Expanding Reach in Gaming
The Epic Games Store will now come preloaded on all new compatible Android phones on Telefónica’s network in Spain, the UK, Germany, and Spanish-speaking Latin American countries. This eliminates the need for users to sideload the Epic Games Store app to access its extensive library of games, including titles unavailable on the Google Play Store, like Fortnite.
Epic Games’ Senior Director of Growth Partnerships, Michael Modon, expressed optimism about the collaboration, stating:
“Thanks to our partnership with Telefónica, players will now be able to access the Epic Games Store, Fortnite, and soon games from third-party developers directly on their Android devices.”
A Strategic Step in Gaming Accessibility
This deal marks a significant milestone for Epic Games, which has long sought to bypass traditional app store barriers. In 2020, Epic revealed that Google had blocked similar preinstallation deals with Android manufacturers like LG and OnePlus. However, the new agreement with Telefónica signals a major win for Epic, ensuring millions of users gain seamless access to their gaming platform.
Telefónica was the first mobile carrier to introduce direct carrier billing in the Epic Games Store and partnered with Epic to host the O2 Arena’s interactive music experience in Fortnite, which attracted over 10.8 million players during the pandemic.
Lorena Itziar Senador-Gómez Lázaro, Telefónica’s Director of Partnerships and Devices, emphasized the partnership’s significance, noting that it strengthens Telefónica’s commitment to delivering high-quality and accessible digital experiences to its customers.
A Double-Edged Sword for Users?
While the partnership simplifies access to games, it could be yet another app store as bloatware. Many Android devices already include the Google Play Store and OEM app stores like Samsung with Galaxy Store. Also, OnePlus has OnePlus store. The addition of the Epic Games Store raises concerns about cluttering devices with redundant software.
Nonetheless, the partnership is poised to benefit mobile gamers by providing a robust alternative to conventional app marketplaces. Furthermore, Telefónica and Epic Games plan to expand their collaboration even further. They promise additional benefits to mobile players in the coming year.
