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 result in the pre-installation of the Epic Games Store (EGS) on Android devices sold through Telefónica's various brands. This means users of O2 (UK), Movistar, and Vivo (other regions) will find the EGS readily available as a default option.

This seemingly small detail represents a substantial strategic move by Epic Games in expanding their mobile presence. Telefónica's extensive global reach, encompassing numerous countries and brands, provides Epic with unparalleled access to a vast potential user base. The EGS will now compete directly with Google Play as a default app store on these devices.

Convenience: A Key Factor

A significant hurdle for alternative app stores is user convenience. Many casual users are unaware of, or unconcerned with, options beyond the pre-installed defaults. By securing this deal, Epic cleverly bypasses this obstacle, establishing the EGS as a default option for users in key markets including Spain, the UK, Germany, Latin America, and beyond.

This marks only the initial phase of the Epic Games and Telefónica partnership. Their prior collaboration in 2021, a digital recreation of the O2 Arena within Fortnite, laid the groundwork for this broader agreement.

This partnership offers Epic a significant advantage, particularly considering their ongoing legal disputes with Apple and Google. It represents a strategic sidestep and potentially a significant turning point, promising benefits for both Epic and mobile users alike.