The world of PC gaming has witnessed a significant transformation in recent years, with the rise of digital distribution platforms. Two of the most prominent players in this space are Epic Games and Steam, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. In this article, we’ll delve into the features, pricing, and user experiences of both platforms to help you decide which one is better suited to your gaming needs.
A Brief History Of Epic Games And Steam
Before we dive into the comparison, let’s take a brief look at the history of both platforms.
Epic Games, founded in 1991 by Tim Sweeney, started as a game development company. However, with the launch of Fortnite in 2017, the company’s focus shifted towards creating a digital distribution platform. The Epic Games Store was launched in December 2018, with a bold promise to offer developers a more generous revenue share than Steam.
Steam, on the other hand, was launched in 2003 by Valve Corporation. Initially, it was met with skepticism by the gaming community, but over the years, it has grown to become the largest digital distribution platform for PC games. With a vast library of games, regular sales, and a strong community feature set, Steam has become the go-to platform for many gamers.
Revenue Share: A Key Differentiator
One of the most significant differences between Epic Games and Steam is the revenue share model. Epic Games offers developers a flat 88% revenue share, while Steam’s revenue share model is more complex.
Steam’s revenue share model is as follows:
- For games earning less than $10 million, the revenue share is 70% for the developer and 30% for Steam.
- For games earning between $10 million and $50 million, the revenue share is 75% for the developer and 25% for Steam.
- For games earning more than $50 million, the revenue share is 80% for the developer and 20% for Steam.
Epic Games’ flat 88% revenue share is a more attractive proposition for developers, especially for smaller studios. However, Steam’s larger user base and more established platform may offset the difference in revenue share for some developers.
Exclusive Titles: A Key Battleground
Both Epic Games and Steam have been engaging in a battle for exclusive titles. Epic Games has managed to secure exclusives like Fortnite, Unreal Tournament, and Borderlands 3, while Steam has exclusives like Half-Life: Alyx and Dota 2.
However, it’s worth noting that Epic Games’ exclusivity deals have been met with criticism from some developers and gamers. Some developers have expressed concerns that exclusivity deals can limit their game’s reach and revenue potential.
Store Features And User Experience
Both Epic Games and Steam have their own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to store features and user experience.
Epic Games’ store is still in its early days, and it lacks some of the features that Steam has. For example, Epic Games’ store does not have a built-in community feature, and its discovery features are limited. However, the store’s UI is clean and easy to navigate, and it has a more curated approach to game recommendations.
Steam, on the other hand, has a more comprehensive set of features, including a built-in community feature, regular sales, and a robust discovery system. However, Steam’s UI can be cluttered, and its discovery features can be overwhelming at times.
Cloud Saves And Cross-Platform Play
Both Epic Games and Steam offer cloud saves, but Epic Games’ implementation is more limited. Epic Games’ cloud saves are only available for games that use the Epic Games Store’s proprietary save system, while Steam’s cloud saves are available for most games on the platform.
When it comes to cross-platform play, Epic Games has been more aggressive in its pursuit of cross-platform compatibility. Epic Games has implemented cross-platform play for Fortnite, and it has also launched a cross-platform play service for developers. Steam, on the other hand, has been more cautious in its approach to cross-platform play, but it has still managed to implement cross-platform play for some games.
Pricing And Sales
Both Epic Games and Steam offer competitive pricing and regular sales.
Epic Games’ pricing is generally more competitive than Steam’s, especially for new releases. Epic Games has also been offering a free game every two weeks, which has been a major draw for gamers.
Steam, on the other hand, has a more established sales system, with regular discounts and promotions. Steam’s sales are often more aggressive than Epic Games’, with deeper discounts and more frequent promotions.
Regional Pricing And Currency Support
Both Epic Games and Steam offer regional pricing and currency support, but Steam’s implementation is more comprehensive. Steam supports a wider range of currencies and has more flexible pricing options for developers.
Epic Games’ regional pricing is more limited, and it does not support as many currencies as Steam. However, Epic Games has been working to improve its regional pricing and currency support, and it has made significant progress in recent months.
Security And DRM
Both Epic Games and Steam have their own approaches to security and DRM.
Epic Games uses a proprietary DRM system that is more lightweight than Steam’s. Epic Games’ DRM system is also more flexible, allowing developers to implement their own DRM solutions if they prefer.
Steam, on the other hand, uses a more comprehensive DRM system that includes features like anti-cheat and anti-tamper protection. Steam’s DRM system is more robust than Epic Games’, but it can also be more intrusive.
Customer Support
Both Epic Games and Steam offer customer support, but Steam’s support is more comprehensive. Steam has a more extensive knowledge base, and its support staff is more responsive.
Epic Games’ customer support is more limited, but it has been improving in recent months. Epic Games has also implemented a more comprehensive refund policy, which allows gamers to refund games within a certain time period.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Epic Games and Steam have their own strengths and weaknesses. Epic Games’ flat 88% revenue share and more competitive pricing make it an attractive proposition for developers and gamers. However, Steam’s larger user base, more comprehensive feature set, and more established platform make it a more robust option for many gamers.
Ultimately, the choice between Epic Games and Steam depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re a developer looking for a more generous revenue share, Epic Games may be the better choice. However, if you’re a gamer looking for a more comprehensive platform with a larger user base, Steam may be the better option.
| Feature | Epic Games | Steam |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue Share | 88% for developers | 70-80% for developers, depending on revenue |
| Exclusive Titles | Fortnite, Unreal Tournament, Borderlands 3 | Half-Life: Alyx, Dota 2 |
| Store Features | Clean UI, curated game recommendations | Comprehensive feature set, including community features and regular sales |
| Cloud Saves | Limited to games using Epic Games Store’s proprietary save system | Available for most games on the platform |
| Cross-Platform Play | Implemented for Fortnite, available for developers through Epic Games’ cross-platform play service | Implemented for some games, but more limited than Epic Games’ implementation |
| Pricing and Sales | Competitive pricing, regular sales, and free games every two weeks | Competitive pricing, regular sales, and deeper discounts |
| Regional Pricing and Currency Support | Limited regional pricing and currency support | Comprehensive regional pricing and currency support |
| Security and DRM | Proprietary DRM system, more lightweight and flexible | Comprehensive DRM system, including anti-cheat and anti-tamper protection |
| Customer Support | Limited customer support, but improving | Comprehensive customer support, including extensive knowledge base and responsive support staff |
As the battle for gaming supremacy continues, it will be interesting to see how Epic Games and Steam evolve and adapt to changing gamer needs and preferences. One thing is certain, however: the competition between these two platforms will ultimately benefit gamers, driving innovation and improvement in the world of PC gaming.
What Is The Main Reason Behind The Battle For Gaming Supremacy Between Epic Games And Steam?
The main reason behind the battle for gaming supremacy between Epic Games and Steam is the desire to dominate the digital distribution market for PC games. Both companies want to be the go-to platform for gamers to purchase and play their favorite games. Epic Games, with its popular Fortnite game, has been trying to challenge Steam’s long-standing dominance in the market.
Epic Games has been aggressively trying to poach popular games from Steam by offering developers a more lucrative revenue-sharing model. Steam, on the other hand, has been trying to maintain its market share by offering exclusive titles and improving its user interface. The battle between the two companies has been intense, with both sides trying to outdo each other in terms of features, pricing, and game selection.
What Are The Key Differences Between Epic Games And Steam?
The key differences between Epic Games and Steam lie in their revenue-sharing models, user interfaces, and game selection. Epic Games offers developers a more generous revenue-sharing model, with 88% of the revenue going to the developers, compared to Steam’s 70%. Epic Games also has a more curated approach to game selection, with a focus on high-quality, exclusive titles.
Steam, on the other hand, has a more open approach to game selection, with a vast library of games available on the platform. Steam also has a more developed user interface, with features such as community forums, user reviews, and cloud saving. Additionally, Steam has a more established reputation in the gaming industry, with a loyal user base and a wide range of games available.
How Has The Battle Between Epic Games And Steam Affected Gamers?
The battle between Epic Games and Steam has had both positive and negative effects on gamers. On the positive side, the competition between the two companies has driven innovation and improvement in the digital distribution market. Gamers have benefited from better features, more exclusive titles, and lower prices.
On the negative side, the battle between Epic Games and Steam has also led to fragmentation in the gaming community. Some gamers have been forced to choose between the two platforms, with some games only available on one or the other. Additionally, the exclusivity deals between Epic Games and some developers have been met with criticism from gamers, who feel that they are being forced to use a particular platform to play their favorite games.
What Is The Future Of The Battle Between Epic Games And Steam?
The future of the battle between Epic Games and Steam is uncertain, but it is likely that the competition between the two companies will continue to drive innovation and improvement in the digital distribution market. Epic Games is likely to continue to challenge Steam’s dominance, with more exclusive titles and a more aggressive marketing strategy.
Steam, on the other hand, is likely to continue to maintain its market share by offering a wide range of games, improving its user interface, and providing a more developed community feature set. Ultimately, the future of the battle between Epic Games and Steam will depend on the preferences of gamers, who will ultimately decide which platform they prefer to use.
Can Other Digital Distribution Platforms Compete With Epic Games And Steam?
Yes, other digital distribution platforms can compete with Epic Games and Steam. While Epic Games and Steam are currently the dominant players in the market, other platforms such as GOG, Origin, and Battle.net have been able to carve out their own niches and attract their own user bases.
These platforms have been able to compete by offering unique features, exclusive titles, and a more curated approach to game selection. Additionally, some platforms have been able to attract users by offering a more open approach to game development, with features such as mod support and community engagement.
What Are The Implications Of The Battle Between Epic Games And Steam For The Gaming Industry?
The battle between Epic Games and Steam has significant implications for the gaming industry. The competition between the two companies has driven innovation and improvement in the digital distribution market, with benefits for gamers, developers, and publishers.
The battle between Epic Games and Steam has also highlighted the importance of digital distribution in the gaming industry. As more and more gamers turn to digital platforms to purchase and play their games, the competition between Epic Games and Steam is likely to continue to shape the industry. Ultimately, the implications of the battle between Epic Games and Steam will depend on the outcome of the competition, but it is likely that the industry will continue to evolve and improve as a result.