Devs Get More Money from Epic Games than Steam: A Detailed Look

Have you ever wondered why developers seem to be making more money from Epic Games than from Steam? It’s a topic that has sparked quite a debate in the gaming industry. Let’s delve into the reasons behind this trend and explore the various dimensions that contribute to this phenomenon.

Revenue Sharing Models

One of the primary reasons developers are making more money from Epic Games is due to the revenue sharing model. Unlike Steam, which takes a 30% cut of all sales, Epic Games offers a more generous 88% revenue share to developers. This means that developers get to keep a larger portion of their earnings, which can be a significant factor in their overall profitability.

Platform	Revenue Share
Steam	70% (for developers with less than $1 million in lifetime sales)
Steam	30% (for developers with more than $1 million in lifetime sales)
Epic Games Store	88%

This difference in revenue sharing can be a substantial advantage for developers, especially those who are just starting out or have smaller games. By keeping more of their earnings, developers have more resources to invest in future projects, marketing, and other business expenses.

Marketing and Promotion

Another reason developers are making more money from Epic Games is the platform’s marketing and promotion efforts. Epic Games has invested heavily in promoting games on its store, which has led to increased visibility and sales for developers. This includes featuring games on the homepage, offering exclusive deals, and providing marketing support.

In contrast, Steam relies more on user-generated content and community-driven promotions. While this has its own benefits, it may not always result in the same level of exposure for developers, especially those who are less well-known.

Exclusive Titles

Epic Games has also been successful in attracting exclusive titles to its platform. By offering developers more money and additional incentives, such as early access to the store and promotional support, Epic Games has been able to secure a number of high-profile games that are not available on Steam.

This exclusivity has created a sense of urgency among gamers who want to play these games, leading to increased sales and revenue for developers. In some cases, these exclusive titles have even driven gamers to purchase the Epic Games Store, further boosting the platform’s revenue potential.

Community and User Experience

The Epic Games Store has also been praised for its user-friendly interface and overall user experience. This has made it more appealing to both developers and gamers, as it provides a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

In contrast, Steam has been criticized for its cluttered interface and sometimes complicated user experience. While Steam has made improvements over the years, the Epic Games Store’s focus on simplicity and ease of use has given it an edge in terms of user satisfaction.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several reasons why developers are making more money from Epic Games than from Steam. The revenue sharing model, marketing and promotion efforts, exclusive titles, and user experience all play a role in this trend. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these factors change and how they impact developers’ earnings on different platforms.