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Merry Christmas: Some Android users are getting the gift of games for Christmas – sort of. Epic has cut a deal to preinstall its game store on their phones so they don't have to. It seems pretty unnecessary for a store with only three games to offer, all of which are free, but who doesn't love phone bloat?
Epic Games has partnered with mobile provider Telefónica to bring the Epic Games Store Android by default. Under the deal, Telefónica will preinstall EGS on all new Android phones and tablets on its network. For Epic, this means millions of new users will have access to EGS without the hassle of sideloading the store. It also means that users get a little bit extra bloat on their phone whether they like it or not.
"This strategic alliance aims to provide a more competitive ecosystem for Android players, empowering them with a choice beyond the conventional app marketplaces," Epic said.
Telefónica is one of the largest mobile providers in the world. Although it is headquartered in Madrid, its service extends beyond Spain to provide connectivity in the UK, Germany, and Latin America. It's the first time EGS has come preinstalled on any device, and Telefónica's large customer base should positively impact EGS sales.
"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," said Telefónica Director of Partnerships and Devices Lorena Itziar Senador-Gómez Lázaro.
Currently, the Epic Games Store's selection is severely limited. Users only have Fortnite, Rocket League Sideswipe, and Fall Guys to choose from, which are all free-to-play with in-game cosmetic purchases. More importantly (for Epic at least), users can pay through their existing Google Play Billing account or Epic's payment processor, thus skipping the "Play Store Tax."
As you may remember, Google and Apple had a big beef over this type of Epic hijinx back in 2020. The court battles that followed were somewhat wishy-washy, siding with Apple on most counts. However, Google didn't fare as well.
One year ago, a jury unanimously sided with Epic Games in its claim that the Play Store and Google Play Billing operated as an illegal monopoly stifling competition in the Android market. The judge in the case ordered Google to open its ecosystem to competitors by allowing Android users to download and use alternative app stores.
The judge's decision also mandated that Google could not reject third-party app stores from Google Play. However, EGS is only available by sideloading it from Epic's website, pending Google's appeal.
Three games are certainly not much incentive for installing a game store to your phone, which is likely why Epic penned the deal in the first place. However, the company promised to work with other developers to bring more to the store's digital shelves. Unfortunately, it didn't have a timeframe or a list of specific developers it is courting.
The Epic Games Store only comes preinstalled on new Android phones from Telefónica and the regions it serves. However, Epic may seek similar partnerships with other carriers now that it has a deal in the bag.
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