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 option.
This seemingly small detail represents a substantial strategic move by Epic for mobile gaming. Telefónica's global reach, encompassing numerous brands and dozens of countries, ensures significant market penetration for the EGS. The partnership establishes the EGS alongside Google Play as a standard app marketplace on these devices. Considering Epic's considerable investment in competing with established platforms, this could prove to be a pivotal moment.
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 pre-installed apps. This partnership directly addresses this challenge. By securing default placement on devices in major markets including Spain, the UK, Germany, and Latin America, Epic gains a significant competitive advantage.
This collaboration marks only the beginning of a long-term partnership. A previous collaboration in 2021 saw the O2 Arena (Millennium Dome) recreated within Fortnite.
For Epic, embroiled in ongoing legal disputes with Apple and Google, this alliance offers a crucial strategic maneuver. The potential long-term benefits for both Epic and mobile gamers are considerable.
