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 option.

This seemingly small detail represents a substantial strategic move by Epic Games. Telefónica's global reach, operating in numerous countries under various brands, provides the EGS with unprecedented access to a vast potential user base. The long-term partnership ensures the EGS will be prominently featured alongside other app stores on Telefónica-distributed devices.

This effectively positions the Epic Games Store alongside Google Play as a default app marketplace. Considering Epic's considerable efforts to differentiate itself from competitors, this partnership could prove to be a pivotal turning point for their mobile strategy.

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. By securing this major deal, Epic gains a considerable advantage, becoming a default option for users in Spain, the UK, Germany, Latin America, and beyond.

This is merely the initial phase of the partnership. Epic and Telefónica previously collaborated on a digital experience featuring the O2 Arena (Millennium Dome) within Fortnite in 2021.

This development marks a significant step forward for Epic Games, who have faced challenges in recent years due to legal disputes with Apple and Google. This strategic partnership could yield substantial benefits for Epic and, hopefully, enhance the user experience as well.