Telefónica, a global telecommunications leader operating O2 and Movistar networks in the UK, Spain, Germany, and Latin America, will begin preinstalling the Epic Games Store on compatible Android phones, including Samsung devices. This marks the first time Epic’s game store will come preinstalled on consumer smartphones, potentially advancing its efforts to challenge Google’s dominance in the Android app ecosystem.
Read: Google says its new quantum chip is a major “breakthrough”
This collaboration, described as a “long-term partnership,” aims to bring the Epic Games Store and its flagship title, Fortnite, to millions of Telefónica customers. It aligns with Epic’s broader strategy to expand its platform’s accessibility and reduce dependence on Google’s Play Store, which Epic has criticized as monopolistic.
In December 2023, a federal jury ruled in favour of Epic in Epic v. Google, determining that Google had turned its Android app store and billing systems into an illegal monopoly. Epic alleged that Google had “blocked” or “bribed” manufacturers and carriers to avoid preinstalling apps like Fortnite or competing app stores. Following this ruling, Judge James Donato barred Google from engaging in such practices, opening the door for partnerships like Telefónica’s.
Telefónica was not among the carriers implicated in these alleged practices, as confirmed by Epic spokesperson Natalie Muñoz. The carrier has a history with Epic, allowing Movistar customers in Spain to charge Fortnite purchases to their phone bills since 2020. Court documents revealed Telefónica earned a 5% share of these revenues. While other carriers like Verizon and Hutchison (operators of Three and Wind Tre) received similar offers, it remains unclear if they will follow Telefónica’s lead.
This partnership coincides with ongoing litigation between Epic and Samsung, raising questions about Samsung’s stance on Telefónica’s decision. Samsung, once a collaborator with Epic, is now the target of a lawsuit filed in September.
The preinstallation of the Epic Games Store on Telefónica devices could reshape Android’s app distribution landscape, encouraging other carriers and manufacturers to explore similar collaborations.
