Annabelle Stephenson
It seems like Gearbox boss Randy Pitchford just can’t catch a break. After the Borderlands movie met with disappointment, now he’s become the center of attention for an old prediction he made about the Epic Games Store and Steam. Pitchford had boldly claimed that the resources and investment of the Epic Games Store would surpass Steam, rendering it a “dying store” in a matter of years. However, recent events have proven otherwise.
Fast forward to the present, and Borderlands 4 has been announced at Gamescom Opening Night Live. Interestingly, while the previous installment, Borderlands 3, had initially been an Epic Games Store exclusive, Borderlands 4 will also be available on Steam from day one. This news has triggered the reemergence of Pitchford’s 2019 tweets about the Epic Store’s supposedly bright future. The internet wasted no time in poking fun at the apparent failure of his prediction.
The truth is, Steam’s dominance remains unchallenged, and many users are resistant to switching to alternative platforms like Epic. Critics have highlighted the Epic Games Store’s limited features in comparison to Steam, particularly its lack of a shopping cart functionality. Some have even jokingly suggested that other stores are intentionally trying to be worse than Steam.
Although it is important to acknowledge that Pitchford made his prediction shortly after the launch of the Epic Games Store, it is clear that his projection does not align with the current reality. Steam continues to thrive, and Epic’s strategy has leaned more towards offering free games and securing exclusivity rights rather than innovative technical investments.
While the mockery aimed at Pitchford may be somewhat warranted, it is unlikely that anyone could have anticipated Steam’s demise within a mere five years. It is a reminder that predicting the trajectory of the gaming industry is not an exact science, and circumstances can change dramatically within a short span of time.
In the end, it appears that Randy Pitchford’s prediction fell flat, highlighting the enduring popularity and dominance of Steam in the gaming market. Whether Epic Games Store will eventually catch up to or surpass Steam remains to be seen, but for now, it seems Steam shows no signs of fading away anytime soon.
Additional facts:
1. In 2019, Epic Games Store attracted controversy by securing exclusive deals with several high-profile games, including Metro Exodus and Borderlands 3, which were initially only available on their platform. This move stirred debates about the impact on consumer choice and competition in the gaming market.
2. Steam, owned by Valve Corporation, was launched in 2003 and quickly became the go-to platform for PC gaming, offering a wide selection of games, features like user reviews, forums, and a robust multiplayer system.
3. Epic Games Store, launched in 2018, is a newer player in the market but gained attention by offering developers a larger revenue share compared to Steam. Epic takes only 12% of revenue from developers, while Steam typically takes 30%.
4. Despite some criticism, the Epic Games Store has managed to secure exclusive deals with popular games, such as Hades, The Outer Worlds, and Detroit: Become Human, which has helped attract users to their platform.
5. Steam has faced its fair share of controversies over the years, including controversies over game censorship and its refund policy. These controversies have led some players to search for alternative platforms.
6. The battle between Epic Games Store and Steam goes beyond the competition for users. It also involves the rivalry between two major game developers, Gearbox (associated with Randy Pitchford) and Valve, as both companies release and distribute their own games.
7. While the Epic Games Store offers free games to users on a regular basis, Steam has also started providing free games and discounts to maintain its user base and compete with Epic.
8. The Epic Games Store and Steam are not the only digital game distribution platforms in the market. Other contenders include GOG.com, Ubisoft’s Uplay, and EA’s Origin, each offering their own unique features and exclusive titles.
Key questions and controversies:
1. Will the Epic Games Store be able to catch up to or surpass Steam in terms of user base and revenue share?
2. Are exclusive deals beneficial or detrimental to the gaming industry as a whole?
3. What features and improvements does the Epic Games Store need to implement in order to compete with Steam effectively?
4. How will the competition between Epic Games Store and Steam affect smaller, independent game developers?
5. How will the ongoing battle between the two platforms impact consumer choice and the overall gaming market?
Advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages of Steam:
– Extensive library of games, including a wide variety of indie titles.
– Features like user reviews, forums, and a vibrant community.
– Established and trusted platform with years of experience.
– Regular sales and discounts for users.
– Strong multiplayer infrastructure.
Advantages of the Epic Games Store:
– Higher revenue share for developers (12% compared to Steam’s 30%).
– Offers free games on a regular basis.
– Secures exclusive deals with high-profile games, giving users access to exclusive content.
Disadvantages of Steam:
– Critics argue that Steam’s 30% revenue share is too high for developers.
– Has faced controversies over game censorship and refund policy.
– May feel overwhelming due to the sheer number of games available.
Disadvantages of the Epic Games Store:
– Limited features compared to Steam, including the absence of a shopping cart functionality.
– Some users may be resistant to switching platforms and prefer the familiarity of Steam.
– Limited selection of games compared to Steam.
Suggested related links:
– PC Gamer
– GamesIndustry.biz
– Polygon
– VG247
– Game Informer
