Epic Games has announced it would be taking down Fortnite from the Galaxy Store, the app store dedicated to Samsung Galaxy devices. The game publisher stated its decision stems from Samsung’s restrictive policies.
Epic Games protesting Samsung’s “Auto Blocker”
Epic Games, the creator of insanely popular game Fortnite, isn’t a stranger to taking a tough stand against Apple and Google. Now, the company is taking on Samsung for its restrictive policies about app downloads from outside its app store.
Samsung regularly updates One UI, the custom Android OS skin for its Galaxy Android smartphones. The recently released One UI 6.1.1 update has a new feature called Auto Blocker.
Fortnite will be removed from the Samsung Galaxy Store soon. pic.twitter.com/mOxTDU3OLT
— Dreamz Gaming (@_DreamzGaming) July 25, 2024
Auto Blocker essentially prohibits users from installing apps from unauthorized and unrecognized sources. Samsung claims this feature helps shield users from potentially harmful malware.
Epic Games has objected to Auto Blocker because Samsung has auto-enabled this feature. This means Galaxy smartphone users who download and install One UI 6.1.1 would have Auto Blocker auto-enabled.
The Auto Blocker feature would attempt to block the installation of apps and games sourced outside the Galaxy Store. Needless to say, this would negatively impact Fortnite installations.
To disable Auto Blocker in One UI 6.1.1, follow these steps:
Open Settings.
Scroll down and select “Security & Privacy.”
Scroll down and tap “Auto Blocker.”
Turn off Auto Blocker (authentication required).
You can then sideload apps without restrictions. #Samsung #OneUI #Tech pic.twitter.com/8wDzW6AQpx— X tech news (@x_newstech) July 24, 2024
Epic Games claims Auto Blocker, which prevents sideloading, is hindering fair competition. Hence, the company has decided to protest by taking down Fortnite and its other games from the Galaxy Store.
Fortnite will be available on multiple third-party app stores
Epic Games isn’t taking Fortnite from other popular app stores. Fortnite will soon be available on iPhones as well. However, the game will only be officially available on iOS in countries that are part of the EU.
Fortnite Is Leaving the Samsung Galaxy Store, But Coming to Other Mobile Storefronts Soon: https://t.co/o0CJXuFghJ
— Hellraising Gaming™ (@HellraisingG) July 25, 2024
It seems Epic Games is betting big on third-party app stores. The publisher has indicated Fortnite will be available on the AltStore, which is meant for iOS, in the EU. Epic Games could reportedly announce support for at least two other third-party stores.
The Epic Games Store should launch for the Android ecosystem too. However, the publisher hasn’t confirmed any launch date. Currently, Fortnite players who want to download the game on Android, have to rely on side-loading.
2024-07-26 15:08:01