Epic Games Store Now Preinstalled on Telefónica Android Devices

Epic Games and Telefónica have forged a significant partnership, resulting in the pre-installation of the Epic Games Store (EGS) on Android devices sold by Telefónica. This means users of O2 (UK), Movistar, and Vivo (other regions) will find the EGS readily available as a default app.

This seemingly minor detail represents a substantial strategic move by Epic Games to expand their mobile presence. Telefónica's extensive global reach, encompassing numerous countries and brands, ensures significant market penetration for the EGS.

The partnership effectively positions the Epic Games Store alongside Google Play as a primary app marketplace on Telefónica handsets. Considering Epic's aggressive pursuit of market leadership, this development could prove a game-changer.

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. Epic's deal addresses this directly by making the EGS a default option for users in the UK, Spain, Germany, Latin America, and beyond, giving them a considerable advantage.

This collaboration marks only the beginning of a long-term partnership. A previous joint venture in 2021 brought the O2 Arena (Millennium Dome) into Fortnite.

For Epic, embroiled in a protracted legal battle with Apple and Google, this partnership represents a significant breakthrough, potentially yielding further benefits for both Epic and mobile users.