Epic Games Store Admits Shortcomings in Battle Against Steam

Epic Games is ramping up its efforts to compete with Steam by addressing long-standing criticisms of its storefront and launcher. Company leaders have openly recognized performance issues and feature gaps, outlining a roadmap of improvements set for 2026.

The High Stakes of PC Gaming Market Dominance

Steam holds a commanding position in the PC gaming ecosystem, with Valve’s platform serving millions of users worldwide. Epic entered this arena with aggressive tactics, including exclusive game deals and a more favorable revenue split for developers—88/12 compared to Steam’s standard 70/30. This strategy, fueled by Fortnite’s massive success and Unreal Engine royalties, has allowed Epic to invest billions despite operating at a loss.

Over $2.1 billion has been distributed to developers and publishers through the Epic Games Store to date, demonstrating commitment to ecosystem growth. However, user adoption remains a challenge, as many gamers stick with Steam’s mature feature set.

Leadership Acknowledges User Pain Points

During Unreal Fest, Epic Games Store general manager Steve Allison candidly stated that the platform requires substantial work to match industry standards. He highlighted the launcher’s sluggishness, noting frequent backend calls that cause delays during navigation.

Epic CEO Tim Sweeney echoed this sentiment last month, describing the Epic Games launcher as “clunky.” These admissions mark a shift from defensiveness to transparency, aiming to rebuild trust with a community vocal about frustrations like missing basic functionalities.

• Launcher responsiveness lags due to real-time service refreshes.
• Basic features like shopping carts took years to implement.
• Users often compare it unfavorably to Steam’s seamless experience.

Key Upcoming Features to Bridge the Gap

Epic has prioritized “big rocks” for 2026, focusing on consumer-facing enhancements. Game preloading arrives in September, allowing downloads before official release—a feature long standard on competitors.

Gifting functionality is slated for the holiday season, enabling users to share purchases with friends. Social tools will include game-independent voice and text chat, parties, and invites for third-party titles, expanding beyond current limitations.

Financial Firepower Behind the Push

Epic’s war chest stems from diverse revenue streams. Fortnite generated billions, while Unreal Engine powers countless titles, providing ongoing royalties. This financial flexibility lets Epic subsidize lower developer cuts and fund storefront development without immediate profitability pressure.

In 2024, Epic distributed nearly 595 million free games, hooking users with weekly giveaways. While effective for engagement, it hasn’t translated to widespread preference over Steam for purchases.

Developer Perspectives on Revenue Wars

The 88/12 split lured high-profile exclusives like Metro Exodus early on, though backlash ensued. Developers appreciate the economics but note Epic’s smaller audience limits reach. As features mature, this balance may shift, potentially drawing more indies and AAAs.

Valve faces pressure to adjust its model, with recent tiered cuts (e.g., 70/30 dropping to 70/30 for higher earners, further reductions beyond). Epic’s persistence could force broader industry changes.

User Feedback and Community Sentiment

Gamers frequently cite login persistence issues, sparse library management, and lack of sales discovery as deterrents. Forums and videos amplify these, with titles like “The Epic Games Store Sucks” garnering significant views.

“The launcher sucks. It’s really slow… depending on your connection, you’ll have to wait a couple seconds.” – Steve Allison

Positive notes include reliable freebies and exclusive launches, but parity with Steam remains the benchmark.

Roadmap for a World-Class Storefront

Allison emphasized ongoing launcher tweaks for a “great to use” feel, targeting pain points like login retention. Backend optimizations will minimize delays, aligning with dual-store usage habits.

2026 promises the “best year” for these upgrades, positioning Epic as a legitimate alternative. Success hinges on execution—delivering polished features could erode Steam’s lead.

Broader Implications for PC Gaming

Competition benefits all: Steam innovates faster, developers gain leverage, and users access better deals. Epic’s court battles with Apple underscore its disruptive ethos, now channeled into PC.

If Epic captures even 20% market share, it could reshape storefront economics. Watch for holiday gifting uptake and preloading reception as early indicators.

Challenges Ahead in Execution

History shows delays—voice chat and parties were promised years ago. Gamers demand proof beyond announcements. Scalability during sales events will test improvements.

1. Prioritize core UX over flashy additions.
2. Transparent progress updates to maintain momentum.
3. Integrate feedback loops for iterative fixes.

FAQs

What is Epic fixing first in the Games Store?

Launcher performance and preloading top the list, with preloading launching in September 2026.

Will Epic match Steam’s social features?

Yes, game-independent voice/text chat and parties are planned for 2026.

How does Epic fund its store losses?

Primarily through Fortnite revenue and Unreal Engine usage fees.

Is the developer revenue split still 88/12?

Affirmative, contrasting Steam’s 70/30 standard.

When does gifting arrive?

In time for 2026 holidays.