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 in expanding their mobile presence. Telefónica's global reach, encompassing numerous brands and dozens of countries, provides Epic with unprecedented access to a vast user base. The EGS will now sit alongside Google Play as a default app store option on these devices.

Convenience: A Key Factor

A significant hurdle for alternative app stores is user convenience. Many casual users remain unaware of, or unconcerned with, options beyond their phone's pre-installed offerings. Epic's partnership with Telefónica directly addresses this by making the EGS a default option for users in key markets, including Spain, the UK, Germany, and Latin America. This strategic move provides a considerable advantage.

This collaboration marks only the beginning of a long-term partnership. Epic and Telefónica previously collaborated on a digital experience featuring the O2 Arena in Fortnite (2021).

For Epic Games, currently navigating the ongoing legal battles with Apple and Google, this partnership represents a significant step forward, potentially leading to even greater success – and hopefully, enhanced user experiences.