Epic Games Store to Be Preinstalled on Telefónica Smartphones via New Collaboration

Epic Games Store to Be Preinstalled on Telefónica Smartphones via New Collaboration

Epic Games Store to Be Preinstalled on Telefónica Smartphones via New Collaboration


# The Multiverse of Fortnite Arrives on Telefónica Devices: A Revolutionary Collaboration

Epic Games, the force behind worldwide gaming sensations such as *Fortnite*, *Fall Guys*, and *Rocket League Sideswipe*, has revealed a transformative partnership with Telefónica, one of the foremost telecommunications firms globally. This cooperation aims to enhance the gaming experience for millions of users in Europe and Latin America by preloading the Epic Games Store on all Android devices offered by Telefónica. This initiative is regarded as a significant advancement toward fostering a more competitive and accessible environment for mobile gaming.

## **Implications of This Collaboration for Gamers**

The collaboration between Epic Games and Telefónica will establish the Epic Games Store as a standard feature on Android devices provided through Telefónica’s network. This affects consumers in Spain, the United Kingdom, Germany, Mexico, and Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America. By preloading the Epic Games Store, Telefónica is granting its clientele direct access to Epic’s beloved titles, circumventing traditional app marketplaces like Google Play.

This venture goes beyond mere convenience for gamers. It signifies a tactical move by Epic Games to take on the supremacy of established app stores, which frequently impose substantial fees and restrictive regulations on developers. Epic’s strategy aligns with its broader goal of establishing a fairer and more open digital environment for both creators and gamers.

## **A Tactical Partnership for the Future**

Lorena Itziar Senador-Gómez Lázaro, Telefónica’s Director of Partnerships and Devices, highlighted the importance of this alliance:

> “Through this collaboration with Epic Games, we strengthen our bond and advance in providing high-quality, accessible, and innovative digital experiences for our users.”

Epic Games resonated with this viewpoint, labeling the partnership as a “tactical alliance” intended to cultivate a more competitive atmosphere for Android users. The company is convinced that by providing an alternative to conventional app stores, it can empower gamers with increased options and give developers improved profit-sharing arrangements.

## **The Games You’ll Experience**

Thanks to this partnership, Telefónica users will gain immediate access to some of Epic’s most cherished games, including:

– **Fortnite**: The cultural phenomenon that has reshaped the battle royale genre.
– **Fall Guys**: A vibrant and chaotic multiplayer party experience.
– **Rocket League Sideswipe**: The mobile version of the acclaimed vehicular soccer game.

These games will be obtainable directly via the Epic Games Store, removing the necessity to navigate Google Play’s “scare screens” or other obstacles that have historically hindered users from acquiring third-party applications.

## **Epic’s Ongoing Struggle Against Tech Giants**

This partnership marks the latest development in Epic Games’ enduring confrontation with tech behemoths like Google and Apple. The company’s previous legal conflicts with Google over anti-competitive behaviors are well-known. In 2020, Google pulled *Fortnite* from the Play Store after Epic implemented a direct payment system for its in-game currency, V-Bucks, avoiding Google’s 15-30% transaction fees. This action led to a series of lawsuits, with Epic accusing Google of maintaining an unlawful monopoly in Android app distribution.

Epic has since achieved important victories in court, including a significant antitrust ruling against Google. These legal confrontations have spotlighted the challenges developers face when navigating the stringent rules of dominant app marketplaces. By collaborating with Telefónica, Epic is proactively working towards establishing a fairer landscape for mobile gaming.

## **The Significance of This Move**

The preloading of the Epic Games Store on Telefónica devices transcends simple convenience for gamers; it serves as a bold declaration against the existing order. Epic’s choice to circumvent traditional app stores reflects its dedication to providing a more equitable revenue-sharing framework. On its PC platform, Epic retains a modest 12% of transaction amounts, allowing developers to keep 88% of their revenue. This model will now extend to Android users, contrasting sharply with the fees assessed by Google Play and the Apple App Store.

For Telefónica, this collaboration enhances its value offering to customers by providing exclusive entry to Epic’s gaming ecosystem. It also positions the telecom giant as a progressive player in the realm of digital entertainment, aligning with its ambition to deliver groundbreaking experiences to its audience.

## **Looking Forward: What Lies Ahead?**

Epic and Telefónica are not finished yet. The companies have suggested potential collaborations in 2025, promising to deliver additional advantages to Android users on Telefónica’s network. While specifics remain undisclosed, this could encompass exclusive in-game elements, improved gaming experiences, or even the adoption of cloud gaming services.

This partnership also sets a benchmark for other telecommunications providers. As Epic persistently challenges the authority of traditional app marketplaces, we may witness similar partnerships forming with other carriers in the future. The ultimate objective? To cultivate a more open and competitive ecosystem where players and developers can both prosper.

## **Final Thoughts**

The collaboration between Epic Games and Telefónica represents a mutually beneficial scenario for gamers, developers,