‘Fortnite’ maker Epic partners with Telefonica to bring game store to millions of Android devices By Reuters

(Reuters) – communication (BCBA:) giant Telefonica (NYSE:) is partnering with Epic Games to bring the “Fortnite” video game maker’s marketplace app directly to millions of devices on the Spanish company’s network, the companies said on Thursday.

The marketplace app, called “Epic Games Store,” will be pre-installed on all new compatible Android devices operating on the Telefonica network in regions including Spain, the United Kingdom, Germany, Mexico and Spanish-speaking Latin America.

The move makes it easier for players to access gaming titles including “Fortnite,” “Fall Guys” and “Rocket League Sideswipe” directly from the Epic Store without relying on traditional app marketplaces like the Google Play Store or Samsung (KS:). You can download it. Galaxy Store.

This also marks the first time that Epic’s game store will come pre-installed on Android devices.

Users will also be able to download third-party games in the future, the company said.

The partnership is also a win for Epic, which is trying to expand video game distribution beyond the smartphone company’s official app stores and has accused Alphabet’s (NASDAQ:) Google and Samsung of stifling app store competition.

Previously, Epic Games had been in a fight with Google and iPhone maker Apple (NASDAQ:) over a rule that would charge up to 30% commission on App Store payments. After being banned for nearly four years, Fortnite returned to iPhones in the European Union and Google Android devices around the world in August.

Cary, North Carolina-based Epic and Telefonica said they would expand their partnership next year and “deliver more benefits to mobile players across the Telefonica network.”