Introduction:
Platforms like Steam and the Epic Games Store have revolutionised how consumers buy and play their favourite games, transforming the landscape of digital gaming in recent years. Both Steam and the Epic Games Store have gained immense popularity and have their respective advantages and disadvantages. In order to decide which platform is superior, we'll examine its features, services, and overall user experience in this post. Exploring the battle between Steam and the Epic Games Store: game selection, pricing, features, and more.
Game Selection:
Steam has been the reigning king of digital game distribution for over a decade, boasting a vast library of games, ranging from indie gems to AAA blockbusters. Steam provides players of all preferences with a practically limitless range of possibilities thanks to its user-friendly interface and large selection of games. However, the sheer volume of games can sometimes lead to overcrowding and difficulty in discovering new titles.
The Epic Games Store, on the other hand, has made a significant effect in a short period of time. Although its collection of games isn't as extensive as Steam's, it has been successful in securing exclusive contracts for a number of well-known games, including "Fortnite," "Borderlands 3," and "Control." The Epic Games Store now has a standout selling proposition as a result of its exclusivity.
Verdict: Steam wins in terms of sheer game variety and discoverability, but the Epic Games Store's exclusivity deals and free games make it an attractive option for specific titles.
Pricing and Sales:
Steam has long been known for its seasonal sales and attractive discounts, often offering substantial price cuts on both new releases and older titles. Its pricing strategy has set the bar for other platforms to follow, providing gamers with affordable options to expand their libraries. However, the competition on Steam can lead to price fluctuations and varying discounts among different titles.
On the other hand, the pricing strategy of the Epic Games Store is distinct. While it may not match the magnitude of Steam's sales, it has been known to offer limited-time exclusives and discounts on select titles. Its free games programme has also shown to be a fantastic opportunity for users to try out new things without paying any money. However, the frequency and scale of discounts are not as consistent as on Steam.
Verdict: Steam's extensive sales and competitive pricing give it an edge in this category, although the Epic Games Store's exclusives and occasional discounts are noteworthy for specific titles.
Features and User Experience:
Steam offers an abundance of features designed to enhance the user experience. Its social features, including community forums, groups, and chat functionalities, allow gamers to connect, share experiences, and participate in events seamlessly. Steam Workshop, a platform for user-generated content, further adds to the appeal, providing players with an opportunity to customize and modify their games. The platform's maturity and experience shine through in terms of stability and reliability.
The Epic Games Store, while relatively new, has been making strides to catch up in terms of features. It has implemented a similar chat system, cloud saves, and an overlay for in-game browsing. The Epic Games Store is continually evolving, and future updates may bridge the gap in features between the two platforms.
Verdict: Steam's robust set of features and well-established community makes it the more comprehensive platform in terms of user experience. However, the Epic Games Store is steadily improving and has the potential to offer a more competitive experience in the future.
Customer Support:
When it comes to customer support, Steam has faced criticism in the past for its response times and lack of efficiency. Users have reported long waiting periods for support tickets and slow resolution of issues. While Steam does offer a knowledge base and community forums where users can find solutions to common problems, the overall customer support experience has room for improvement.
The Epic Games Store, being a newer platform, has placed a strong emphasis on customer support. It has dedicated support channels and a responsive team that strives to address user concerns in a timely manner. The Epic Games Store's commitment to improving customer support has been well-received by many players.
Verdict: The Epic Games Store takes the lead in customer support, providing a more responsive and dedicated approach compared to Steam's somewhat lacking support system.
Developer-Friendly Policies:
Steam has long been criticized for its high revenue share percentage, where developers receive 70% of the revenue from game sales, while Valve takes 30%. However, in recent years, Steam has introduced new revenue tiers, allowing developers to earn a higher percentage based on their sales numbers. This move has been positively received by developers, who appreciate the flexibility and potential for higher profits.
On the other hand, the Epic Games Store has made a name for itself by offering a more favorable revenue split for developers. Epic takes only 12% of the revenue, leaving developers with a significantly larger share. This developer-friendly policy has attracted many independent developers and smaller studios to release their games exclusively on the Epic Games Store.
Verdict: The Epic Games Store's developer-friendly revenue share percentage gives it an advantage in supporting and incentivizing game creators, although Steam's recent changes have made strides in this area.
Platform Exclusivity and Competition:
The Epic Games Store has gained attention and sparked controversy through its strategy of securing exclusivity deals for highly anticipated games. While this has led to frustration among some gamers who prefer a single platform for their purchases, it has also allowed the Epic Games Store to curate a unique selection of exclusive titles, attracting players who are specifically interested in those games.
Players have greater options and accessibility because to Steam's open platform, which enables creators to simultaneously release games on other platforms. While this approach ensures a broader range of games, it may lead to increased competition and a diluted user experience with numerous titles vying for attention.
Verdict: The Epic Games Store's exclusivity deals provide a curated selection of unique titles, but Steam's open platform approach allows for greater choice and avoids limiting players' options.
Pros and Cons of Steam and the Epic Games Store:
Steam:
Pros:
- Vast library with a wide range of games.
- Regular sales and attractive discounts.
- Robust features like community forums and Steam Workshop.
- Well-established user base and active community.
Cons:
- Heavy competition may lead to overcrowding of titles.
- Higher commission fees for developers.
- Can be overwhelming due to the sheer number of options.
- Customer support can be slow at times.
Epic Games Store:
Pros:
- Exclusive titles and limited-time deals.
- Occasional discounts on select games.
- Free game offerings and giveaways.
- Growing presence and potential for future improvements.
Cons:
- Smaller game library compared to Steam.
- Limited features and fewer community-driven functionalities.
- Lack of regional pricing in some regions.
- Controversy surrounding exclusive deals and competition with Steam.
Conclusion:
Choosing between Steam and the Epic Games Store ultimately depends on individual preferences and priorities. Steam's vast library, extensive features, and well-established community make it a dominant force in the gaming industry. However, the Epic Games Store has successfully carved its niche by offering exclusive titles, occasional discounts, improved customer support, and a more favorable revenue split for developers.
Both platforms have their strengths and weaknesses, and the ideal choice will depend on factors such as game preferences, pricing priorities, community interaction, and support expectations. Ultimately, players can benefit from having access to both platforms to enjoy a diverse gaming experience. As the competition between the two continues, gamers can look forward to ongoing improvements, innovations, and exciting developments in the world of digital game stores.