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 various brands, including O2 (UK), Movistar, and Vivo in other regions. This means millions of users will find the EGS readily available as a default app option.
This development is noteworthy for several reasons. Telefónica's global reach, spanning dozens of countries, significantly expands the EGS's potential mobile user base. The pre-installation strategy bypasses the typical hurdle of users needing to actively search for and download alternative app stores. This addresses a key challenge for third-party app stores: convenience. Many casual users are simply unaware of, or unconcerned with, alternatives to pre-installed options.
A Strategic Move for Epic Games
By securing this deal, Epic Games gains a significant advantage, positioning the EGS alongside Google Play as a default marketplace. This is particularly crucial given Epic's ongoing efforts to differentiate itself in the mobile app market. The partnership represents a major step forward for Epic, especially considering their past legal battles with Apple and Google.
This agreement marks only the beginning of the collaboration between Epic and Telefónica. The two companies previously partnered on a digital experience featuring the O2 Arena within Fortnite in 2021. This long-term partnership suggests a significant commitment from both sides, potentially leading to even more mutually beneficial initiatives in the future. The ultimate beneficiaries, however, will likely be mobile users who gain access to a wider variety of apps and games.
