Telefonica has announced a partnership with Epic Games to bring the Epic Games Store app directly to millions of devices on its network, the companies revealed on Thursday.
The Epic Games Store marketplace app will be pre-installed on all compatible Android devices operating on Telefonica's network in regions including Spain, the UK, Germany, Mexico, and Spanish-speaking Latin America.
This collaboration will make it easier for players to download popular titles such as "Fortnite," "Fall Guys," and "Rocket League Sideswipe" directly from Epic, bypassing traditional app marketplaces like Google Play and Samsung's Galaxy Store. This is the first time that the Epic Games Store will be pre-installed on Android devices.
The partnership also opens the door for users to download third-party games in the future, according to the companies.
Epic Games has been actively seeking ways to expand its distribution beyond traditional app stores. The company has previously accused Google and Samsung of limiting competition in the app store space.
In response, Google Play policy communications manager Danielle Cohen stated that developers like Epic have always had the option to work with carriers to pre-install their apps or stores. She noted that the only change is that Epic now realizes it won't get a free ride on Google Play and is exploring other available options.
Epic Games had a lengthy battle with both Google and Apple over app store policies, particularly their 30% commission fees on payments. After being banned for nearly four years, "Fortnite" returned to iPhones in the EU and globally on Android devices in August.
Looking ahead, Epic and Telefonica plan to expand their partnership over the next year, bringing additional benefits to mobile players across Telefonica's network, though specifics were not provided.
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