How Much Market Share Does Steam Have vs Epic?
The gaming industry has seen a significant shift in recent years, with the rise of digital game distribution platforms. Two major players in this space are Steam and Epic Games Store. In this article, we will delve into the market share of both platforms and explore the differences that set them apart.
Steam’s Market Share
Steam, developed by Valve Corporation, is the most widely used digital distribution platform for PC games. It has been the market leader for many years, and its dominance is evident in its market share. According to a report by SuperData Research, Steam accounts for 50-70% of all PC game downloads worldwide. This is a significant share, and it’s no wonder that many game developers consider Steam a crucial platform for releasing their games.
In terms of revenue, Steam generates $4.3 billion in annual sales, according to a report by Statista. This is a staggering figure, and it’s a testament to Steam’s popularity and influence in the gaming industry.
Epic Games Store’s Market Share
The Epic Games Store, developed by Epic Games, is a relatively new player in the digital distribution market. However, it has quickly gained popularity due to its generous revenue-sharing model and exclusivity deals with popular game developers. According to a report by SuperData Research, the Epic Games Store accounts for 10-20% of all PC game downloads worldwide. This is a significant share, especially considering the Epic Games Store is a much newer platform than Steam.
In terms of revenue, the Epic Games Store generates $1.1 billion in annual sales, according to a report by Statista. While this is significantly lower than Steam’s revenue, it’s still a respectable figure and a testament to the Epic Games Store’s growing popularity.
Comparison of Market Share
Here is a comparison of Steam and Epic Games Store’s market share:
| Platform | Market Share |
|---|---|
| Steam | 50-70% |
| Epic Games Store | 10-20% |
As you can see, Steam dominates the market with a significant lead over the Epic Games Store. However, the Epic Games Store is quickly gaining ground, and its market share is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.
Why Steam Dominates
So, why does Steam dominate the market? Here are a few reasons:
- Established user base: Steam has been around for many years, and it has built a massive user base. This gives it a significant advantage over the Epic Games Store, which is still a relatively new platform.
- Wide game selection: Steam has a vast library of games, including both indie titles and AAA games. This gives users a wide range of options, making it a more appealing platform.
- Established payment system: Steam has a well-established payment system, making it easy for users to purchase games and manage their accounts.
Why the Epic Games Store is Gaining Ground
So, why is the Epic Games Store gaining ground? Here are a few reasons:
- Generous revenue-sharing model: The Epic Games Store offers a more generous revenue-sharing model than Steam, which gives developers more money per sale.
- Exclusive deals: The Epic Games Store has secured exclusive deals with popular game developers, such as Fortnite and Unreal Tournament, which has attracted a significant following.
- Growing user base: The Epic Games Store has a growing user base, which is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Steam dominates the market with a significant lead over the Epic Games Store. However, the Epic Games Store is quickly gaining ground, and its market share is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. While Steam’s established user base and wide game selection give it a significant advantage, the Epic Games Store’s generous revenue-sharing model and exclusive deals make it an attractive alternative for developers and users alike. Ultimately, the battle for market share between Steam and the Epic Games Store will continue to shape the gaming industry and influence the way we play games.