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 network. This means users of O2 (UK), Movistar, and Vivo (various regions) will find the EGS readily available as a default app.

This seemingly minor 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, 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 remain unaware of, or unconcerned with, alternatives to the pre-installed options on their phones. This partnership directly addresses this challenge. By securing a deal that establishes the EGS as a default app store in key markets like Spain, the UK, Germany, and Latin America, Epic gains a considerable advantage.

This agreement marks only the initial phase of a long-term partnership. Previous collaborations, such as the 2021 integration of the O2 Arena into Fortnite, demonstrate a history of successful joint ventures.

For Epic Games, embroiled in ongoing legal disputes with Apple and Google, this collaboration provides a significant strategic maneuver, potentially leading to further market penetration and ultimately benefiting users.