Game-changing Epic Program Set to Dominate Exclusives on EGS

Highlights

Epic Games introduces Epic First Run, offering new third-party developers increased revenue share in exchange for timed exclusivity on the Epic Games Store.

From October 16 onwards, developers who choose to participate in Epic First Run will earn 100% of revenue for a period of 6 months, after which it will revert back to 88%.

While games are not permitted to be sold on rival storefronts, they are allowed to utilize first-party storefronts as well as GOG's keyless redemption program.

Epic Games has introduced the Epic First Run initiative in an effort to attract new third-party developers to the Epic Games Store. Under this program, developers will receive a larger share of revenue in return for offering their games exclusively on the store for a limited time. The news of this initiative has generated mixed reactions on social media, with some users expressing concerns about the potential negative impact of exclusivity.

Alongside the Epic First Run initiative, Epic Games has implemented several other features for developers. The Epic Online Services overlay has been updated to support all major consoles, enabling developers to integrate cross-play functionalities between console and PC players who use the Epic Games Store for games like Fortnite and Fall Guys. This update also streamlines the friends list, invitations, and safety features across the EGS ecosystem, relieving game developers of some of the associated responsibilities. However, Epic Games does not intend to stop there.

Beginning on Monday, October 16th, the Epic First Run initiative will offer game developers who choose to participate the opportunity to receive 100% of the revenue from game sales on the Epic Games Store for a period of six months. After this initial period, the revenue split will be adjusted to 88% for developers and 12% for Epic Games. However, it is important to note that the Epic First Run program does come with certain conditions. During the six-month window, games included in the program will not be permitted to be sold on competing platforms such as Steam. Additionally, games that were previously available on other platforms, part of a previous Epic Games Store exclusivity offer, or offered through subscription services like PC Game Pass are not eligible for the program. However, developers and publishers participating in Epic First Run will still have the ability to use first-party storefronts and Epic's keyless redemption program through partnered storefronts like GOG.

According to Epic Games, the Epic First Run program is open to all game developers and publishers, regardless of their size or reputation. Initial reactions to the program on social media were mixed. Some users expressed appreciation for the opportunity to receive 100% of the revenue from game sales and benefit from increased visibility through Epic. However, other users raised concerns about the exclusivity requirement of the program and whether it would be worth sacrificing access to the large user base on Steam.

However, Epic Games is not done yet with their own storefront, thanks to a variety of free EGS titles and the Epic First Run initiative. The success of this new initiative remains to be seen in the future.