Epic Games Store to come preinstalled on Android Telefónica devices

Epic Games and Telefónica Forge Major Mobile Gaming Partnership

Epic Games has partnered with Telefónica, a major telecommunications company, to pre-install 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 as a default app option.

This seemingly small detail represents a significant strategic move by Epic for mobile gaming. Telefónica's global reach, encompassing dozens of countries, instantly expands the EGS's potential user base. The pre-installation effectively positions the EGS alongside Google Play as a primary app marketplace on these devices.

Convenience: 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. By securing this deal, Epic gains a significant advantage, becoming a default option for users in key markets including Spain, the UK, Germany, and Latin America.

This collaboration marks only the beginning of a long-term partnership. Epic and Telefónica previously collaborated on a digital experience featuring the O2 Arena within Fortnite in 2021.

This partnership offers Epic a significant opportunity, particularly given their ongoing legal battles with Apple and Google. The potential benefits for both Epic and mobile gamers are substantial.