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 various brands. 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 major strategic move by Epic Games to expand its mobile presence. Telefónica's extensive global reach—operating in numerous countries—makes this a significant long-term partnership. The EGS will now compete directly with Google Play as a default app marketplace on these devices.

Convenience: A Key Factor

The biggest hurdle for alternative app stores is often user convenience. Many casual users are unaware of, or simply unconcerned with, options beyond the pre-installed defaults. Epic's partnership cleverly circumvents this by making the EGS a default option for users in key markets including Spain, the UK, Germany, Latin America, and beyond. This strategic move immediately positions Epic ahead of competitors.

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

This deal provides Epic with a significant advantage, especially considering their ongoing legal battles with Apple and Google. The potential for future benefits, and ultimately, a more positive user experience, is considerable.