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 result in the pre-installation of the Epic Games Store (EGS) on Android devices sold through Telefónica's various brands. This means users of O2 (UK), Movistar, and Vivo (other regions) will find the EGS readily available as a default app.

This seemingly small detail represents a substantial strategic move by Epic Games for their mobile gaming ambitions. Telefónica's extensive global reach, encompassing numerous countries and brands, ensures significant market penetration for the EGS. The pre-installation effectively places the EGS alongside Google Play as a primary app store option on these devices.

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. Epic's strategic partnership directly addresses this, providing effortless access to the EGS for users in key markets including Spain, the UK, Germany, Latin America, and beyond.

This collaboration marks the first 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.

This move is particularly significant for Epic Games, given their recent legal battles with Apple and Google. It represents a major advancement, potentially leading to further benefits for both Epic and mobile gamers.