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 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 for mobile market penetration. Telefónica's global reach, operating in numerous countries under various brands, provides Epic with unprecedented access to a vast user base. The EGS will now compete directly with Google Play as a primary app marketplace on these devices.

Convenience: A Key Factor

A major hurdle for alternative app stores is user convenience. Many casual users remain unaware of, or unconcerned with, options beyond pre-installed apps. This partnership directly addresses this challenge. By securing a deal to become a default app store in key markets including Spain, the UK, Germany, and Latin America, Epic gains a significant competitive advantage.

This collaboration marks only the initial phase of a long-term partnership between Epic Games and Telefónica. Their previous collaboration in 2021, which brought the O2 Arena into Fortnite, provides a strong foundation for this latest venture.

This development is particularly noteworthy given Epic's recent legal battles with Apple and Google. It represents a significant strategic maneuver, potentially yielding substantial benefits for both Epic Games and, hopefully, its users.