Tim Sweeney, the CEO of Epic Games, has once again taken a strong stance against Apple and Google, challenging their monopolistic practices in court. Speaking at a recent Y Combinator event, Sweeney didn’t hold back, describing the two tech giants as “gangster-style businesses” that engage in illegal behavior. He also shed light on how their actions have negatively impacted Epic Games.
One of Sweeney’s biggest criticisms was aimed at Google. He claimed that when users try to install the Epic Games Store on Android devices, Google labels the software as coming from an “unknown source.” According to him, this warning deters between 50% and 60% of potential users. A similar issue is now emerging in Europe, where Apple has recently allowed iPhone users to install third-party app stores.
As reported by TechCrunch, Sweeney described these warning messages as a prime example of “self-preferencing,” arguing that nothing will change unless stricter enforcement is put in place. He went even further, stating that Apple and Google no longer operate like legitimate businesses but more like organized crime groups—doing whatever they can to avoid consequences. He explained that as long as the fines for their illegal practices cost less than the profits they generate, they will continue to break the rules and simply pay the penalties.
Both companies have been fined globally for monopolistic behavior and for excluding developers who push back against their high commission fees. Epic has been actively battling Apple and Google in court. While the company lost its case against Google, it did manage to force Apple to make changes to its App Store policies and allow more competition.
Sweeney also pointed out another challenge: major video game publishers have been hesitant to bring their games to the Epic Games Store, largely due to the high costs and complications associated with distributing third-party apps on iPhones. However, he remains optimistic that things will improve once Epic opens its store to developer submissions later this year.
