Epic Games is currently one of the most important companies in the video game industry, especially on PC, so it is continually looking for new ways to reach more varied markets. Recently, the company has been interested in including its popular mobile video game store on Android, but now it will be pre-installed on selected Android devices, thanks to agreements with certain smartphone mobile operators. This move has generated divided opinions among gamers, developers and industry experts, while some see this as a great advantage for mobile gamers, others consider that this practice may have significant disadvantages as this app comes pre-installed on the devices.
Epic Games takes on Google Play
The fact that now the Epic Games app is now preinstalled removes barriers for players to access these games. Although they are few titles, their access is now facilitated for users, since previously, those who wanted to download Epic Games exclusives on Android, had to first get the installer from the company’s official website, which required several additional steps. So with this agreement the experience in theory is simplified, and users can access the games directly from the first power on the device.
The arrival of Epic Games Store pre-installed is not only a benefit for gamers, but it is also a strategic move that could alter the balance in the Android ecosystem. Until now, the Google Play Store has been the predominant and only official way to download apps on Android devices. But now thanks to this initiative by Epic Games, gamers are offered a solid and accessible alternative, encouraging greater diversity in the market, as many developers have complained in the past about Google’s policies, so we expect to see more apps in this Epic store.
For phone manufacturers, this collaboration with Epic Games could be a great opportunity to differentiate themselves in the already saturated market of Android devices, because now by including Epic Games Store as an integrated part of the software, they could manage to attract an audience interested in phone gaming. Especially those looking to access titles like the popular Fortnite and other games exclusive to this store without much hassle.
Over time, it will be interesting to observe how this strategy influences the habits of gamers and the way companies distribute their video games on mobile devices, further down the road Android users will be able to enjoy easier access to Epic Games games. This further consolidates the role of smartphones as an indispensable gaming platform in the current era, since as it is well known for some years now this platform turned out to be the goose that lays the golden eggs for many developers and that in the future more companies will bet on mobile gaming with AAA titles.
