Epic Games Store to be Preinstalled on Millions of Android Phones

Telefónica Partners with Epic Games to Preinstall Epic Games Store

Telefónica, a leading telecommunications carrier, has announced a groundbreaking initiative to preinstall the Epic Games Store on all compatible Android devices it sells. This move, which includes popular Samsung smartphones, marks a significant shift in the mobile gaming landscape.

What This Means for Users

Starting soon, millions of users across the UK, Spain, Germany, and Latin America will have the Epic Games Store readily available on their devices. This initiative aims to enhance user experience and accessibility to Epic's popular titles, most notably Fortnite.

Challenge to Google’s App Monopoly

This partnership is viewed as a strategic maneuver by Epic Games to challenge Google's dominance in the app market. Following a recent court ruling where a federal jury found that Google maintained an illegal monopoly over its app store, Epic's actions represent a significant push against this monopolistic control.

The Legal Background

In December, a jury sided unanimously with Epic Games in a landmark case against Google, affirming claims that the tech giant had engaged in anti-competitive practices to stifle competition within its Android ecosystem. Epic’s lawsuit, initiated in 2020, accused Google of utilizing coercive tactics to prevent other app stores from gaining traction on Android devices.

Telefónica’s Role in the Ecosystem

Prior to this announcement, Epic had attempted to collaborate with several device manufacturers and carriers. While companies like Samsung, LG, OnePlus, and Huawei initially showed interest, many partnerships fell apart due to alleged obligations to Google. However, Telefónica, having previously partnered with Epic in 2020 to facilitate Fortnite purchases through mobile billing, seems to be breaking free from these constraints.

Telefónica and Epic Games: A Long-Term Partnership

This collaboration builds on Telefónica's previous partnership with Epic Games, where Movistar users were able to seamlessly integrate Fortnite purchases into their phone bills. Telefónica stands to benefit from revenue sharing agreements, as confirmed by court documents indicating a five percent revenue share from Fortnite purchases.

What Lies Ahead for Samsung and Other Carriers?

While the news of the Epic Games Store preinstallation is exciting for users, it raises questions about Samsung's perspective. Recently, Epic also initiated legal action against Samsung, complicating the dynamics between app developers and device manufacturers.

The Future of Mobile Gaming

The preinstallation of the Epic Games Store on Telefónica’s smartphones is a pivotal step towards diversifying the mobile gaming landscape. As Epic aims to expand its reach and capabilities, mobile gamers can anticipate increased competition, potentially leading to more options and better services.

Conclusion

With a long-term vision and strategic partnerships, Telefónica and Epic Games are not only reshaping the mobile gaming ecosystem but also challenging the traditional norms dictated by major tech giants like Google. Gamers should stay tuned for these exciting developments as the competition in mobile gaming continues to evolve.