Why Did Fall Guys Get a New Launcher? The Full Story Explained

The simple answer is this: Fall Guys got a new launcher because Mediatonic, the game’s developer, was acquired by Epic Games. This acquisition resulted in Epic Games taking over publishing duties from Devolver Digital. As a result, the game transitioned to the Epic Games Launcher on platforms where it was previously available through other means, such as the PlayStation 4 (PS4). In essence, it was a change of ownership and a move towards consolidating the game under the umbrella of its new parent company.

This transition wasn’t just a cosmetic change. It signified a shift in the game’s ecosystem, paving the way for deeper integration with Epic Games’ infrastructure, including cross-platform play capabilities and the free-to-play model that was subsequently adopted.

The Ripple Effect of Acquisition

The acquisition of Mediatonic by Epic Games triggered a chain reaction that fundamentally altered the way players accessed and experienced Fall Guys.

1. Publisher Shift: Prior to the acquisition, Devolver Digital handled the publishing responsibilities for Fall Guys. This meant they were responsible for distributing the game on various platforms. After the acquisition, this role transitioned to Epic Games.

2. Launcher Consolidation: Epic Games has its own launcher, the Epic Games Launcher, which serves as a central hub for all games published by the company, including Fortnite, Rocket League, and now, Fall Guys. This is intended to streamline the player experience and provide a consistent environment for all Epic Games titles.

3. Platform Unification: Bringing Fall Guys under the Epic Games umbrella also facilitated the game’s launch on new platforms, such as Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. This expansion was accompanied by the introduction of cross-platform play, allowing players on different platforms to compete against each other.

4. Free-to-Play Transition: Perhaps the most significant change that occurred after the acquisition was the transition to a free-to-play model. This move made Fall Guys accessible to a much wider audience, further boosting its popularity.

5. Business reasons: Changing the Launcher is part of the wider integration of Fall Guys into the Epic Games Ecosystem and it means Epic Games can better leverage its platform tools to support and grow Fall Guys.

The shift to the Epic Games Launcher wasn’t without its challenges. Some players expressed concerns about having to download and install a new launcher, especially if they were already using other platforms like Steam. However, Epic Games aimed to mitigate these concerns by offering incentives, such as in-game rewards, to encourage players to make the switch.

Future Implications

The move to the Epic Games Launcher has several long-term implications for Fall Guys. It allows Epic Games to:

• Integrate the game more closely with its other titles: This can lead to cross-promotional events, shared assets, and other synergies.
• Leverage its vast network of players: Epic Games has a massive user base, which can help Fall Guys attract new players and retain existing ones.
• Invest in the game’s future development: Epic Games has the resources to invest in new features, content, and improvements for Fall Guys.
• Focus on cross-platform: They offer this game on more and more platforms.
• Develop a more solid ecosystem: As Fall Guys is being developed, it is being integrated into Epic’s Ecosystem and it can therefore leverage the existing tools and resources that Epic owns.

Ultimately, the decision to switch launchers was a strategic move by Epic Games to consolidate its gaming portfolio and position Fall Guys for continued success.

Fall Guys FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

To further clarify the transition and address common concerns, here are 15 frequently asked questions about the Fall Guys launcher change:

1. Why did Fall Guys switch launchers from Steam to Epic Games Launcher?

Fall Guys didn’t strictly switch from Steam to exclusively Epic Games. While it did become available on the Epic Games Launcher after Epic Games acquired Mediatonic, it remained available on Steam for those who already owned it there. New players, however, now primarily access it via the Epic Games Launcher.

2. Is Fall Guys shutting down in 2023?

No, Fall Guys is not shutting down. Despite some layoffs at Epic Games, Tim Sweeney has explicitly stated that Fall Guys and other games like Rocket League will continue to be supported and invested in.

3. Is Fall Guys pay to win?

No, Fall Guys is not a pay-to-win game. While it uses a free-to-play model with optional cosmetic purchases (skins, accessories, etc.) using Show-Bucks, these purchases do not affect gameplay or give players a competitive advantage.

4. Was Fall Guys ever free?

Yes, Fall Guys was initially a paid game but transitioned to a free-to-play model on June 21, 2022, coinciding with its launch on new platforms like Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

5. Is Stumble Guys a virus?

No, Stumble Guys is not a virus. It’s a legitimate game available on mobile platforms and Steam, often compared to Fall Guys. It is worth noting that Stumble Guys is a different game to Fall Guys.

6. Why is Fall Guys suddenly popular again?

Fall Guys’s resurgence in popularity is largely attributed to its transition to a free-to-play model and its availability on multiple platforms with cross-platform play. This made it more accessible to a wider audience.

7. Why did Fall Guys remove team games?

Fall Guys hasn’t entirely removed team games, but they are less frequent. The community generally considered team games to be less enjoyable due to their reliance on teammates, leading to a reduction in their inclusion in the game.

8. Why is the game called Fall Guys?

The name Fall Guys reflects the core gameplay experience: characters that frequently fail in humorous ways but always get back up. Early names considered include Fool’s Gauntlet and Stumble Chums.

9. Should I delete the old Fall Guys?

If you downloaded Fall Guys through a previous launcher (e.g., on PS4), and have now downloaded it through the Epic Games Launcher, it’s safe to delete the old version to free up storage space.

10. Does Fall Guys offer refunds?

Yes, Fall Guys offers refunds for in-game cosmetic purchases (using Kudos and Show-Bucks) up to 3 times per calendar year. You have 30 days from the purchase date to request a refund.

11. Why did Fall Guys remove player names?

Real player names were removed due to players abusing the system with offensive or inappropriate names. The game now uses generic names like “FallGuy 28374”.

12. Why does Fall Guys say missing files?

The “missing files” error (200_19002) typically occurs when game files are missing or corrupted. To fix this, try clearing the game cache and verifying the integrity of the game files through the Epic Games Launcher.

13. Is Fall Guys crossplay compatible?

Yes, Fall Guys has full cross-platform play support among all platforms (PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox).

14. What launcher runs Fortnite?

Fortnite runs on the Epic Games Launcher.

15. Is the Epic Games Launcher safe?

Yes, the Epic Games Launcher is safe to install and use. It is a legitimate platform for downloading and playing games.

Conclusion: The Future of Fall Guys

The transition to the Epic Games Launcher marks a significant chapter in the Fall Guys saga. While it may have initially presented some inconveniences for players, it has ultimately paved the way for a more accessible, unified, and feature-rich gaming experience. With the support of Epic Games, Fall Guys is poised for continued growth and innovation in the years to come. The Games Learning Society offers valuable resources on the educational aspects of gaming. Learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.