epic games exclusives

Epic Games Store (EGS) exclusives are a major part of the platform's strategy to compete with Steam. They involve timed or permanent exclusivity deals, where games are only available on the EGS for a period (usually 6-12 months) or, in rare cases, indefinitely. Heres a breakdown, including the controversy, the strategy, and notable examples. The Strategy & The Controversy For Developers/ Publishers: Epic offers a much more favorable revenue split (88%/12% vs. Steam's standard 70%/30%), plus often a minimum sales guarantee (a big cash advance). This reduces risk and can fund further development. For Epic: It drives user acquisition. To play a hotly anticipated game, you must install the EGS, helping them build a user base and market share. The Controversy: Many PC gamers dislike exclusivity, arguing it limits consumer choice and fragments their libraries. The EGS also launched without many standard features (like user reviews, forums, cloud saves for all games, a shopping cart), which fueled criticism about "paying for exclusives instead of building a better store." Notable Epic Games Store Exclusives (Past and Present) This list includes both timed exclusives (many of which are now on Steam) and permanent exclusives. Major AAA / High-Profile Exclusives Borderlands 3 (Timed, 6 months) One of the biggest early gets for EGS. Red Dead Redemption 2 (Timed, 1 month) The PC version launched first on Epic and Rockstar's own launcher. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 (Timed, 1 year) The PC remake was Epic exclusive. Hitman 3 / World of Assassination (Timed, 1 year) The conclusion to the trilogy. Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade (Timed, 6 months) The PC port was exclusive to EGS before coming to Steam. Kingdom Hearts Series (Permanent so far) The entire HD collection and Kingdom Hearts IV are announced as EGS exclusives on PC. Alan Wake 2 (Permanent? / Undisclosed) Published by Epic Games Publishing, so it's likely a permanent or very long-term exclusive. Notable Indie & Mid-Size Exclusives Metro Exodus (Timed, 1 year) This announcement just before launch was the flashpoint for the exclusivity debate. The Outer Worlds (Timed, 1 year) Published by Private Division (Take-Two). Control (Timed, 1 year) Remedy's hit action game. Chivalry 2 (Timed, 1 year) Sifu (Timed, 1 year) The acclaimed martial arts brawler. Ooblets (Timed) Noteworthy for the developer's controversial blog post addressing the backlash. Rocket League (Permanent) Went free-to-play and was removed from Steam for new players. Owned by Epic. Fall Guys (Permanent) Similarly, after being acquired by Epic, it was delisted from Steam. Games Funded/Published by Epic Games Publishing These are effectively permanent exclusives, as Epic is the publisher. Alan Wake 2 (as mentioned) Immortals of Aveum Rumbleverse (servers now shut down) The Quarry (Timed, 1 year) Published by 2K but under a deal with Epic. Upcoming: PC version of Until Dawn, games from GenDesign (The Last Guardian team), Playdead (Limbo/Inside), and Mediatonic. First-Party Epic Games Naturally, these are permanent exclusives. Fortnite Unreal Tournament The Current State & Future Fewer Big Exclusivity Deals: The strategy has shifted. Epic now signs fewer high-profile third-party exclusivity deals compared to 2019-2021. The focus is more on: 1. Epic Games Publishing titles (like Alan Wake 2). 2. Free Games Program: Giving away 1-2 free games weekly to attract users. 3. Improving the Store: Adding features like a shopping cart, user reviews, and better library management. Consumer Sentiment: While still divisive, the outrage has lessened as the store has improved and as timed exclusives eventually come to other platforms. Many gamers simply wait for the Steam release. In summary: Epic Games Store exclusives are a key, controversial tactic to break Steam's dominance. They range from major AAA blockbusters to beloved indie titles, funded through better developer deals and Epic's own publishing arm. While the pace of third-party deals has slowed, exclusives remain a core part of EGS's identity.