Epic Games, after triumphing over Apple, declares reduced revenue share for developers utilizing its platform.
Unleashing Epic Games Store's New Tactics: A Jab at Apple and Boon for Developers
In a bold move aimed at rivaling giants and winning over developers, the Epic Games Store recently unveiled a series of changes following its courtroom triumph over Apple. These modifications are intended to lure more creators to the platform while subtly sticking it to Apple.
Starting in June, Epic Games will slash its commission from developers on the storefront. Currently, Epic pockets 12% of developers' sales revenues, a figure significantly lower than most competitors, such as Steam (30%, 25%, and 20% on specific revenue thresholds). The new scheme introduces a more developer-friendly approach - Epic will charge no commission on the first $1 million in revenues earned per app per year, followed by their standard 12% cut beyond that.
This move is significant for smaller, independent developers who have historically struggled with the revenue shares of larger platforms, such as Valve, which has faced criticism for its revised revenue share formula favoring big publishers. Conversely, Epic's adjustment seeks to offer support to developers of games that don't make headline-grabbing sales figures.
Along with the revised revenue split, the Epic Games Store will launch a new feature, allowing developers to create their own "webshops." Epic encourages this move as a cost-effective alternative to in-app purchases, which often come with hefty fees imposed by platforms like Apple, Google, and Google. Developers can now send players from games to make digital purchases from these webshops, with the platform allowing such transactions on iOS in the European Union and United States due to recent court decisions.
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In an added incentive, purchases made through these webshops will earn developers 5% in Epic Rewards, a currency that can be used towards other purchases on the Epic Store. Although not a substantial amount, it's better than receiving nothing if you're buying multiple items anyway.
Both the revised revenue share and webshops are set to debut in June 2025.
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The Perspective of PC Gamer's Andy ChalkAndy Chalk has been a PC gaming aficionado since the early days, beginning with text adventures and action games on a cassette-based TRS80. His love for RPGs, immersive sims, and shooters led him to writing videogame news in 2007 for The Escapist, and he became a part of PC Gamer in 2014. He covers a wide range of topics, from game announcements and patch notes to legal disputes, streamer feuds, esports, and Henry Cavill – yes, there is a lot of Henry Cavill!
- With these new changes, Epic Games Store is poised to challenge industry giants like Apple and Steam.
- The reduced commission, starting at 12%, could lead to a possible victory for small, independent game developers.
- Epic Games' endeavor to eliminate commissions on the first $1 million in revenues per app per year is a significant bet in the gaming industry.
- The upcoming season in the gaming world promises a more equitable approach towards developers' revenues and profits.
- In a fight against the traditional revenue shares model, Epic Games Store is aiming to win over the hearts of developers and players alike.
- The introduction of webshops on the Epic Games Store could mark a turning point in the way digital purchases are made.
- Developers are increasingly investing in the Epic Games Store as it offers a more developer-friendly platform, taking inspiration from MicroProse's earlier endeavors.
- The revenue-sharing adjustments and webshops are set to drive innovation and growth in the personal-finance sector, particularly for developers and gaming businesses.
- The new scheme introduced by Epic Games Store has caught the attention of Wall Street investors, potentially boosting the technology and Fintech industries.
- Real-estate industries, banking, and insurance may also experience ripples from Epic's moves, as consumers' wealth-management strategies could shift towards gaming revenues.
- Tech enthusiasts and gadget lovers worldwide resonate with Epic Games Store's progressive policies, further fueling the ongoing smartphones and technology race.
- Sports-betting platforms and mobile gaming apps may soon implement similar tactics, aiming for higher market shares and increased player engagement.
- As the gaming world evolves, embracing innovation and developer-centric policies, it sets new standards not just for the gaming industry but for the broader business landscape, including sports and finance.
