Android Devices to Gain Preinstalled Epic Games Store

Epic Games and Telefónica Partner to Pre-install Epic Games Store on Android Devices

Epic Games has forged a significant 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 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 to expand its mobile reach. Telefónica's global presence, operating under various brands in numerous countries, provides Epic with immediate access to a vast potential user base. The EGS will now compete directly with Google Play as a primary app marketplace on these Telefónica-distributed 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 the pre-installed defaults. This partnership directly addresses this challenge. By securing pre-installation on devices in key markets like Spain, the UK, Germany, and Latin America, Epic gains a significant competitive advantage.

This collaboration marks only the initial phase of a broader partnership. Epic and Telefónica previously collaborated on a digital experience featuring the O2 Arena within Fortnite in 2021.

This agreement represents a significant step forward for Epic Games, especially considering their recent legal battles with Apple and Google. The long-term implications for both Epic and mobile users remain to be seen, but the potential for positive user impact is considerable.