Epic Games vs. Steam: The Ongoing Battle for PC Supremacy
As the video game industry continues to evolve, the question of platform exclusivity remains as poignant as ever. While many eagerly await Remedy Entertainment’s recent release, “Alan Wake 2”, a portion of the gaming community is left in the dark, questioning its availability. Why isn’t the highly anticipated sequel available on the leading platform, Steam?
“It’s no surprise folk want to see what it’s all about – critics have been raving about the stunning visuals and unique storytelling, as can be seen in our review round-up.”
A Deep Dive into Epic’s PC Exclusivity
With the rise of Epic Games as a formidable contender in the PC gaming marketplace, decisions surrounding game releases have become increasingly intricate. The gaming community was abuzz when it became apparent that Alan Wake 2 wouldn’t be gracing Steam’s storefront, despite its significant global market share.
According to Enterprise Apps Today, “Steam accounts for 50 to 70 per cent of all PC game downloads around the world.”
So, what’s keeping Alan Wake 2 off Steam? The answer: an exclusivity deal inked between Epic Games and Remedy Entertainment. This isn’t the first instance of such an arrangement; Remedy’s previous game, “Control”, shared a similar fate, being a part of Epic’s store before eventually making its way to Steam.
Epic First Run: A Gamble in the Gaming World?
Recently, Epic Games unveiled the “Epic First Run” scheme, where game developers receive between 88 to 100 per cent of their game’s revenue for the first six months. While the details remain murky about whether Remedy Entertainment has availed of this offer, Epic’s motivations seem clear. The gaming giant aims to carve out a more substantial slice of the PC gaming pie, a domain traditionally dominated by Steam.
The Mystery of Alan Wake 2’s Steam Release
While there’s hope based on past patterns—like “Control” releasing on Steam exactly a year after its initial release—there’s a perplexing element to this narrative. “Alan Wake Remastered”, even though it has been over a year since its release, hasn’t appeared on Steam.
In September, Epic CEO Tim Sweeney revealed on the Epic website about laying off “around 830 staff” due to the company’s expenses surpassing their earnings.
Given the financial strain on Epic and the evident success of Alan Wake 2, one might wonder if the game will follow in “Control”‘s footsteps and find a home on Steam. However, only time will tell if Remedy Entertainment’s latest release will traverse the boundaries set by exclusivity deals.
To Steam or Not to Steam: The Verdict?
While debates surrounding exclusivity in the gaming industry are far from over, one thing remains clear: avid PC gamers want their favorite titles accessible across all platforms. Whether or not “Alan Wake 2” will make its debut on Steam is still shrouded in mystery, but the demand and anticipation from the gaming community are palpable.
Gaming giants, both old and new, will undoubtedly continue their dance of competition and collaboration. As for the players? They remain at the edge of their seats, controllers in hand, waiting for the next chapter in this ever-evolving gaming saga.
