Is it Better to Get Games on Epic Games or Steam?
Gaming enthusiasts have been caught between two popular digital stores – Epic Games and Steam. Both platforms offer an incredible selection of games, and it’s essential to consider the pros and cons before making a decision. In this article, we will delve into the unique features of each platform to determine which one is best suited for your gaming needs.
Exclusive Games:
Epic Games stands out with its exclusive library, which includes popular titles such as Fortnite and Rocket League. These games cannot be found on Steam, making Epic Games a go-to choice for fans of these popular franchises. On the other hand, Steam’s library is vast, but not as exclusive as Epic’s.
Free Games:
Epic Games’ Free Games Friday initiative has been gaining traction, offering a weekly dose of free games. Although Steam also offers some free games, Epic Games takes the lead in providing more frequent and diverse selection. Warframe is another notable example, a free-to-play third-person shooter that is free to play forever, with no microtransactions!
Pricing Model:
Epic Games charges a flat 30% commission on game sales, whereas Steam takes 10% to 5% commission, depending on the game’s total sales. This difference could influence developers’ decisions regarding platform choice. However, note that Epic Games aims to reduce its commission for long-term partnerships.
Refunds and Customer Support:
Steam’s well-known Steam Refunds policy allows customers to return games within 2 weeks, with a reasonable window for refunds. In contrast, Epic Games refunds may be more restrictive due to its 14-day guarantee. Both platforms offer customer support, but Epic Games’ phone and email support tends to be more responsive. Still, Steam’s FAQ sections and community forums might offer more comprehensive answers for players.
Community:
Steam’s vast gaming community is a significant drawing card, with millions of registered users. Discussion boards, groups, and workshops cater to various interests. Epic Games Forums, although smaller, host active discussions as well. Both platforms struggle to replicate the same enthusiasm for certain games, primarily due to Steam’s lead-time advantage.
DRM and Security:
DRM (Digital Rights Management) is always a concern for gamers and developers alike. Steam relies heavily on its Steambot system to scan and verify game content. Epic Games, using a similar approach through its Epic Store, aims to establish its own DRM system without DRM-free weekends, which Steam occasionally offers. Additionally, Epic Games incorporates security measures like mandatory installation of antivirus software, giving users an extra layer of protection.
Multi-platform Support:
Steamlite offers support across a broader range of operating systems, including RHEL, Fedora, and Ubuntu Linux distributions. Epic Games also supports Windows and Mac, but its lack of Linux support might sway certain users.
Sales and Discounts:
Steamin’ deals and bundle promotions are legendary, featuring an array of discounts that will make your wallet sob (in a good way, of course). The Epic Games Store also holds occasional sales, but might struggle to match Steam’s dizzying array of deals and daily discounts.
A Conclusion:
Ultimately, which store is better for gamers will depend on individual priorities:
- Exclusive Titles: Epic Games
- Free Games: Epic Games
- Large Game Library: Steam
- Community: Both have their strengths, so take your pick!
- Pricing Model: Developers might prefer Steam; end-users might prefer a slightly more competitive pricing (which Epic Games offers). * Refunds: Both have their own warranty periods but can be restrictive.
In our opinion, Epic Games excels as the go-to choice for exclusives, free-to-play titles, and regular surprises. Steam should be considered for access to a vast library and enthusiastic community. If flexibility with refunds and pricing (more competitive) is significant for you, Steami might be worth prioritizing.
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