Comparison of Steam and Epic Games Store: Features and Highlights

The digital distribution landscape for PC gaming is dominated by two major platforms: Steam and the Epic Games Store (EGS). Each platform has its own set of strengths and weaknesses that cater to different user preferences. In this article, we will explore the key features of both Steam and EGS, comparing them based on their game libraries, user interface and experience, revenue sharing models, sales and promotions, community and social features, as well as platform exclusivity and customer support.

Game Library

Steam: With a vast collection of over 30,000 games, including indie titles, AAA games, and classic titles, Steam stands out in its sheer volume of available games. This extensive library is one of the best aspects of the Steam platform. (Keyword: Game Library, Steam Games)

Epic Games Store: While the Epic Games Store started with a smaller library, it has rapidly grown to include a wide range of titles. The platform often secures exclusive releases and offers free games on a weekly basis, contributing to its growing user base. (Keyword: Epic Games Store, Exclusive Titles)

User Interface and Experience

Steam: The Steam platform offers a mature, feature-rich interface with robust community features such as the Steam Workshop, user reviews, forums, and mod support. However, some users find it cluttered with too many options and settings. (Keyword: User Interface, User Experience)

Epic Games Store: EGS features a simpler, more streamlined interface that is appreciated by many users. While it lacks some of the community features found on Steam, such as user reviews and mod support, its clean design and ease of use make it attractive to a different segment of the gaming community. (Keyword: User Interface, User Experience)

Revenue Sharing

Steam: Steam takes a 30% cut from game sales, which is standard in the industry. However, developers can negotiate lower fees for higher sales volumes, making it flexible for various types of game developers. (Keyword: Revenue Sharing, Game Sales)

Epic Games Store: The Epic Games Store takes a 12% cut, which is significantly lower and has attracted many developers to the platform. This lower fee is a major selling point for new and indie games. (Keyword: Revenue Sharing, Revenue Distribution)

Sales and Promotions

Steam: Known for its extensive seasonal sales, such as Summer Sale and Winter Sale, Steam offers deep discounts on a wide range of titles. This makes it a popular choice for bargain hunters and casual players looking to acquire new games. (Keyword: Sales, Discounts)

Epic Games Store: The Epic Games Store frequently offers promotions, including free games and regular discounts. However, it does not have the same extent of seasonal sales as Steam, which can be a drawback for certain users. (Keyword: Promotions, Free Games)

Community and Social Features

Steam: Steam boasts strong community features, including friends lists, groups, and community hubs for each game. It also supports user-generated content and mods, making it a vibrant and collaborative platform. (Keyword: Community, Social Features)

Epic Games Store: In contrast, the Epic Games Store has limited community features. While it includes friends lists and messaging, it lacks forums and detailed user-generated content support. (Keyword: Community, Social Features)

Platform Exclusivity

Steam: Steam generally does not have exclusives, as most games are available on multiple platforms. This flexibility allows gamers to choose their preferred platform without missing out on exclusive titles. (Keyword: Exclusivity, Platform Availability)

Epic Games Store: EGS actively pursues exclusivity deals for specific titles, which has been a point of contention among gamers. Developers often prefer the exclusive deals offered by EGS, leading to a range of titles available only on this platform. (Keyword: Exclusivity, Exclusive Titles)

Customer Support and Refund Policy

Steam: Steam offers a well-established refund policy, allowing refunds within two hours of playtime and within 14 days of purchase. Customer support is generally good, although some users may find it less responsive than other platforms. (Keyword: Customer Support, Refund Policy)

Epic Games Store: The Epic Games Store also has a refund policy, allowing refunds within 14 days of purchase, provided the game has not been played for more than two hours. While its customer support is improving, it still has room for growth in this area. (Keyword: Customer Support, Refund Policy)

Conclusion

Both Steam and the Epic Games Store have their pros and cons. Steam is well-established with a large library and strong community features, whereas EGS offers better revenue sharing and exclusive titles. Gamers often choose based on specific titles available, preferred features, or promotional offers. Many gamers even use both platforms to take advantage of their unique offerings, leveraging the diverse benefits of each. (Keyword: Comparison, Digital Distribution Platforms)