Android Gets Epic Boost with Telefónica Preinstall

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 company. This collaboration will see the Epic Games Store (EGS) pre-installed on Android devices sold through Telefónica's network. This means that O2 customers in the UK, along with Movistar and Vivo users in other regions, will find the EGS readily available as a default app.

This seemingly small detail represents a substantial strategic move by Epic Games in expanding their mobile presence. Telefónica's global reach, operating under various brands in numerous countries, provides Epic with significant market access. This long-term partnership ensures the EGS will be pre-installed alongside other app stores on Telefónica-branded devices.

The impact is significant: the Epic Games Store will now compete directly with Google Play as a default app marketplace. Considering Epic's aggressive pursuit of market share, this could be a game-changer.

Convenience as a Key Factor

A major hurdle for third-party app stores is user convenience. Many casual users remain unaware of, or unconcerned with, alternatives to pre-installed options. Epic's deal with Telefónica directly addresses this by making the EGS a default choice for users in key markets including Spain, the UK, Germany, Latin America, and beyond. This places Epic significantly ahead of competitors.

This partnership is just the beginning. Epic and Telefónica previously collaborated on a digital experience featuring the O2 Arena (also known as the Millennium Dome) within Fortnite in 2021.

For Epic, embroiled in a lengthy legal battle with Apple and Google, this represents a significant advancement. This strategic move could yield substantial benefits, hopefully benefiting users as well.