December 4, 2023, Brazil. In this photo illustration, the Epic Games Store logo is displayed on a smartphone screen as a person plays on a gaming gamepad. Credit: Rafael Henrique/Adobe Stock
Key Takeaways
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- Epic Games reached a settlement with Samsung in an antitrust lawsuit, concluding allegations against Samsung but maintaining Google as a defendant. The specific terms of the agreement are confidential.
- The settlement between Epic and Samsung shifts the landscape of mobile game monetization, particularly impacting companies like Xsolla who provide financial services to game developers.
- Despite the settlement with Samsung, Epic Games continues its legal battle against both Apple and Google over app store fees, distribution policies, and market dominance. This includes a dispute with Apple that began in 2020, and ongoing challenges with Googles Play Store monopoly.
- Epic Games seeks to expand the reach of its own store and maintain the relevance of Fortnite among popular games, particularly in an increasingly regulated market. This includes efforts to launch the Epic Games Store for iOS in various countries, such as Brazil.
Settlement Reached Between Epic Games and Samsung in Antitrust Lawsuit; Google Remains Defendant
Epic Games, creator of Fortnite, announced an agreement with Samsung on Monday, July 7th, concluding an antitrust lawsuit pending in a federal court in San Francisco, USA. In the lawsuit, Epic had accused Samsung and Google of collaborating to block competing marketplaces on Android devices. In an official statement, Epic confirmed it withdrew its allegations against Samsung but maintained Google as a defendant in the case. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney publicly thanked Samsung for addressing the company’s concerns, though the specific terms of the agreement remain confidential. Epic initiated the legal action in September 2023, challenging security standards adopted by Samsung and Google that Epic claimed prevented the installation of alternative app stores on their smartphones. Specifically, Samsung had announced a security feature in July 2023, known as “Auto Blocker,” which Epic contended not only protected against malware but also actively blocked downloads from rival marketplaces to the Play Store and Galaxy Store. Epic considered this practice anticompetitive, alleging that it made it significantly harder for users to install Epic Games titles like Fortnite, requiring up to 21 attempts. The company sought unspecified damages.
Epic Games’ Settlement with Samsung Shifts Mobile Game Monetization Landscape; Continued Battle with Google Over Power Struggle
Chris Hewish, Xsolla’s Chief Strategy Officer, a financial services company for game developers, views this settlement as a significant shift in mobile game monetization. This lawsuit against Samsung and Google is not the only instance where Epic has challenged the power of major mobile platforms. Despite launching its own mobile app store in August 2023, Epic faced consumer resistance as users largely continued to use pre-installed official stores on Android devices.
Epic Games’ Persisting Battle with Apple and Google Over App Store Fees and Distribution
The company gained notoriety for its feud with Apple, which began in 2020 when Epic attempted to bypass the App Store’s 30% transaction fee. This dispute culminated in a lengthy legal battle that saw Epic declared victorious in May 2025, though it was required to pay approximately $1 billion to settle remaining issues. This outcome, potentially paving the way for other payment and app distribution methods on iOS, faced immediate challenges. Even after a key decision, Apple initially blocked Fortnite’s relaunch in US and EU app stores in mid-May. While the game has since been re-released in the US, players in the EU have had to resort to Epic’s own store, allowed by local legislation. In Brazil, following a March court ruling, Fortnite’s official return to Apple devices is expected this month, alongside the launch of the Epic Games Store for iOS in the country. Epic has also seen partial victories against Google. In 2023, a jury recognized the Google Play Store’s monopoly, though that decision remains under appeal.
In an increasingly regulated market, Epic continues its efforts to challenge dominant distribution and payment policies within mobile ecosystems, seeking to expand its own store’s reach and maintain Fortnite’s relevance among the world’s most played games.
In Case You Missed It
For those looking to add some exciting titles to their game library, be sure to check out “Epic Games Store Releases Figment 2: Creed Valley and Sky Racket for Free” by Marcus Thompson (July 11, 2025). This post highlights the latest free games available on Epic Games Store, offering a fantastic opportunity to download Figment 2: Creed Valley and Sky Racket at no cost. The offer is only available this week, so don’t miss out! Head over to Epic Games Store Releases Figment 2: Creed Valley and Sky Racket for Free for all the details on how to claim your free games. For all you Marvel and gaming enthusiasts out there, Bruno Pferd’s latest piece on Players for Life is a must-read. Published on July 10, 2025, the post delves into the production timeline of Marvel’s Blade, a highly anticipated game developed by Arkane Lyon using their proprietary Void Engine. With production just beginning at the end of 2024 and an expected release sometime between 2026 and 2027, there’s plenty to look forward to in the world of gaming! Head over to Production of Marvel’s Blade Begins Only at End of 2024 to learn more about this exciting development. For all the tech enthusiasts out there, Samsung has just dropped some serious upgrades with their latest lineup of devices in Portugal. Check out “Galaxy Watch8, Z Flip7, and Fold7 Arrive in Portugal with Intelligent Innovations” by Marcus Thompson, published on July 10th, for a deep dive into these cutting-edge gadgets. From the sleek Galaxy Z Flip7 to the powerful Galaxy Z Fold7, each device brings innovative features tailored to enhance your daily life. Plus, don’t forget about the impressive Galaxy Watch8, perfect for fitness and health tracking. Click Galaxy Watch8, Z Flip7, and Fold7 Arrive in Portugal with Intelligent Innovations to see what all the buzz is about!
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Links to external sources for further reading
- Epic Games Settles App Store Antitrust Claims Against Samsunghttps://www.claimsjournal.com/news/national/2025/07/08/331633.htm
- Epic Games Settles With Samsung. That's a Big Deal for Fortnite Players and Gamers More Broadlyhttps://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/epic-games-settles-with-samsung-thats-a-big-deal-for-fortnite-players-and-gamers-more-broadly/