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 operator. This collaboration will see the Epic Games Store (EGS) pre-installed on Android devices sold through Telefónica's network. This means users of O2 (UK), Movistar, and Vivo (various regions) will find the EGS readily available as a default app.

This seemingly small detail represents a substantial strategic move by Epic Games to expand its mobile presence. Telefónica's global reach, operating in numerous countries under various brand names, provides Epic with unprecedented access to a vast potential user base. The EGS will now compete directly with Google Play as a default app store option on these devices.

Convenience: A Key Factor

A primary hurdle for third-party app stores is user convenience. Many casual users are unaware of, or unconcerned with, alternatives to pre-installed options. By securing this deal with Telefónica, Epic gains a significant advantage, becoming a default option for users in Spain, the UK, Germany, Latin America, and beyond.

This partnership is only the beginning. Epic and Telefónica previously collaborated on a digital experience featuring the O2 Arena within Fortnite in 2021.

This development marks a considerable step forward for Epic Games, particularly given their recent legal battles with Apple and Google. This strategic maneuver could yield significant long-term benefits for both Epic and, hopefully, mobile users.