Earlier this month, Epic Games Store discreetly revealed that their tactic of providing complimentary game giveaways is generating a “measurable halo effect across the broader PC ecosystem.” This effect is especially evident in the heightened sales of those games on Steam during the time they are available for free on Epic’s platform. The occurrence indicates that while players are attracted to Epic Games Store for its free offerings, they frequently find themselves buying additional content or related games on other platforms such as Steam.
Dave Oshry from New Blood Interactive has reflected this notion, though with a more critical viewpoint. He maintains that the main advantage of launching games on the Epic Games Store is to boost the visibility and profile of games that are already present on Steam. In spite of Epic’s more advantageous revenue-sharing arrangement for developers, Oshry asserts that the platform’s drawbacks render it less enticing. He believes that the increased visibility on Steam is the primary motivating factor for developers to engage with Epic Games Store.
This scenario underscores a multifaceted dynamic in the digital game distribution market. Epic Games Store, recognized for its vigorous pursuit of exclusive titles and developer-friendly revenue distributions, encounters criticism for other facets of its service. In the meantime, Steam remains a dominant player, reaping indirect benefits from Epic’s promotional tactics. The interaction between these platforms highlights the shifting landscape of digital game sales and the strategic choices developers need to navigate to optimize their reach and revenue.