The world of digital gaming has changed a lot, with Steam and Epic Games becoming the two giants of game distribution platforms. These platforms are your gateway to thousands of digital games, each with its unique features and experiences that can greatly influence your gaming journey.
Steam, the older platform created by Valve Corporation, has been the top choice for PC gamers since 2003. Epic Games Store, which started in 2018, has quickly become a strong competitor, challenging Steam’s long-standing dominance in the market.
The choice between these platforms is important for several reasons:
- Accessibility of your gaming library
- Available exclusive titles
- Price differences and deals
- Community features and social interactions
- Download speeds and performance
- User interface experience
The platform you choose can impact everything from how much you pay for games to how you connect with other players. As digital distribution platforms continue to shape the gaming industry, it’s essential to understand the strengths and weaknesses of both Steam and Epic Games Store to make informed decisions about where to build your gaming library.
Whether you’re a casual gamer or a dedicated enthusiast, this comparison will help you navigate the features, benefits, and potential drawbacks of each platform, allowing you to choose the launcher that best fits your gaming preferences.
What is Steam?
Steam is the first digital game distribution platform created by Valve Corporation in 2003. It was originally designed to deliver game updates and prevent cheating in Counter-Strike, but it quickly became a complete online store for games.
Key Features
Steam offers several features that make it different from traditional ways of selling games:
- Steam Cloud: Automatically saves your game progress and settings across different devices
- Remote Play: This lets you stream games from your PC to other devices
- Workshop Support: Enables easy mod installation and creation
- Broadcasting: Built-in streaming capabilities for sharing gameplay
- Family Sharing: Share your game library with up to 5 family members
- Voice Chat: Integrated communication system for multiplayer gaming
Extensive Game Library
Since its launch, Steam’s collection of games has grown significantly. You’ll find over 50,000 titles covering various genres:
- AAA blockbusters from major publishers
- Indie gems from independent developers
- Early Access games are still in development
- Free-to-play titles
- Classic retro games
- Virtual Reality experiences
Activation through Steam Keys
The platform uses Steam keys – unique codes that activate games on your account. These keys enable third-party sellers to distribute Steam games, creating a competitive marketplace for better prices.
Social Integration
Steam’s interface combines social features with gaming. Your profile displays:
- Games owned and played
- Achievement collections
- Screenshots and artwork
- Reviews and recommendations
- Friend lists and groups
- Trading cards and badges
Global Accessibility
The platform supports multiple payment methods and currencies, making games accessible to players worldwide. Regional pricing helps adjust game costs based on different economic conditions, though this can sometimes lead to price disparities between regions.
Continuous Improvement
Steam regularly updates its client to introduce new features and enhancements. For instance, it recently added Remote Play Together functionality for local multiplayer games and expanded its support for Linux gaming through the Proton compatibility layer.
Pros of Using Steam as Your Game Launcher
Steam’s strong community features create a social gaming environment that enhances your gaming experience. The platform’s built-in forums serve as knowledge hubs where you can find game guides, and troubleshooting tips, and engage in discussions with fellow gamers.
Key Community Benefits:
- User reviews help you make informed purchase decisions
- Steam Workshop enables easy mod installation and management
- Community Market lets you trade in-game items
- Built-in streaming capabilities for sharing gameplay
- Custom profile customization and achievement showcasing
The Steam Workshop stands out as a game-changer for modding enthusiasts. You can browse, download, and install user-created content with a single click, extending the lifespan of your favorite games through new content and modifications.
Sales and Discounts:
- Summer Sale
- Winter Sale
- Autumn Sale
- Spring Sale
- Weekly deals
- Publisher weekends
- Daily deals
Steam’s seasonal sales have become legendary events in the gaming community. These sales often slash prices by up to 90%, letting you build an extensive game library without breaking the bank. The platform’s wishlist feature notifies you when games you’re interested in go on sale.
The points-based loyalty program rewards your purchases with Steam Points, which you can redeem for profile customization items, chat emoticons, and mini-profile backgrounds. This system adds value to every purchase you make on the platform.
Steam’s trading card system turns your gaming sessions into opportunities to earn tradeable cards, which you can collect, craft into badges, or sell on the Community Market for Steam Wallet funds.
Cons of Using Steam as Your Game Launcher
1. Challenging Interface for New Users
Steam’s interface presents a significant challenge for new users. The platform’s numerous features, while comprehensive, create a cluttered navigation experience. Multiple menus, tabs, and options crowd the screen, making simple tasks like finding specific games or accessing basic settings unnecessarily complex.
2. Regional Price Issues
One of the drawbacks of using Steam is the regional price issues that can affect users. Here are some key points to consider:
- Games often cost significantly more in certain regions
- Price differences can reach up to 300% between countries
- Currency conversion rates don’t always reflect local purchasing power
- Limited options for users to purchase from other regions
3. Quality Control Concerns
The platform’s quality control measures raise concerns among users. Steam’s open publishing policy allows virtually any developer to list their games, resulting in:
- Abundance of low-quality titles
- Fake games and asset flips
- Difficulty in discovering genuine quality content
- Overwhelming number of new releases daily
4. Limitations of Refund Policy
Steam’s refund policy, while existing, comes with strict limitations:
- 2-hour gameplay limit
- 14-day purchase window
- Automatic rejection for exceeding limits
- Complex appeal process for rejected refunds
- No refunds for in-game purchases
5. Inconsistent Download Speeds
Another drawback of using Steam is the inconsistency in download speeds that users may experience. Here are some common issues reported by users:
- Inconsistent download rates during peak hours or major game releases
- Server connection issues leading to slow downloads
- Forced updates at inconvenient times when playing games offline
- Limited options for controlling bandwidth usage during downloads
6. Problems with Offline Mode
Steam’s offline mode functionality remains problematic for some users. Even for single-player games, periodic online authentication is required, which can create accessibility issues for those with unstable internet connections or frequent travelers.
Additionally, this issue can become particularly frustrating when trying to enjoy immersive single-player experiences like Elden Ring, where uninterrupted gameplay is crucial.
What is Epic Games Store?
The Epic Games Store is a digital gaming platform that was launched in December 2018 by Epic Games, the company behind Fortnite and the widely used game engine Unreal Engine. Its main goal is to compete with Steam, the leading platform for distributing PC games.
Key Features of Epic Games Store
Epic Games Store stands out from other platforms with its unique features:
- Weekly Free Games: Every Thursday, you can download and keep premium games at no cost.
- Exclusive Releases: Gain access to games that are not available on any other platforms.
- Curated Selection: Discover a carefully chosen collection of top-quality titles.
- Direct Integration: Enjoy seamless access to Unreal Engine development tools.
Launch Strategy and Competitiveness
When it launched, Epic Games Store focused on securing exclusive titles such as Borderlands 4, Metro Exodus, and Control. These deals generated significant buzz in the gaming community and positioned Epic Games Store as a serious rival in the digital game distribution market.
How Epic Games Store Differs from Traditional Platforms
Epic’s approach to building their store differs significantly from traditional platforms:
- Quality-Focused Library: Instead of hosting a vast number of games, Epic carefully selects titles for their platform.
- Developer-Friendly: The platform offers favorable terms for game creators.
- Strategic Partnerships: Regular collaborations with major publishers and indie developers.
- Cross-Platform Support: Integration with console and mobile gaming ecosystems.
The Role of Fortnite in Expanding Epic Games Store
The Epic Games Store leverages its connection to Fortnite’s massive player base, using this built-in audience to expand its reach. You’ll find the launcher doubles as your gateway to Fortnite while providing access to an expanding library of PC games.
Success of the Weekly Free Game Program
The platform’s weekly free game program has proven particularly successful in attracting users. Since its launch, Epic has given away hundreds of games, including major titles like GTA V, Civilization VI, and Control, creating substantial value for users while building a loyal customer base.
Pros of Using Epic Games Store as Your Game Launcher
Epic Games Store stands out with its developer-friendly approach and unique user benefits. The platform offers an 88/12 revenue split, meaning developers keep 88% of their game sales – a significant improvement over Steam’s traditional 70/30 model. This attractive revenue share has drawn numerous developers to the platform, resulting in high-quality exclusive releases.
Key Advantages:
1. Exclusive Game Titles
Some notable exclusive titles include:
- Control
- Borderlands 3 (timed exclusive)
- Metro Exodus
- Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2
2. Weekly Free Games
The Epic Games Store offers premium titles at zero cost, which are permanently added to your library. There’s a regular rotation of different genres, ensuring variety in the games you receive.
3. Developer Support
Epic Games provides upfront funding for game development, marketing assistance, and technical support with Unreal Engine integration. This support helps developers create better games and deliver updates more frequently.
The platform’s strategy of securing exclusive titles creates a unique gaming ecosystem. You’ll find games like Satisfactory and Hades launching first on EGS before reaching other platforms. This exclusivity model, combined with the free games program, has successfully built a dedicated user base.
Epic Games Store’s developer-centric approach extends beyond revenue sharing. The platform provides creators with valuable data analytics, direct communication channels with players, and simplified publishing processes. These benefits often translate into better-supported games and more frequent updates for players.
The free games program has proven particularly successful, with users receiving titles like GTA V, Civilization VI, and Borderlands at no cost. This strategy helps you build a substantial game library without spending money, while simultaneously exposing you to new genres and developers you might not have discovered otherwise.
Cons of Using Epic Games Store as Your Game Launcher
Limited Community Features
The Epic Games Store’s limited community features create significant barriers for players seeking social interaction and game insights. You’ll notice the absence of user forums, where gamers typically gather to discuss strategies, share experiences, or seek technical support. The platform’s basic review system lacks the depth and functionality found in other gaming platforms, making it challenging to make informed purchase decisions.
Missing Community Elements:
- No dedicated discussion forums
- Limited user review capabilities
- Absence of community-driven guides
- Restricted screenshot-sharing options
- No achievement tracking system
- Basic social networking features
Smaller Library Size
The Epic Games Store’s library size presents another notable limitation. While the platform secures high-profile exclusive titles, its total game count remains significantly smaller than competing platforms. This restricted selection affects users who enjoy exploring diverse gaming genres or discovering hidden gems from independent developers.
Library Limitations:
- Approximately 1,000+ games compared to Steam’s 50,000+
- Limited indie game selection
- Fewer genre options
- Restricted regional availability for certain titles
- Minimal classic game offerings
- Limited bundle deals
Curated but Confined Gaming Experience
The platform’s quality-over-quantity approach results in a curated but confined gaming experience. You’ll find yourself regularly checking other platforms to access games unavailable on EGS. The store’s exclusive deals, while attracting high-profile titles, sometimes create fragmentation in gaming libraries, forcing players to maintain multiple launchers to access their favorite games.
Basic Client Functionality
The basic client functionality impacts the user experience. You’ll miss features like in-game overlay options, streaming capabilities, and comprehensive friend list management tools. These limitations affect how you interact with games and connect with other players on the platform.
Comparing Features: Steam vs. Epic Games Store
Steam and Epic Games Store have different ways of attracting and keeping users through their platform features. Let’s look at these key differences:
Sales and Pricing Strategies
- Steam runs major seasonal sales events (Summer, Winter, Autumn)
- Discounts ranging from 20% to 90% off
- Flash deals during special events
- Bundle packages combining multiple games
- Epic Games Store’s approach
- Weekly free game giveaways
- Smaller scale sales events
- Epic Games Coupon events offering additional discounts
Community Features and Social Integration
- Steam’s robust community tools
- Built-in streaming service
- Screenshot sharing
- Achievement system
- Trading cards and profile customization
- Group chats and voice communication
- Epic Games Store’s streamlined features
- Basic friends list
- Game invites
- Cross-platform play support
Game Enhancement and Modification
- Steam Workshop capabilities
- Direct mod installation
- Community-created content sharing
- Easy mod management system
- Workshop stats and ratings
- Epic Games Store mod support
- Limited third-party mod integration
- Manual mod installation required
- No centralized mod distribution
Additional Platform Features
Steam:
- Remote Play Together
- Steam Link mobile streaming
- Steam Guard security
- Cloud saves across devices
- Family sharing options
Epic Games Store:
- Quick Resume feature
- Automatic cloud saves
- Self-service refund system
- Direct integration with Unreal Engine
- Cross-platform progression
The difference in features between these platforms shows their different stages of development and business philosophies. Steam’s mature ecosystem offers comprehensive gaming tools, while Epic Games Store focuses on core functionality with gradual feature expansion.
Financial Aspects for Developers: A Closer Look at Revenue Splits and Developer Support Between Steam and Epic Games Store
The revenue split between platforms and developers plays a crucial role in determining where developers choose to release their games. Steam implements a traditional 70/30 revenue split, meaning developers receive 70% of their game sales while Steam takes 30%. This rate adjusts based on sales performance:
- Games earning $10M+ receive a 75/25 split
- Games reaching $50M+ benefit from an 80/20 split
Epic Games Store disrupted this standard model by offering developers a significantly more attractive 88/12 revenue split across the board. This fixed rate applies regardless of sales volume, making it particularly appealing for indie developers and smaller studios.
Additional financial considerations for developers include:
Steam’s Developer Support:
- Access to Steamworks SDK
- Built-in analytics tools
- Direct customer support infrastructure
- Integration with Steam’s payment systems
Epic Games Store’s Developer Benefits:
- Creator Support-A-Creator program
- Free access to Unreal Engine
- Cross-platform development tools
- Marketing support for exclusive titles
The financial impact becomes particularly significant for games using Unreal Engine. While Steam requires developers to pay the standard 5% engine royalty fees to Epic Games, EGS waives these fees for games released on their platform – creating substantial savings for developers.
These revenue models directly influence game pricing strategies. Developers on EGS can often price their games lower while maintaining similar profit margins compared to Steam releases. This pricing flexibility, combined with Epic’s developer-friendly revenue split, has attracted numerous studios to consider EGS as their primary distribution platform.
User Experience Analysis: Navigating Through The Interfaces Of Both Platforms
Steam and Epic Games Store have different approaches to user interface design.
Steam’s Interface Elements:
Steam’s interface packs numerous features into a dense, information-rich layout:
- Multiple navigation tabs across the top
- Sidebar categories for quick access
- Detailed game pages with user reviews, screenshots, and community content
- Built-in chat and friends list system
- Customizable library views
Epic Games Store Layout:
The Epic Games Store takes a minimalist approach with its interface:
- Clean, spacious design with fewer elements
- Large game thumbnails and promotional banners
- Simplified navigation with essential categories
- Quick access to free games and deals
- Streamlined library organization
User feedback indicates Steam’s interface can feel overwhelming for new users, yet experienced gamers appreciate the depth of information and customization options. The platform’s dark theme and familiar layout create a comfortable browsing experience for long-time users.
Epic’s marketplace receives praise for its straightforward design. The uncluttered interface makes finding and purchasing games a breeze. Some users note the absence of advanced sorting options and detailed game information as potential drawbacks.
Notable Interface Differences:
- Steam emphasizes community features and social interaction
- Epic prioritizes game discovery and promotional content
- Steam offers more customization options
- Epic provides faster access to core features
- Steam includes more detailed game information
- Epic maintains a cleaner, more modern aesthetic
Both platforms offer desktop and mobile versions, though Steam’s mobile app provides more functionality compared to Epic’s basic mobile interface.
Conclusion: Which Game Launcher is the Best?
The battle between Steam and Epic Games Store creates a unique opportunity for PC gamers to find the best gaming marketplace that suits their needs. Steam’s extensive library and robust community features make it ideal for social gamers who value user reviews and workshop modifications. Epic Games Store appeals to budget-conscious players seeking free weekly games and exclusive titles.
Your ideal platform depends on specific gaming preferences:
Choose Steam if you value:
- Extensive game libraries
- Active community engagement
- Workshop modifications
- Achievement systems
- Regular deep discounts
Choose Epic Games Store if you prefer:
- Free weekly games
- Exclusive titles
- Clean, minimalist interface
- Supporting developers through better revenue splits, as seen in their payment structure
- Quality-curated game selection
The best approach? Create accounts on both platforms. Each launcher offers unique advantages, and you’ll maximize your gaming options by maintaining access to both marketplaces. Try the free games on Epic while exploring Steam’s vast community features – you might discover that using both platforms enhances your gaming experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Ongoing Battle Between These Two Giants
Q: How do I find free games on Epic Games Store?
Visit the Epic Games Store website or launcher every Thursday to claim the latest free game offerings. These games remain in your library permanently once claimed.
Q: Does Steam offer free games like Epic Games Store?
Steam features a “Free to Play” section with numerous titles, but these are typically ongoing free-to-play games rather than premium titles given away for free.
Q: What are exclusive deals, and why do they exist?
Exclusive deals are agreements where games launch exclusively on one platform for a set period. Epic Games uses these deals to build their user base and compete with Steam’s market dominance.
Q: Can I transfer my games between Steam and Epic Games Store?
No, games purchased on one platform cannot be transferred to another. You’ll need to maintain separate libraries on each platform.
Q: Which platform offers better regional pricing?
Steam traditionally provides more extensive regional pricing options across different countries. Epic Games Store is working to expand their regional pricing system.
Q: Do I need both launchers installed?
Installing both launchers gives you access to each platform’s unique offerings. Many gamers use both to maximize their gaming options and take advantage of different sales and free games.
Q: Are my games safe if either platform shuts down?
Both Steam and Epic Games have policies ensuring you retain access to purchased games, even if the platforms cease operations.
