Epic Games and Telefónica forge a significant mobile gaming partnership. The agreement sees 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 alongside other app stores. This strategic move by Epic deserves attention, as it significantly expands their mobile reach.
Telefónica's global presence, operating under various brands in numerous countries, makes this a substantial partnership. The EGS will become a default app store option on Telefónica-branded devices, competing directly with Google Play. Epic's extensive efforts to differentiate themselves in the market could lead to a major shift in the mobile app landscape.
Convenience is Key
A key hurdle for alternative app stores is user convenience. Many casual users are unaware of or unconcerned with options beyond pre-installed stores. This deal places Epic's store front and center for users in Spain, the UK, Germany, Latin America, and other regions, giving them a significant advantage.
This collaboration is just the beginning. Epic and Telefónica previously collaborated on a virtual O2 Arena experience within Fortnite in 2021.
This partnership is a major step for Epic, who have faced legal challenges with Apple and Google. This move could yield substantial future benefits, hopefully benefiting mobile gamers as well.
