How Much Does It Cost to Put a Game on Epic?
So, you’ve poured your heart and soul into creating a fantastic game and you’re dreaming of launching it on the Epic Games Store (EGS). Naturally, the first question buzzing around your head is: “How much is this actually going to cost me?” Let’s cut to the chase.
The straightforward answer is: it doesn’t cost you anything upfront to list your game on the Epic Games Store. That’s right. There are no listing fees, no upfront costs, and no hidden charges just for getting your game up on the platform. Epic operates on a revenue-sharing model, which means they only get paid if your game makes money.
Here’s how the economics work: Epic takes a 12% revenue share from your game sales. You, the developer, keep the remaining 88%. This is one of the most developer-friendly revenue splits in the industry, significantly more favorable than the 30% cut taken by some other major digital distribution platforms. This means that you will get a larger portion of your revenue compared to other platforms.
Now, while listing itself is free, keep in mind there are costs associated with game development that you’ll need to factor in. These include:
- Development costs: Salaries for your team (programmers, artists, designers, etc.), software licenses, hardware, and other development tools.
- Marketing and Promotion: This can be a significant expense. Getting your game noticed requires marketing campaigns, trailers, social media presence, PR, and potentially paid advertising.
- QA Testing: Thoroughly testing your game is crucial to ensure a smooth launch and positive player experience. This might involve hiring testers or using specialized testing services.
- Localisation: If you plan to reach a global audience, you’ll need to translate your game into multiple languages.
- Legal and Accounting: Setting up your business, handling contracts, and managing your finances will incur legal and accounting costs.
These costs exist regardless of which platform you choose to distribute on, so it’s vital to create a realistic budget before diving into game development. Epic provides the platform, but it is your responsibility to drive sales.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Publishing on Epic
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about publishing your game on the Epic Games Store:
1. What is the Epic Games Store revenue share model?
The Epic Games Store employs an 88/12 revenue share model. This means developers receive 88% of the revenue generated from game sales, while Epic Games retains 12%. This is significantly more advantageous compared to the standard 70/30 split offered by many other platforms.
2. Are there any upfront fees to list my game on the Epic Games Store?
No, there are no upfront fees associated with listing your game on the Epic Games Store. You only pay Epic if your game generates revenue.
3. What are the technical requirements for submitting a game to the Epic Games Store?
Epic has specific technical guidelines and requirements for game submissions. These encompass aspects such as game engine compatibility, platform integration (e.g., Epic Online Services), performance optimization, and adherence to content guidelines. Detailed documentation is available on the Epic Developer Portal.
4. How do I submit my game to the Epic Games Store?
The process involves creating a developer account, accepting the Epic Games Store Distribution Agreement, and preparing your game build according to Epic’s technical requirements. You’ll then submit your game through the Epic Developer Portal.
5. What is the review process like for games submitted to the Epic Games Store?
Epic conducts a review process to ensure the game meets their quality standards, technical requirements, and content guidelines. This includes assessing the game’s functionality, performance, and overall user experience. The review process timeframe can vary.
6. Does the Epic Games Store offer any marketing support for new releases?
While Epic doesn’t guarantee marketing support for every game, they do offer various promotional opportunities for select titles. These can include featuring games on the storefront, participating in sales events, and collaborating on marketing campaigns. Developers are encouraged to reach out to Epic with their marketing plans.
7. What is Epic Online Services (EOS) and how does it integrate with the Epic Games Store?
Epic Online Services (EOS) is a suite of free cross-platform services designed to help developers build, launch, and scale their games. It includes features like authentication, matchmaking, social features, and cloud storage. Integration with EOS can enhance your game’s functionality and user experience on the Epic Games Store.
8. What game engines are compatible with the Epic Games Store?
The Epic Games Store supports a wide range of game engines, including but not limited to Unreal Engine, Unity, GameMaker Studio 2, and Godot. However, you will need to ensure the engine is compatible with the technical requirements for the platform. Unreal Engine is a popular option among developers.
9. How do I handle payments and royalties as an Epic Games Store developer?
Epic handles the payment processing for game sales. Royalties are calculated based on the revenue share agreement (88/12) and paid out to developers on a regular basis. Details regarding payment schedules and methods are outlined in the Epic Games Store Distribution Agreement.
10. Can I use my own DRM solution for games on the Epic Games Store?
No, you cannot use your own DRM (Digital Rights Management) solution. The Epic Games Store mandates the use of their own DRM to protect against piracy and unauthorized distribution.
11. What are the content guidelines for games on the Epic Games Store?
Epic has content guidelines in place to ensure a safe and appropriate environment for users. These guidelines prohibit content that is illegal, harmful, offensive, or violates intellectual property rights.
12. Does the Epic Games Store offer localization support?
Yes, the Epic Games Store supports multiple languages, allowing developers to localize their games for a global audience. This includes providing tools and resources for translating game text and assets.
13. What kind of analytics and reporting does the Epic Games Store provide to developers?
Epic provides developers with analytics and reporting tools to track game performance, sales data, and player engagement metrics. This information can be used to optimize your game and marketing efforts.
14. How do I get my game featured in an Epic Games Store sale or promotion?
Getting your game featured in a sale or promotion requires contacting Epic Games directly and submitting your game for consideration. Factors such as game quality, sales potential, and marketing plans will be taken into account.
15. Where can I find more information and support for publishing on the Epic Games Store?
The Epic Developer Portal is your primary resource for information, documentation, and support related to publishing on the Epic Games Store. It contains detailed guides, technical specifications, and a community forum for developers. Understanding the dynamics of game design and the potential for educational impact can be further explored through resources like the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
The Epic Games Store provides a fantastic platform for developers, large and small, to showcase their creations. With a generous revenue split and no upfront costs, it is a valuable option for any developer aiming to reach a broad audience. Good luck and happy developing!