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 company. This collaboration will see the Epic Games Store (EGS) pre-installed on Android devices sold through Telefónica's various brands, including O2 in the UK, Movistar, and Vivo in other regions.
This seemingly small detail represents a substantial strategic move by Epic Games to expand its mobile presence. Telefónica's global reach, encompassing numerous countries, ensures significant market penetration for the EGS. The pre-installation means the EGS will be a default option alongside Google Play, offering users an alternative app marketplace.
Convenience: A Key Factor
A significant hurdle for third-party app stores is user convenience. Many casual users remain unaware of, or unconcerned with, alternatives to their phone's pre-installed options. This partnership directly addresses this challenge by making the EGS a default choice for users in key markets like Spain, the UK, Germany, and Latin America.
This agreement marks only the beginning of the Epic Games and Telefónica collaboration. Their previous joint project, a virtual recreation of London's O2 Arena within Fortnite in 2021, demonstrated a successful working relationship.
For Epic Games, embroiled in legal battles with Apple and Google, this partnership offers a significant strategic advantage, potentially leading to further expansion and benefits for mobile users.
