Epic Games to pre-install its game store on ‘millions’ of devices with new Telefónica deal | TechCrunch

Epic Games is partnering with Telefónica, one of the largest telecommunication providers in the world, to preinstall the Epic Games Store on all new compatible Android devices on its network. Telefónica services Spain, the U.K., Germany, and Latin America.

The company says the partnership will bring the Epic Games Store to “millions” of phones, marking the first time the company’s app store will be preinstalled on consumer devices.

Telefónica customers will be able to easily download Fortnite, Fall Guys, and Rocket League Sideswipe. Epic says users will be able to download third-party games in the future.

“This strategic alliance aims to provide a more competitive ecosystem for Android players, empowering them with a choice beyond the conventional app marketplaces,” Epic wrote in a press release.

The launch comes a year after a federal jury sided with Epic Games over Google in an antitrust case, wrapping up a three-year-long legal battle between the companies. The jury found that Google’s app store and Google Play Billing system operated as an illegal monopoly.

In October, Judge James Donato issued his final ruling in the saga and detailed the ways Google has to change how it operates its app store, ordering the company to open Google Play to rivals and give Android users more choice when it comes to downloading apps. 

With today’s announcement, Epic is bringing its game store to millions of devices to challenge Google Play and the iOS App Store.

Epic launched the Epic Games Store back in August. The company said at the time that it was working with developers to launch their games on the store in the future.

It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time Epic has partnered with Telefónica, as the carrier was the first telecommunications company to introduce Direct Carrier Billing in the Epic Games Store.

“With this collaboration with Epic Games we strengthen our relationship and go one step further in delivering high-quality, accessible, and innovative digital experiences to our customers,” Lorena Itziar Senador-Gómez Lázaro, Telefónica’s Director of Partnerships and Devices, said in the press release.