Breaking News: Epic Games Store Unveils Game-Changing Revenue Program, Transforming PC Gaming Industry!

Highlights

Developers and publishers can now enjoy a 12% increase in the standard revenue split on the Epic Games Store. By bringing their existing PC games to the platform, they will receive 100% net revenue for the first six months, a special offer designed to support their success.

The Now On Epic program is an impressive initiative by the Epic Games Store, demonstrating their commitment to expanding their gaming library. By mandating that developers and publishers release a specific number of games on their platform, regardless of their prior releases elsewhere, Epic Games aims to significantly increase the number of games available to users.

The Epic Games Store has unveiled its latest initiative to attract more PC games to its platform. Through the Now On Epic program, developers and publishers are offered a generous six months of 100% net revenue by bringing their previously released PC games to the Epic Games Store. This not only represents a significant 12% increase compared to the standard 88/12% revenue split, but also conveys a compelling message. Epic is so eager to have games on its platform that it is willing to forgo its share of the revenue.

The Epic Games Store has faced criticism in the past for some of its tactics aimed at enticing users to join its rapidly expanding platform. One such tactic is the store's investment in exclusivity agreements, which prevent games from launching on competing platforms like Steam for a set period of time. While other initiatives have been received more positively, their effectiveness remains uncertain. Although the 88/12% revenue split and the ongoing offer of free games are appealing, they may not be enough to entice publishers or gamers to steer away from Steam.

Introducing "Now On Epic," the latest initiative by the Epic Games Store to expand its PC game offerings. This program specifically focuses on games released prior to October 31, 2023. The core idea is that developers and publishers who have previously launched their games on alternative PC platforms or through subscription services can now bring them to the Epic Games Store and enjoy a lucrative 100% net revenue for a period of six months. After this initial period, the agreement will shift to the standard revenue split of 88/12%.

However, there is an important condition to consider. The number of games previously released by a developer/publisher on platforms such as Steam, Xbox Game Pass, or elsewhere on PC determines the minimum number of games they must bring over to the Epic Games Store. If a developer or publisher has released three or more games, they are required to bring at least three titles to the Epic Games Store. Conversely, if they have released less than three games, they must transfer all of those games. The ultimate objective of the Now On Epic program is to significantly expand the game offerings on the Epic Games Store.

The No One Epic program has additional rules that must be followed. All games must be launched on the Epic Games Store by June 30, 2025. This ensures that publishers cannot claim to be part of the program and then fail to deliver. Early Access games are also included but must have been released before October 31, just like any other game. It is possible that some indie games may take advantage of this opportunity and rush to release their games in the next two weeks.

While the Now On Epic program presents an interesting opportunity for game developers and publishers, it highlights a deeper conflict at the Epic Games Store. In September, Epic Games laid off 16% of its workforce, which amounted to over 850 employees. CEO Tim Sweeney stated at the time that the layoffs were necessary to achieve profitability, even if it meant certain products would be under-resourced for a period. The Now On Epic program may have come at a cost and does not guarantee results either. A developer who chooses not to participate in the Epic Games Store's 88% revenue share program may also pass up on a 100% revenue share opportunity.