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 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 (other 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, encompassing numerous brands and dozens of countries, ensures widespread distribution of the EGS. This long-term partnership will see the EGS installed alongside other app stores, effectively placing Epic Games on an equal footing with Google Play as a default app marketplace.

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. Epic's deal with Telefónica directly addresses this by making the EGS a default option for users in key markets like Spain, the UK, Germany, and Latin America, giving them a considerable advantage.

This collaboration marks just the beginning of the partnership. Epic and Telefónica previously collaborated on a digital experience featuring the O2 Arena in Fortnite (2021). This new agreement represents a significant step forward for Epic Games, especially considering their recent legal battles with Apple and Google. The potential benefits for both Epic and consumers are considerable.