Why Did Rocket League Leave Steam?
Rocket League, the popular physics-based sports game, made headlines in August 2020 when it announced its departure from Steam, the popular digital distribution platform. The game’s developer, Psyonix, decided to take its title to the Epic Games Store, a digital storefront owned by Epic Games, the same company behind Fortnite. In this article, we’ll delve into the reasons behind Rocket League’s departure from Steam and explore the implications of this move.
Why Did Rocket League Leave Steam?
According to Psyonix, the primary reason for leaving Steam was the 30% revenue share that Valve, the owner of Steam, takes from game sales. This revenue share model has been a point of contention for many game developers, who feel that it’s too high. By moving to the Epic Games Store, Psyonix aims to keep more of its revenue, which will allow it to invest more in the game’s development and growth.
Other Reasons for the Departure
While the revenue share was a significant factor, it wasn’t the only reason for Rocket League’s departure from Steam. Other reasons included:
- Steam’s Storefront: Steam’s storefront is highly competitive, making it difficult for smaller games to stand out. By moving to the Epic Games Store, Psyonix hopes to increase visibility and attract more players.
- Steam’s Community Features: Rocket League has a strong community, and Psyonix wanted to improve its community features. The Epic Games Store offers more flexibility and customization options for game developers, allowing them to create a more tailored experience for their players.
- Steam’s DRM: Steam’s digital rights management (DRM) system has been a subject of controversy among gamers. Rocket League’s departure from Steam was also seen as an opportunity to drop Steam’s DRM and provide a more flexible and player-friendly experience.
What Does This Mean for Players?
For players, the move to the Epic Games Store means a few changes:
- Easier Cross-Platform Play: The Epic Games Store allows for cross-platform play between PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch, making it easier for players to play with friends across different platforms.
- Improved Community Features: As mentioned earlier, the Epic Games Store offers more flexibility and customization options for game developers. This means that Rocket League’s community features will be improved, providing a better experience for players.
- No More Steam DRM: Players will no longer have to deal with Steam’s DRM system, which has been a source of frustration for some.
FAQs
Q: Why did Rocket League leave Steam?
A: Rocket League left Steam to avoid the 30% revenue share that Valve takes from game sales, as well as to improve its community features and drop Steam’s DRM.
Q: What is the revenue share model on the Epic Games Store?
A: The Epic Games Store offers a more favorable revenue share model, with developers keeping 70% of their revenue.
Q: Can I still play Rocket League on Steam?
A: Yes, Rocket League is still available on Steam, but it will no longer receive updates or support. Players who purchased the game on Steam will still be able to play it, but they will need to switch to the Epic Games Store if they want to continue playing with updated features and content.
Q: Will Rocket League continue to receive updates on the Epic Games Store?
A: Yes, Rocket League will continue to receive updates and new content on the Epic Games Store.
Q: Can I transfer my Steam progress to the Epic Games Store?
A: Yes, Psyonix has implemented a progress transfer system that allows players to transfer their Steam progress to the Epic Games Store.
Q: Are there any differences in the game’s gameplay or mechanics between Steam and the Epic Games Store?
A: No, the gameplay and mechanics of Rocket League remain the same across both Steam and the Epic Games Store.
Q: Will Rocket League be available on other platforms in the future?
A: Yes, Psyonix has announced plans to bring Rocket League to other platforms, including the Nintendo Switch and Xbox One.
Q: How does this move affect the gaming industry as a whole?
A: The move of Rocket League to the Epic Games Store marks a significant shift in the gaming industry, with more developers considering alternative platforms and revenue share models. This could lead to more competitive pricing and better deals for gamers.
In conclusion, Rocket League’s departure from Steam was a strategic move by Psyonix to improve its revenue share, community features, and DRM system. While the move may have caused some initial inconvenience for players, it ultimately provides a better experience for those who play the game.