Epic Games and Telefónica have forged a significant partnership, resulting in the pre-installation of the Epic Games Store (EGS) on Telefónica's Android devices. This means users of brands like O2 (UK), Movistar, and Vivo will find the EGS readily available on their new phones.
This seemingly small detail represents a substantial strategic move by Epic, significantly impacting the future of their mobile game offerings. Telefónica's global reach, encompassing numerous countries, ensures wide-scale EGS availability. The EGS will now compete directly with Google Play as a default app store option. This is a crucial step for Epic, who have invested heavily in outpacing competitors.
The key to success for third-party app stores is user convenience. Many casual users are unaware of, or unconcerned with, alternatives to pre-installed options. Epic's deal ensures prominent placement in key markets including Spain, the UK, Germany, Latin America, and beyond, giving them a considerable advantage.
This collaboration is only the beginning of a long-term partnership. The two companies previously collaborated on a digital recreation of London's O2 Arena within Fortnite in 2021.
This development is particularly significant for Epic, who have faced ongoing legal battles with Apple and Google. This partnership offers a considerable strategic advantage and potentially paves the way for further future successes, benefiting both Epic and mobile users.