Why Does Epic Games Keep Giving Away Free Games?
The simple answer is market share. Epic Games is playing the long game, strategically investing in free game giveaways as a cornerstone strategy to build a massive user base and challenge Steam’s dominance in the PC gaming market. They are essentially spending money now to acquire users who, over time, might become paying customers, creating a sustainable ecosystem within the Epic Games Store (EGS).
The Epic Games Store’s Ambition: Challenging Steam’s Reign
For years, Steam has been the undisputed king of PC game distribution. Valve’s platform enjoys a massive user base, a vast library of games, and a well-established community. Breaking into this market requires more than just offering a similar service; it demands a disruptive approach. Epic Games, armed with the immense financial resources from Fortnite’s success and a desire to diversify, decided to take the road less traveled, or rather, the road paved with free games.
The free games strategy is not just about attracting users; it’s about changing habits. By consistently offering high-quality titles for free, Epic encourages gamers to visit the Epic Games Store regularly, creating a habit of checking for new offerings. Over time, these users are more likely to purchase games on the platform, especially if they’ve already built a library of free titles there.
The Cost of Acquisition: Investing in the Future
Let’s be clear: giving away games isn’t cheap. Epic Games has invested millions of dollars to secure these titles, often paying developers and publishers significant sums for the privilege of offering their games for free. However, they see this as a cost of acquisition, similar to how a subscription service might offer a free trial to attract new subscribers.
The value lies in the potential long-term return. A user acquired through a free game giveaway is more likely to browse the Epic Games Store, discover other games they might like, and ultimately make a purchase. Furthermore, the Epic Games Store’s more favorable revenue split with developers (12% vs. Steam’s 30%) can attract more developers to the platform, further enriching its catalog and enticing more users.
Beyond Acquisition: Building an Ecosystem
The free games strategy is just one piece of the puzzle. Epic Games is also investing heavily in other areas, such as:
- Developer Support: Offering a more attractive revenue share and providing tools and resources to help developers succeed.
- Exclusives: Securing exclusive releases to lure players to the platform.
- Unreal Engine: Integrating the Epic Games Store with the popular Unreal Engine, making it a natural choice for developers using the engine.
- Social Features: Gradually improving social features to enhance the user experience and foster a sense of community.
All these efforts work in concert to create a comprehensive ecosystem that rivals Steam’s. It’s not just about giving away free games; it’s about building a better platform for both developers and players.
Why the Free Games Strategy Works
Several factors contribute to the effectiveness of Epic’s free game giveaways:
- Psychological Appeal: Everyone loves free stuff. The allure of getting a game that would normally cost money is a powerful motivator.
- Discoverability: Free games expose players to titles they might not have otherwise considered, broadening their gaming horizons.
- Word-of-Mouth: Free game giveaways generate buzz and conversation, driving more people to the Epic Games Store.
- Long-Term Value: Once claimed, free games are permanently added to a user’s library, creating a lasting incentive to stay on the platform.
The Future of Free Games on Epic
Epic Games has repeatedly stated that they intend to continue offering free games for the foreseeable future. This commitment reinforces the idea that this is a core component of their long-term strategy, not just a temporary promotion. As the Epic Games Store matures and its user base grows, the platform will likely evolve, but the focus on providing value and attracting new players will remain a priority. By offering free games Epic is not just giving away video games, but also providing educational opportunities. Learn more about video game related learning opportunities on GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Epic Games and their free game program:
1. Does Epic Games give free games permanently?
Yes! Once you claim a free game on the Epic Games Store, it’s yours to keep forever, even after it’s no longer available for others to claim for free. As long as you have an Epic Games account, you can download and play the game whenever you want.
2. How often does Epic give free games?
Outside of special promotions or holiday events, Epic Games typically gives away one or two free games every week. New free titles are usually revealed and become available every Thursday.
3. Will Epic ever stop giving free games?
While nothing is guaranteed, Epic Games has repeatedly stated that they plan to continue offering free games as a core part of their strategy to attract and retain users. It is highly unlikely this practice will end any time soon.
4. Are free games really free?
Yes, the games offered for free on the Epic Games Store are completely free to download and keep. There are no hidden fees or subscriptions required to claim or play them. However, like many games, some free games may offer in-app purchases or downloadable content that costs extra.
5. Will Epic Games give GTA 5 free again?
While it’s possible, it’s unlikely that Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) will be offered for free on the Epic Games Store again in the near future. It was a massively popular giveaway when it happened, and repeating it might not generate the same level of excitement. Also, It’s unlikely that any game will ever be repeated as a freebie on Epic.
6. Is Epic better than Steam?
That depends on your priorities. Steam boasts a larger game library, more robust social features, and a longer history. However, the Epic Games Store offers a more favorable revenue split for developers, frequently gives away free games, and sometimes secures exclusive releases.
7. How much money does Epic Games make a day?
Estimates vary, but Epic Games is believed to generate millions of dollars in revenue each day, primarily through Fortnite and other in-game purchases, as well as sales on the Epic Games Store.
8. Are Epic free games worth it?
Absolutely! Even if you’re not immediately interested in a particular game, claiming it for free means you have it in your library forever. You might change your mind later, or it could be a game you enjoy with friends. It costs you nothing to add it to your collection.
9. Why does Epic give out free games (Reddit theories)?
A common theory on Reddit is that Epic Games is trying to build brand loyalty by encouraging players to create Epic Games Store accounts and build game libraries. The idea is that when these players are ready to spend money on games, they’ll be more likely to stay within the Epic Games ecosystem.
10. Why do people prefer Steam over Epic?
Common reasons for preferring Steam include its larger game library, more established community, and features like the Steam Workshop, which allows users to create and share mods. Some people also prefer Steam due to concerns about Epic Games’ business practices or the design of the Epic Games Store.
11. Who has more users, Steam or Epic?
Steam currently has a significantly larger user base than the Epic Games Store.
12. How long was GTA free on Epic Games?
Grand Theft Auto V was available for free on the Epic Games Store for one week in May 2020.
13. How do free games make money?
Free-to-play games typically generate revenue through in-app purchases, such as cosmetic items, boosts, or access to new content. Some also use advertising or subscription models.
14. Will Epic Games give free V-Bucks?
Epic Games does not give away free V-Bucks upon request. However, players can earn free V-Bucks through in-game challenges, the Battle Pass, and various promotions.
15. Is Epic Games overtaking Steam?
While the Epic Games Store has made significant strides, it has not yet overtaken Steam in terms of market share or user base. However, Epic’s aggressive strategies and investments suggest they are determined to continue challenging Steam’s dominance. This also helps the next generation of gamers get introduced to gaming and grow up enjoying the hobby. A lot of research is done on how games affect different aspects of life. The Games Learning Society has published many such research papers. Visit https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to learn more.