Epic Games Store Preinstalled on Telefónica Android Devices

If the phrase "the Epic Games Store will come preinstalled on Android Telefónica devices" leaves you indifferent, it's time to take a closer look. This move signifies a pivotal shift for Epic Games and their mobile platform strategy, and here's why it matters.

Telefónica, known as O2 in the UK and under various other brands globally, operates across numerous countries. Through a new long-term partnership with Epic Games, the developers behind Fortnite, their storefront will now be preinstalled on devices sold through Telefónica and its affiliates. This means that customers of O2 in the UK, Movistar, Vivo, and other Telefónica brands will find the Epic Games Store (EGS) as a default option on their Android devices.

This strategic move positions the Epic Games Store alongside Google Play as a primary marketplace for new smartphone users. Given Epic's relentless efforts to outpace competitors, this could be a game-changing moment for the company.

Effortless Access - One of the biggest hurdles for third-party app stores is user convenience. Many casual users are unaware of, or uninterested in, alternatives to the default options on their phones. By securing a deal that positions EGS as a default choice for users in Spain, the UK, Germany, Spanish-speaking Latin America, and beyond, Epic has taken a significant step forward.

This partnership is just the beginning. Previously, Epic and Telefónica collaborated on a digital experience that brought the O2 Arena (also known as the Millennium Dome) into Fortnite in 2021. For Epic, who have been navigating a challenging legal battle with Apple and Google, this partnership represents a crucial sidestep. It's a move that could yield substantial benefits, not just for Epic, but for users as well.