Epic’s Store to be Preinstalled on Millions of Android Phones

Telefónica, a prominent global carrier operating in the UK, Spain, Germany, and Latin America through the O2 and Movistar networks, has announced plans to preload the Epic Games Store on all new compatible Android devices, including Samsung phones.

This initiative stems from a “long term partnership” aimed at bringing the Epic Games Store and popular game Fortnite to millions of devices under Telefónica’s network. By preinstalling the Epic Games Store, Telefónica and Epic Games are taking a significant step towards challenging Google’s app store dominance and increasing their share of revenue.

In a landmark decision last December, a federal jury ruled in favor of Epic Games in the Epic v. Google case, determining that Google had exploited its Android app store and Google Play Billing service to establish an unlawful monopoly. Epic’s initial lawsuit in 2020 accused Google of manipulating phonemakers and carriers to prevent the preinstallation of games like Fortnite and alternative app stores on phones.

Following Judge James Donato’s ruling prohibiting Google from further anti-competitive practices, Telefónica, one of the largest carriers globally, is set to preload the Epic Games Store on its devices, introducing a new competitor to Google’s ecosystem.

Notably, Telefónica was not implicated in the bribery allegations against Google, as confirmed by Epic spokesperson Natalie Muñoz. Therefore, the recent developments are not a result of Judge Donato’s order but rather a strategic move by Telefónica.

Furthermore, Telefónica has a history of collaboration with Epic, such as enabling Movistar customers in Spain to charge their Fortnite purchases to their phone bill. This partnership resulted in Telefónica receiving a percentage of the revenue from Fortnite players. While similar deals were offered to Verizon and Hutchison, it remains uncertain if they will follow suit.

The implications of Telefónica’s decision to preinstall the Epic Games Store on Samsung phones, especially in light of Epic’s legal actions against Samsung, raise intriguing questions about the future of app distribution on mobile devices.

FAQs

Q: What is the significance of Telefónica preinstalling the Epic Games Store on Android devices?

A: Telefónica’s collaboration with Epic to preload the Epic Games Store on Android phones marks a significant move in challenging Google’s app store dominance and increasing revenue share for Epic.

Q: How did the legal battle between Epic Games and Google impact this decision?

A: Following a ruling in favor of Epic Games, Telefónica’s decision to preload the Epic Games Store is not directly linked to the legal battle but rather a strategic partnership between the two companies.

Q: Are there any potential repercussions for other carriers following Telefónica’s initiative?

A: While Telefónica has set a precedent with this move, it remains to be seen if other carriers will follow suit in preloading alternative app stores on their devices.

Credit: www.theverge.com