Public statements or policy changes announced by Google

Epic Games Store Pre-Installed on Telefónica Android Devices, Bypassing Google's Play Store

Dec 12, 2024, 01:00 PM

Epic Games has partnered with Telefónica, one of the world's largest telecommunications companies, to bring its Epic Games Store directly to millions of Android devices. This collaboration will see the Epic Games Store pre-installed on all new compatible Android devices operating on Telefónica's network in regions including Spain, the UK, Germany, Mexico, and Spanish-speaking Latin America. The move aims to provide a more competitive ecosystem for Android players, allowing them to easily download popular titles like 'Fortnite', 'Fall Guys', and 'Rocket League Sideswipe' directly from Epic's store, bypassing conventional app marketplaces like Google's Play Store or Samsung's Galaxy Store. This partnership marks the first time Epic's game store will be pre-installed on Android devices, offering users the ability to download third-party games in the future. The agreement comes after Epic Games' legal battles with Google and Apple over app store commissions and distribution practices, with Epic seeking to expand its reach beyond official app stores and avoid Google's misleading scare screens.