Epic Games and Telefónica Forge Major Mobile Gaming Partnership
Epic Games has partnered with telecommunications giant Telefónica, resulting in the Epic Games Store (EGS) pre-installed on Android devices sold through Telefónica's brands. This means users of O2 (UK), Movistar, and Vivo in various regions will find the EGS as a default app option.
This seemingly small detail represents a significant strategic move by Epic for mobile gaming. Telefónica's global reach, encompassing numerous brands and dozens of countries, makes this a game-changer. The EGS will now compete directly with Google Play as a primary app marketplace on these devices. This is especially impactful given Epic's aggressive pursuit of market share.
Convenience: A Key Factor
A key obstacle 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. By securing a deal that makes the EGS a default option in major markets like Spain, the UK, Germany, and Latin America, Epic significantly improves its accessibility and visibility.
This partnership is only the beginning. Epic and Telefónica previously collaborated on a digital recreation of London's O2 Arena within Fortnite in 2021. This latest agreement marks a substantial step forward for Epic, particularly considering their ongoing legal battles with Apple and Google. This could lead to further benefits for both Epic and mobile gamers.
