Exploring the Future Roadmap of the Epic Games Store: What’s Next?

22 February 2025

If there's one thing gamers love more than playing games, it’s talking about games—okay, maybe snacks come close, but we can all agree gaming is king. Among the biggest players in the industry right now, the Epic Games Store stands tall, commanding attention with its bold moves, generous giveaways, and a knack for controversy. But what’s cooking behind the scenes of this digital storefront? What does the future hold for the Epic Games Store (EGS)? Let’s dive into this topic and unpack what might be next on the horizon for Epic’s ambitious platform.

The Epic Games Store: A Quick Recap

Before we gaze into the cloudy crystal ball of EGS’s roadmap, let’s reflect on where it started. Launched in December 2018, the Epic Games Store immediately grabbed attention with its aggressive revenue-sharing model—offering developers an 88/12 split, which was a jaw-dropping contrast to the 70/30 standard of that time (looking at you, Steam). Oh, and who can forget those free games? It was like walking into a candy store every week and being told, "Take whatever you want!"

From an initial selection of just a few games, EGS now boasts a catalog that’s putting on some serious weight—kind of like leveling up after grinding for hours. Add in blockbuster exclusives like Fortnite, Borderlands 3, and Final Fantasy VII Remake, and it’s clear Epic isn’t just playing games; they’re playing to win. But dominating the digital storefront space is no cakewalk, especially with rivals like Steam and GOG breathing down their neck.

So, how can Epic keep the momentum going? What strategies will they deploy to solidify their position and keep us coming back for more?

Enhancing the User Experience: Making It “Less Clunky”

If you’ve spent even a few minutes on the EGS launcher, you’ve surely noticed a few rough edges. Let’s not sugarcoat it—the user experience doesn’t exactly scream premium. Compared to the polished interface of Steam, Epic feels like a work-in-progress.

Epic is catching on, though. In their roadmap updates, they’ve made it clear that improving the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) is a top priority. Expect to see better game organization, wishlist functionalities (yes, please!), and even more robust social features. Remember the frustration of searching for a game in your library and scrolling endlessly? Yeah, they’re working on fixing that, too.

The goal? To make the EGS launcher feel less like trying to find your keys in the dark and more like walking into a well-lit, perfectly organized game store. When the experience is seamless, sticking around becomes a no-brainer, and Epic knows that.

The Power of Freebies: Will They Keep Giving Away the Farm?

We can’t talk about EGS without acknowledging the elephant in the room—those delicious, wallet-saving free games. They’ve been the store’s golden ticket, drawing in millions of users who otherwise might not have given it a second glance. From AAA hits like GTA V to indie darlings like Hades, the freebie strategy has been nothing short of brilliant.

But here’s the burning question: How long can Epic keep this up? Giving away popular games doesn’t come cheap, and while it’s great for us gamers, it’s probably leaving a noticeable dent in Epic’s wallet. However, the company seems determined to play the long game. By building a massive user base now, they’re hoping loyal customers stay for the long haul, buying other games and in-game content down the line.

Looking ahead, there’s speculation that EGS might shift gears slightly, perhaps offering free games as part of a loyalty program or subscription model. Imagine something like “Epic Pass,” where, for a small fee, you could access a rotating library of games. It’s not far-fetched—after all, services like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus have already proven that gamers are on board with subscription-based gaming.

Epic Exclusives: A Double-Edged Sword

Love them or hate them, exclusives are part of what’s made EGS stand out. Epic has strategically locked down major titles like Metro Exodus and Control, forcing players to jump ship from other platforms. But here’s the deal: exclusives are a hot-button issue. For some gamers, they’re a dealbreaker.

Epic’s bet is that exclusives create buzz and drive traffic to the store, even if they ruffle a few feathers. And, honestly? They’re probably right. Controversy generates conversation, and conversation means attention—something Epic thrives on.

However, they’ll need to strike a balance moving forward. Too many exclusives could alienate potential users, while too few could leave them struggling to differentiate themselves from competitors. It’s a tightrope walk, but one thing’s for sure: we haven’t seen the last of exclusives on EGS.

Expanding Beyond PC Gaming: Could Consoles Be Next?

Here’s a juicy thought—what if Epic took a page out of Steam’s playbook and expanded beyond PC? While their current focus has been primarily on Windows and macOS (with a bit of Linux love sprinkled in), it’s not crazy to imagine the Epic Games Store making its way onto consoles.

Think about it. Getting EGS on platforms like PlayStation, Xbox, or even the Nintendo Switch could unlock a treasure trove of potential users. Imagine firing up your PS5 or Xbox Series X and having direct access to your EGS library. It’s not impossible, but it would undoubtedly come with challenges—specifically, navigating the licensing agreements and proprietary ecosystems of console manufacturers.

Still, if anyone has the cash and clout to pull it off, it’s Epic. They’ve already proven they’re not afraid to ruffle feathers and shake up the status quo.

Cloud Gaming Integration: Is Epic Eyeing the Cloud?

With services like Xbox Cloud Gaming, NVIDIA GeForce Now, and PlayStation Plus Premium gaining traction, the cloud gaming space is heating up. So, where does EGS fit into all this? One word: opportunity.

Epic hasn’t made any official announcements regarding cloud gaming (yet), but it’s not hard to imagine them testing these waters. Cloud integration could make EGS even more accessible, allowing gamers to play their favorite titles without being tethered to high-end hardware. Imagine booting up Fortnite on your phone during your lunch break—no console, no PC, just pure gaming bliss.

If they go this route, EGS could emerge as a serious contender in the growing cloud gaming market. It’s not a question of if but when.

Virtual Reality (VR): Another Frontier?

While we’re talking about future possibilities, let’s not forget VR. The VR gaming market is growing steadily, and Epic has already dabbled in the space with their Unreal Engine, which supports VR development. Could this mean VR games and experiences coming to EGS in the future?

Well, there’s no concrete evidence, but it would make sense. Offering VR titles would diversify their catalog and appeal to the increasingly tech-savvy audience looking for immersive gaming experiences. Imagine downloading your next VR adventure straight from EGS—talk about stepping into the future!

Supporting Indie Developers: A Hidden Weapon

Indie developers may not have the budgets of AAA studios, but they’ve got creativity coming out of their ears. Epic seems to understand this, and their support for indie titles could be a major move going forward.

EGS’s generous revenue split is already a big deal for smaller studios looking to maximize profits. But Epic could take this a step further by introducing more robust tools, grants, and marketing support for indie developers. In a world where unique and experimental games are gaining traction, Epic’s support for indies could be a real game-changer.

Conclusion: Epic’s Bold Move to Shape the Future

The Epic Games Store is not content with being just another gaming platform; they want to redefine the entire landscape. From better UI updates to potential forays into cloud gaming, VR, and consoles, Epic’s roadmap is as ambitious as it gets. Sure, they’ve had their stumbles, but if their past moves have taught us anything, it’s that Epic isn’t afraid to shoot for the stars—even if they occasionally miss.

For gamers, this means more choices, better deals, and, honestly, a lot more drama. So, whether you’re a hardcore Steam loyalist or someone with every EGS freebie in your library, one thing’s certain—the future of the Epic Games Store is going to be, well, epic.