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 result in the pre-installation of the Epic Games Store (EGS) on Android devices sold through Telefónica's various brands. 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 in expanding their mobile presence. Telefónica's global reach, encompassing 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 store on these devices.

Convenience: A Key Factor

A significant hurdle for third-party app stores is user convenience. Many casual users are unaware of, or unconcerned with, alternatives to pre-installed options. This partnership positions 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 the first phase of a long-term collaboration. Epic and Telefónica previously collaborated on a digital experience featuring the O2 Arena (Millennium Dome) within Fortnite in 2021.

This development is particularly noteworthy for Epic Games, given their recent legal battles with Apple and Google. This partnership represents a significant strategic advantage and could yield substantial future benefits for both Epic and its users.