Epic Games Store to come preinstalled on Android Telefónica devices

Epic Games and Telefónica Partner to Pre-install Epic Games Store on Android Devices

Epic Games has forged a significant partnership with Telefónica, a major telecommunications company. This collaboration will see the Epic Games Store (EGS) pre-installed on Android devices sold through Telefónica's network. This means users of brands like O2 (UK), Movistar, and Vivo will find the EGS readily available as a default option.

This seemingly small detail represents a substantial strategic move by Epic Games in expanding their mobile presence. Telefónica's global reach, encompassing dozens of countries, provides Epic with unparalleled access to a vast user base. The EGS will now compete directly with Google Play as a primary app marketplace on these devices.

Convenience: A Key Factor

A significant hurdle for alternative app stores is user convenience. Many casual users remain unaware of, or unconcerned with, options beyond their phone's pre-installed offerings. Epic's partnership with Telefónica directly addresses this challenge, establishing the EGS as a default option for users in key markets including Spain, the UK, Germany, Latin America, and beyond.

This agreement marks only the beginning of the Epic Games and Telefónica collaboration. Their previous joint venture in 2021, a digital recreation of the O2 Arena within Fortnite, showcased their potential for synergistic projects.

For Epic Games, embroiled in a protracted legal battle with Apple and Google, this partnership represents a significant strategic advancement. It offers a pathway to broader market penetration and could yield substantial benefits for both Epic and mobile users alike.