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 operator. This collaboration will result in the pre-installation of the Epic Games Store (EGS) on Android devices sold through Telefónica's network. This means users of O2 (UK), Movistar, and Vivo (other regions) will find the EGS readily available as a default app.
This seemingly small detail represents a substantial strategic move by Epic Games for mobile gaming. Telefónica's global reach, encompassing numerous brands and dozens of countries, provides Epic with unprecedented access to a vast potential user base. The EGS will now compete directly with Google Play as a default app marketplace on these devices.
Convenience: A Key Factor
A significant hurdle for third-party app stores is user convenience. Many casual users remain unaware of, or unconcerned with, alternatives to pre-installed options. This partnership places Epic ahead of the competition by making their store a default choice for users in key markets including Spain, the UK, Germany, Latin America, and beyond.
This agreement marks only the initial phase of a broader collaboration. Epic and Telefónica previously collaborated on a digital experience featuring the O2 Arena (Millennium Dome) within Fortnite in 2021.
For Epic, currently navigating the legal complexities of their disputes with Apple and Google, this represents a significant strategic advantage. This move could yield substantial benefits for both Epic Games and, importantly, mobile gamers.
