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 considerable strategic move by Epic Games in expanding their mobile presence. Telefónica's global reach, encompassing numerous brands and dozens of countries, provides unparalleled access to a vast potential user base. The EGS will now compete directly with Google Play as a primary app marketplace on these devices.

Convenience: A Key Factor

A major hurdle for alternative app stores is user convenience. Many casual users remain unaware of, or unconcerned with, options beyond pre-installed apps. Epic's agreement with Telefónica directly addresses this by making the EGS a default choice for users in key markets including Spain, the UK, Germany, Latin America, and beyond. This positions Epic significantly ahead of competitors.

This collaboration marks only the initial phase of a long-term partnership. Previous collaborations between Epic and Telefónica include a 2021 digital experience that integrated the O2 Arena (Millennium Dome) into Fortnite.

This development is particularly noteworthy for Epic, given their recent legal battles with Apple and Google. It represents a strategic sidestep and potentially a significant turning point, promising future benefits for both Epic and mobile users.