Google Exec Responds to Epic Games Lawsuit
A Google executive has spoken out against Epic Games following the game maker’s lawsuit against Google and Samsung over Samsung’s Auto Blocker feature. Google’s VP of Engineering, Dave Kleidermacher, stated that Epic’s lawsuit is baseless and poses a danger. He emphasized that Google did not request Samsung to create the Auto Blocker feature and that the issue is about user safety, not access to a game.
Kleidermacher highlighted the potential risks of sideloading apps, noting that while it offers more user choice and potentially lower fees, it can also expose users to security threats. Google’s Play Protect feature scans Android apps for malware, and there are third-party antivirus options available. However, malware has been found on both the Play Store and third-party sites.
Epic Games is challenging Google and Apple’s in-app purchase fees, arguing that both companies maintain monopolies over their app stores. Epic also raised concerns about Google and Samsung treating its apps as malware, citing a cumbersome installation process on Samsung devices.
Epic Games CEO, Tim Sweeney, criticized Google and Samsung for making it difficult for users to sideload Fortnite on Android devices, leading to a high likelihood of users abandoning the installation process. Despite the challenges, Epic recently made Fortnite available on Android globally, albeit through a slightly complicated process.
