Why is Fortnite not on Steam?
Fortnite, one of the most popular battle royale games in the world, is not available on Steam, the largest digital distribution platform for PC games. This has raised many questions among gamers and critics alike. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind Fortnite’s absence from Steam and provide some insights into its business model.
Direct Answer
Fortnite is not on Steam because Epic Games, the developer and publisher of Fortnite, has chosen to release the game on its own platform, called the Epic Games Store. This decision was made in 2018, when Epic Games announced its plan to launch a new digital storefront that would compete with Steam and other established platforms.
Why did Epic Games decide to create its own platform?
There are several reasons why Epic Games decided to create its own platform:
- Monetization: By releasing Fortnite on its own platform, Epic Games can retain 88% of the revenue generated from the game, compared to the 30% that Steam takes from developers. This is a significant advantage, especially for a game that generates billions of dollars in revenue each year.
- Control: By having its own platform, Epic Games has complete control over the game’s distribution, updates, and monetization. This allows the company to make decisions quickly and without having to negotiate with a third-party platform.
- Quality: Epic Games is committed to delivering a high-quality gaming experience to its players. By having its own platform, the company can ensure that the game is optimized for the platform and that players have a seamless experience.
What are the advantages of the Epic Games Store?
The Epic Games Store has several advantages over Steam:
- Better Revenue Sharing: As mentioned earlier, the Epic Games Store offers a better revenue sharing model, with developers retaining 88% of the revenue generated from their games.
- Faster Updates: The Epic Games Store allows developers to update their games more quickly and easily, without having to go through a review process.
- Exclusive Games: The Epic Games Store has exclusive titles that can only be played on the platform, which makes it an attractive option for gamers.
What are the disadvantages of the Epic Games Store?
While the Epic Games Store has its advantages, it also has some disadvantages:
- Limited Library: The Epic Games Store has a limited library of games compared to Steam, which has thousands of titles available.
- No User Reviews: The Epic Games Store does not have a user review system, which makes it harder for gamers to make informed decisions about which games to play.
- No Community Features: The Epic Games Store does not have community features such as forums, chat, or groups, which makes it harder for gamers to connect with each other.
FAQs
Q: Why did Epic Games decide to release Fortnite on its own platform?
A: Epic Games decided to release Fortnite on its own platform to retain 88% of the revenue generated from the game and to have complete control over the game’s distribution, updates, and monetization.
Q: What are the advantages of the Epic Games Store?
A: The Epic Games Store has several advantages, including better revenue sharing, faster updates, and exclusive games.
Q: What are the disadvantages of the Epic Games Store?
A: The Epic Games Store has several disadvantages, including a limited library of games, no user reviews, and no community features.
Q: Can I play Fortnite on Steam?
A: No, Fortnite is not available on Steam and can only be played on the Epic Games Store.
Q: Can I play Fortnite on other platforms?
A: Yes, Fortnite is available on other platforms such as Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch, in addition to the Epic Games Store.
Q: Is the Epic Games Store available on all platforms?
A: No, the Epic Games Store is currently only available on PC and Mac, but the company plans to expand to other platforms in the future.
Q: Can I use my Steam account to play Fortnite?
A: No, you cannot use your Steam account to play Fortnite, as it is a separate platform with its own account system.
Q: Can I play Fortnite on multiple platforms?
A: Yes, you can play Fortnite on multiple platforms, including PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch, as long as you have a separate account on each platform.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Fortnite is not on Steam because Epic Games has chosen to release the game on its own platform, the Epic Games Store. This decision was made to retain 88% of the revenue generated from the game and to have complete control over the game’s distribution, updates, and monetization. While the Epic Games Store has its advantages, it also has some disadvantages, including a limited library of games and no user reviews.