Epic Games Store will come pre-installed on Telefónica’s Android devices

Epic Games has forged a significant partnership with Telefónica, one of the world’s largest telecommunications providers, to make the Epic Games Store more accessible to mobile users. As part of this collaboration, Telefónica will preinstall the Epic Games Store on compatible Android devices, including Samsung smartphones across regions such as the UK, Germany, Spain, and Latin America. This partnership represents a pivotal step in Epic’s ambition to challenge Google’s app store dominance while expanding its footprint in the mobile gaming industry.

Under this long-term agreement, millions of Telefónica customers will gain easier access to the Epic Games Store, making it simpler to download hit games like Fortnite and upcoming titles from third-party developers. The integration of the Epic Games Store marks the first time this digital marketplace will come preinstalled on consumer devices, eliminating barriers that previously hindered its widespread adoption. Telefónica’s history of innovation with Epic, including introducing direct carrier billing for purchases on the Epic Games Store in Spain, has laid a strong foundation for this partnership.

This collaboration arrives amid Epic’s ongoing legal battles with Google and Samsung over app store practices. Last year, Epic scored a legal victory when a federal jury ruled that Google’s app store policies constituted an illegal monopoly. The court barred Google from engaging in tactics to block or bribe manufacturers from preinstalling alternative app stores, paving the way for deals like this one with Telefónica.

For Telefónica, the partnership aligns with its goal to deliver high-quality digital experiences to its customers. Lorena Itziar Senador-Gómez Lázaro, Telefónica’s director of partnerships and devices, emphasized that the deal strengthens their commitment to innovation and accessibility. Michael Modon, Epic’s senior director of growth partnerships, highlighted the immense potential for growth, stating that this collaboration will bring enhanced benefits to gamers worldwide.

This move also signals Epic’s long-term vision to disrupt traditional app store models. By embedding its ecosystem into mobile devices, Epic not only broadens its reach but also empowers smaller developers by providing an alternative platform to showcase their games. Telefónica’s support could influence other carriers to adopt similar strategies, pushing the industry closer to a diversified mobile gaming marketplace.