Why Some Developers Prefer Launching Exclusively on Epic Games Store

3 September 2025

The gaming industry is a dynamic and competitive space where developers are always looking for the best ways to publish, distribute, and profit from their creations. One of the most talked-about topics in recent years is the rise of the Epic Games Store (EGS) as a major player in the digital distribution realm. While some players might grumble about exclusivity, many developers are choosing to launch their games solely on Epic’s platform.

But why is that? What’s behind this trend? In this article, we’re going to break it all down in plain English. So grab a cup of coffee (or your energy drink of choice), and let’s dive into why some developers are cheering for Epic like it’s the championship game.

The Big Pull: A Generous Revenue Split

Let’s start with one of the most obvious reasons—money. Yep, we’re diving straight into the wallet here because, let’s be honest, game development isn’t cheap. It takes years of hard work, a dedicated team, and a whole lot of late-night pizza runs.

Epic Games Store offers developers a 12% revenue cut, which is significantly better than the industry-standard 30% taken by platforms like Steam. That’s a huge deal! Imagine working your tail off for years, only to hand over nearly a third of your hard-earned money. Who wouldn't want to keep more of their profits?

To put this into perspective, if a developer sells $1 million worth of games, they get to pocket $880,000 on EGS versus $700,000 on Steam. That $180,000 difference? That could be the budget for a marketing campaign, the hiring of another developer, or even funding their next passion project.

For smaller indie developers, this more generous split can be the difference between staying afloat or going under.

Upfront Cash: Epic’s Sweetheart Deals

Speaking of money—Epic doesn’t stop at revenue splits. The company has also been offering upfront incentives, which can include guaranteed revenue or funding for developers who agree to launch their games exclusively on their store. This isn’t just loose change we’re talking about—these deals can sometimes guarantee millions of dollars.

Why does that matter? Let’s picture you’re a small developer trying to bring your dream game to life. You’ve already sunk your savings into the project, maxed out your credit cards, and even borrowed money from your grandma (thanks, Nana). Along comes Epic with an offer to not only cover some of your costs but also ensure you make a profit on day one. It’s almost like having a financial safety net while walking on a tightrope.

For many developers, this isn’t just an offer they’re tempted to accept—it’s a lifeline.

Player Outreach: A New Audience

When you think of online game stores, Steam is probably the first thing that comes to mind. After all, it’s been around for ages and has a massive user base. But here’s the thing: bigger isn’t always better.

The Epic Games Store may be relatively young, but it’s been growing fast, and it attracts a different slice of the gaming audience. Many Epic users were introduced to the platform through Fortnite, one of the most popular games on the planet. For developers, launching on EGS means tapping into an audience base that’s already buzzing with excitement.

Additionally, Epic’s free games program (where the store offers free titles every week) keeps users regularly checking in. This increases the chances of a developer’s game being seen by potential buyers. It’s like setting up a food truck right next to a concert venue—you know there’s going to be foot traffic.

Standing Out Without Getting Lost in the Crowd

Steam is undeniably huge, with tens of thousands of games available on the platform. But that can be both a blessing and a curse for developers. Why? Because it’s easy to get completely buried. Imagine setting up a lemonade stand in a city where there are thousands of others doing the same thing—it’s tough to get noticed.

On the Epic Games Store, the catalog is much smaller, which means less competition for attention. For developers, this can make a massive difference. Instead of being lost in the shuffle, their games are more likely to get prime real estate on the storefront.

Epic also routinely highlights its exclusive titles, giving these games even more visibility. It’s like having a VIP pass to the front of the line.

Epic’s Commitment to Developers

Another thing that stands out about Epic is its developer-first approach. Beyond the financial incentives, Epic provides plenty of tools, resources, and support to help game creators succeed.

For example, they’ve integrated their Unreal Engine tightly with the Epic Games Store. Developers using Unreal can benefit from waived engine royalties if they choose to launch exclusively on EGS. That’s another big chunk of change saved, which developers can reinvest into their games.

Additionally, Epic actively listens to feedback from developers and iterates on its platform based on their needs. That kind of relationship-building has helped Epic gain a reputation as being “the store that’s on your side.” It might sound cheesy, but in a cutthroat industry, knowing someone has your back can go a long way.

The Exclusivity Controversy: What About the Players?

Alright, let’s address the elephant in the room. Not everyone is thrilled about these exclusivity deals—especially some players. Gamers are creatures of habit, and many have been loyal to Steam for years. When they hear a new game they’re excited about is only coming to Epic, it’s easy to see why some get frustrated.

But here’s the thing: exclusivity isn’t a new concept. Consoles like PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo have been battling it out with exclusive titles for decades. Why should PC gaming be any different?

From a developer’s perspective, the benefits of exclusivity often outweigh the backlash. Sure, some players might grumble, but the financial stability, audience exposure, and support from Epic are often worth the trade-off.

Besides, the exclusivity deals usually aren’t permanent. Many games eventually make their way to other platforms after a year or two. So while players might need to wait, it’s hardly the end of the world.

A Competitive Ecosystem Benefits Everyone

At the end of the day, competition is healthy for the gaming industry. Before the Epic Games Store came along, Steam had little to no competition in the PC gaming space. Epic’s entry has forced Steam to re-evaluate its practices, and it’s given developers more options for where to sell their games.

For gamers, this competition has led to better deals, more free games, and improvements across multiple platforms. For developers, it’s created a more balanced ecosystem where they can negotiate for better terms. It’s a win-win in the long run.

Conclusion: Why Developers Love Epic

So, why do some developers prefer launching exclusively on the Epic Games Store? It’s a combination of factors: more money in their pockets, financial security from upfront deals, better visibility, and Epic’s developer-focused approach. Sure, there’s some pushback from players, but for many creators, the positives far outweigh the negatives.

At the end of the day, game development is a labor of love, but it’s also a business. Developers have to make tough decisions to ensure their games succeed, and for many, Epic provides the best opportunity to do just that. So, whether you’re cheering them on or grumbling about yet another launcher, one thing is clear: the Epic Games Store is here to stay.