Epic Games and Telefónica Partner to Pre-install Epic Games Store on Android Devices
Epic Games has forged a significant partnership with telecommunications giant Telefónica, resulting 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 (various regions) will find the EGS readily available as a default app.
This seemingly small detail represents a substantial strategic move by Epic for mobile gaming. Telefónica's global reach, encompassing numerous brands and dozens of countries, ensures widespread EGS accessibility. 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 alternative app stores is user convenience. Many casual users remain unaware of, or unconcerned with, options beyond pre-installed apps. Epic's partnership directly addresses this, placing the EGS as a default option for users in key markets like Spain, the UK, Germany, and Latin America, providing a significant competitive advantage.
This collaboration marks the first phase of a long-term partnership. Epic and Telefónica previously collaborated on a digital recreation of London's O2 Arena within Fortnite in 2021.
For Epic, embroiled in legal battles with Apple and Google, this partnership offers a strategic detour, potentially yielding significant future rewards for both Epic and mobile users.
