Epic Games and Telefónica forge a significant mobile gaming partnership. The agreement will see the Epic Games Store (EGS) pre-installed on Android devices sold by Telefónica, impacting millions of users.
This means O2 (UK), Movistar, and Vivo customers will find the EGS readily available alongside other app stores. This strategic move by Epic significantly expands their mobile presence.
Telefónica's global reach, encompassing numerous countries and brands, makes this a game-changer. The EGS will now compete directly with Google Play as a default app store option. Epic's aggressive approach suggests a pivotal moment in their mobile strategy.
Convenience is Key: A major hurdle for alternative app stores is user convenience. Many casual users are unaware of, or unconcerned with, options beyond their phone's pre-installed apps. This deal places Epic ahead of the competition by providing effortless access to their games in Spain, the UK, Germany, Latin America, and beyond.
This collaboration represents the first phase of a long-term partnership. A previous joint project in 2021 brought the O2 Arena into Fortnite.
This development marks a significant step for Epic, who have faced challenges in their legal battles with Apple and Google. The potential benefits for both Epic and mobile users are substantial.