what is epic games launcher

The Epic Games Launcher is a desktop application developed by Epic Games that serves as a digital distribution platform, game library, and social hub for PC and Mac users. Here's a breakdown of its key functions and features: Game Store & Distribution Digital Storefront: It's where you can browse, buy, and download games published by Epic Games (like Fortnite and Rocket League) and thousands of other developers. Epic Games Store: This is the store component, known for its developer-friendly revenue split (88% to developers, 12% to Epic) and its weekly free game giveaways. Game Library & Launcher Centralized Library: It manages all the games you own or claim from Epic. You install, update, and launch your games directly from the launcher. Cloud Saves: Your game progress is often saved to the cloud, allowing you to pick up where you left off on different computers. Social Features Friends List & Chat: You can add friends, see what they're playing, and chat with them directly within the launcher. Parties & Voice Chat: For supported games (most notably Fortnite), you can form parties and use voice chat to communicate with teammates. Epic Account Hub Single Sign-On: Your Epic Games account, used for the launcher, is also your account for Fortnite, Fall Guys, the Epic Games Store, and Epic's developer tools like Unreal Engine. Cross-Platform Progression: For many games, this account enables you to carry your progress and purchases across PC, console, and mobile. Tools for Developers Unreal Engine Hub: It's the primary way to download, update, and launch Unreal Engine, Epic's powerful game development engine. Marketplace: Developers can access assets, tools, and plugins for Unreal Engine. Why is it Famous/Notable? Free Games Program: Epic gives away 1-2 free games every single week. This has been a massive driver for its popularity, allowing users to build a large library at no cost. Exclusive Titles: Epic often secures timed exclusives for major PC game releases, meaning some games are only available on the Epic Games Store for the first 6-12 months. Fortnite: As the mandatory launcher for the global phenomenon Fortnite on PC, it has been installed by hundreds of millions of users. Common Comparisons vs. Steam (Valve): Steam is the much larger and more established market leader with more features (user reviews, forums, extensive workshop support, etc.). The Epic Games Launcher is its main competitor, competing through free games, exclusives, and better developer revenue share. vs. Ubisoft Connect / EA App: These are "first-party" launchers primarily for their own publishers' games. The Epic Launcher is a "third-party" store that sells games from many different publishers, similar to Steam. System Requirements It's a relatively lightweight application that runs on: Windows (10 or 11, 64-bit) macOS (Monterey 12.0 or later) In short, the Epic Games Launcher is your gateway to playing, buying, and managing PC games from Epic and other publishers, best known for its weekly free games and its deep integration with Fortnite and Unreal Engine.*