How Much Does It Cost to Put a Game on Epic Games?
In recent years, the video game industry has witnessed a significant shift in the way games are published and distributed. The rise of digital storefronts such as the Epic Games Store (EGS) has made it easier for game developers to reach a wider audience without the need for traditional publishing deals. But how much does it cost to put a game on Epic Games?
The Submission Fee
The answer is straightforward: the submission fee for the Epic Games Store is $100. This fee is paid by the developer once they have completed the review and approval process for their game. The fee is a one-time payment and is used to cover the costs associated with hosting and distributing the game on the platform.
Other Costs
While the submission fee is the most obvious cost, there are other expenses associated with publishing a game on Epic Games. Here are some of the additional costs to consider:
• Development Costs: This is the cost of actually creating the game. This can include salaries for developers, artists, and other team members, as well as the cost of equipment and software.
• Marketing and Advertising: Game developers may choose to invest in marketing and advertising campaigns to promote their game and reach a wider audience. These costs can be significant, especially for smaller independent developers.
• Server and Hosting Costs: If the game is an online multiplayer title, the developer may need to invest in server and hosting infrastructure to support the game’s servers. These costs can vary depending on the size of the game and the number of players.
• Royalties: Epic Games takes a 12% royalty on all revenue generated by the game, as well as a 30% commission on in-game transactions.
Comparison to Steam
For comparison, the submission fee for Steam is also $100, although the costs of developing and marketing a game can be significantly higher. This is because Steam has a much larger user base and a more established market, which can make it more challenging for smaller developers to stand out.
The Benefits of Publishing on Epic Games
So, what are the benefits of publishing a game on Epic Games? Here are some of the advantages:
• Lower Revenue Share: Unlike Steam, which takes a 30% commission on all revenue generated by a game, Epic Games only takes a 12% royalty.
• Increased Revenue Potential: With its larger user base and growing popularity, the Epic Games Store offers more opportunities for developers to generate revenue from their games.
• Improved Discoverability: The Epic Games Store features a more curated selection of games, which can make it easier for developers to reach a wider audience.
• Better Support: Epic Games offers more direct support to developers, including dedicated support teams and a more streamlined approval process.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost of putting a game on Epic Games is $100, although there may be additional costs associated with developing and marketing the game. While the costs may be higher than those associated with Steam, the benefits of publishing on Epic Games can include a lower revenue share, increased revenue potential, improved discoverability, and better support. By considering these factors, game developers can make an informed decision about which platform is best for their game.