Why is Alan Wake 2 not on Steam?
The wait for the next installment in the critically acclaimed Alan Wake series has been long and arduous. Fans of the series have been eagerly anticipating the release of Alan Wake 2, and finally, in June 2021, the game was announced by Remedy Entertainment, the same studio behind the original game. However, as the release date approached, fans noticed something peculiar – Alan Wake 2 was nowhere to be found on Steam.
The Official Reason: Exclusive Release on Epic Games Store
According to Remedy Entertainment, Alan Wake 2 will be an exclusive title for the Epic Games Store. This means that PC players will not be able to purchase or play the game on Steam, GOG, or any other platform. This decision has raised many questions and concerns among fans, who are left wondering why the game will only be available on one platform.
Potential Reasons for the Exclusive Deal
So, why did Remedy Entertainment choose to make Alan Wake 2 an Epic Games Store exclusive? There are several potential reasons:
• Epic Games Store’s Higher Revenue Share: The Epic Games Store offers developers a 75% revenue share, compared to Steam’s 70%. This higher share could be attractive to Remedy Entertainment, especially considering the game’s anticipated success.
• Promotional Support: Epic Games has been actively promoting its store with large-scale advertising campaigns and exclusive titles. This exposure could be a major draw for Remedy Entertainment, as it could help increase the game’s visibility and attract new players.
• Partnership Opportunities: The Epic Games Store has partnered with multiple developers and publishers, including Xbox Game Studios, Ubisoft, and Sega. This network could provide Remedy Entertainment with new opportunities for collaborations and growth.
• Exclusive Features: The Epic Games Store has been gradually implementing new features, such as cross-play and cloud saves. These features could enhance the player experience and make Alan Wake 2 more appealing to fans.
What does this mean for PC Players?
For PC players, this decision means that they will have to use the Epic Games Store to purchase and play Alan Wake 2. This might cause some inconvenience for players who are already accustomed to using Steam for their gaming needs. Here are some potential implications:
• New Store to Learn: PC players will need to adjust to a new store, with its own layout, features, and user interface.
• No Multi-Platform Support: Since Alan Wake 2 is exclusive to the Epic Games Store, players on other platforms, such as GOG, Xbox, or PlayStation, will not be able to play the game.
• Potential Lack of Competition: Without the pressure of competition from other stores, the Epic Games Store might not be as inclined to improve its services or offer competitive prices.
The Future of PC Gaming and Store Exclusives
The decision to make Alan Wake 2 an Epic Games Store exclusive raises questions about the future of PC gaming and store exclusives. Will we see more exclusive titles on other platforms, or will developers continue to focus on Steam?
The Current State of Store Exclusives
Here’s a breakdown of the current state of store exclusives:
| Platform | Exclusive Titles |
|---|---|
| Epic Games Store | Alan Wake 2, Rocket League, Unpacking, and others |
| Steam | Half-Life: Alyx, Death Stranding, Resident Evil 7, and others |
| GOG | None notable |
| Xbox Game Pass | Forza Horizon, Halo Infinite, and others |
| PlayStation Store | God of War, Uncharted 4, and others |
Conclusion
The decision to make Alan Wake 2 an Epic Games Store exclusive has left many fans and PC players wondering what the future holds for PC gaming and store exclusives. While the reasons behind this decision are likely rooted in financial and promotional benefits, it’s essential to consider the implications for players. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how developers and publishers approach store exclusives and platform competition.