Telefonica and Epic Games Join Forces

Telecom giant Telefonica has partnered with Epic Games to bring the "Epic Games Store" directly to millions of Android devices on Telefonica's network. This strategic move will see the marketplace app pre-installed on all new compatible Android devices across regions such as Spain, the UK, Germany, Mexico, and Spanish-speaking Latin America.

Enhanced Accessibility for Gamers

This collaboration aims to simplify the process for players to download popular game titles including "Fortnite", "Fall Guys", and "Rocket League Sideswipe" directly from Epic's store, bypassing conventional app marketplaces like Google's Play Store or Samsung's Galaxy Store. This marks the first instance of Epic's game store being pre-installed on Android devices.

Future Possibilities and Epic's Expansion

The partnership not only benefits players by offering easier access to Epic's game library but also opens up potential for future downloads of third-party games. For Epic, this move is a significant step in expanding the distribution of its video games beyond traditional smartphone companies' official app stores.

A Win for Epic and Players Alike

Epic has long accused companies like Alphabet's Google and Samsung of stifling app store competition. This partnership with Telefonica is a strategic win for Epic, which earlier had a public dispute with Google and Apple over their app store commission rules. Despite being banned for nearly four years, "Fortnite" made a comeback on iPhones in the European Union and globally on Google's Android devices in August.

Looking Ahead

Based in Cary, North Carolina, Epic and Telefonica plan to expand this partnership over the next year, promising "more benefits to mobile players across the Telefonica network" without providing further details.