and events. This partnership underscored a mutual interest in leveraging each other's platforms to enhance user engagement.
Current Status and User Impact
As of May 2025, Fortnite has not returned to the Galaxy Store. Users seeking to install the game on Samsung devices must resort to alternative methods, such as downloading it directly from Epic Games' official website. This workaround requires users to disable the Auto Blocker feature manually, a process that may be cumbersome for some.
Conclusion
The ongoing absence of Fortnite from Samsung's Galaxy Store highlights the broader tensions between app developers and platform holders over control, security, and market access. While Samsung prioritizes user security through features like the Auto Blocker, Epic Games continues to advocate for open distribution channels. The resolution of this dispute remains uncertain, leaving users caught between corporate strategies and the desire for accessible gaming experiences.
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