Epic games store gets massive overhaul: long-awaited features set to launch
Epic Games is finally delivering on years of promises, with a substantial redesign and a wave of highly anticipated features slated for the Epic Games Store. The company’s roadmap, unveiled at Unreal Fest in Chicago, signals a significant shift in strategy aiming to bolster its position against perennial rival Steam.
A long-overdue refresh
The overhaul, dubbed ‘ground-up rebuild’ by Epic, promises a dramatically improved user experience. Key changes include chunked Fortnite installations – a notoriously frustrating process for players – third-party patch notes, pre-registration for free-to-play titles, and a revamped storefront interface. But it’s not just about cosmetic improvements; Epic is also tackling core functionality, promising better library management and a five-times faster cold start for the launcher itself – a persistent complaint among users.
Addressing past criticisms
This isn’t simply a collection of new features; it’s a direct response to criticisms leveled against the Epic Games Store since its 2018 launch. Early adoption has been hampered by a lack of essential tools and a struggle to compete with Steam’s established ecosystem. The ‘up next’ updates – including player profiles, avatars, user reviews, and publisher-funded coupons – suggest Epic is committed to addressing the shortcomings that have held it back.
A difficult road to profitability
Despite Epic’s ambitions and the allure of exclusive games and cross-platform services, the store has faced considerable headwinds. Reports in 2021 indicated substantial financial losses, primarily due to exclusivity deals. Legal documents revealed in 2023 even suggested the store failed to achieve profitability five years after its inception. However, the renewed focus on user experience and feature parity could prove to be the catalyst needed to finally gain traction.
Steve allison’s perspective
VP and GM of the Epic Games Store, Steve Allison, emphasized the need for change during an earlier interview with IGN, stating that the current launcher presents ‘challenges’ for both developers and players. The Epic Games Store’s future now hinges on successfully executing this ambitious roadmap and ultimately convincing gamers and developers that it’s a worthwhile alternative to Steam. The redesigned launcher is expected to be a game changer, though a specific launch date remains elusive.