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 minor detail represents a substantial strategic move by Epic for mobile gaming. Telefónica's global reach, encompassing numerous brands and dozens of countries, ensures widespread distribution of the EGS. The partnership positions the EGS alongside Google Play as a default app store option on these devices.

Convenience: A Key Factor

A primary hurdle for alternative app stores is user convenience. Many casual users remain unaware of, or unconcerned with, options beyond pre-installed apps. Epic's deal directly addresses this, placing the EGS as a default for users across key markets, including Spain, the UK, Germany, and Latin America.

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

This development marks a significant advancement for Epic, particularly considering their ongoing legal disputes with Apple and Google. The partnership could yield substantial benefits for both Epic and, crucially, mobile gamers.