Epic Games and Telefónica Partner to Pre-install Epic Games Store on Android Devices
Epic Games has forged a significant new 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 brands like O2 (UK), Movistar, and Vivo will find the EGS readily available as a default app option.
This seemingly small detail represents a substantial strategic move by Epic Games to expand its mobile presence. Telefónica's global reach, encompassing numerous countries and brands, makes this a game-changer. The EGS will now compete directly with Google Play as a default app store on these devices. This is particularly significant given Epic's considerable investment in differentiating itself from competitors.
Convenience: A Key Factor
A key hurdle for third-party app stores is user convenience. Many casual users remain unaware of, or unconcerned with, alternatives to pre-installed options. This deal places Epic Games directly in front of users in major markets including Spain, the UK, Germany, and Latin America, significantly boosting its accessibility and visibility.
This collaboration marks only the beginning of a long-term partnership. Epic and Telefónica previously teamed up in 2021, creating a digital representation of London's O2 Arena within Fortnite.
For Epic, embroiled in a protracted legal battle with Apple and Google, this partnership represents a major strategic maneuver that could yield substantial future benefits—benefits that should ultimately extend to consumers as well.
