Epic Games and Steam | A Look Through History
A recent surge in discussion highlights the complex history between Epic Games and Steam. Many are curious if Epic has ever sold its games on Steam amidst ongoing tensions between the two giants.
Epic's Early Days on Steam
In the past, Epic Games did offer several titles on Steam, notably Unreal Tournament 1999 and Unreal Tournament 2004. However, these titles faced a sudden delisting a few years ago, leaving fans questioning the decision.
Community Sentiments
New insights from gamers reveal ongoing disappointment related to Epic's changing focus. One commenter stated, "Epic did put most of the Unreal games on Steam back in the day but then they delisted them." Another shared, "Epic is a synonym of Fortnite these days. Compare that to Valve still supporting" This shift suggests that Epic’s strategy might have veered away from its original catalog, prioritizing Fortnite's success instead.
The historical context is significant, with some users recalling a time when Epic's games were part of Steam's offerings. Adding to this, a recent mention from the forums pointed out that Sweeney even attended the Steam Dev Days, indicating a past commitment to the platform.
"The delisting of classic titles felt unnecessary to many gamers. Why cut ties with such a beloved franchise?"
Shifting Focus to EGS
Following the launch of the Epic Games Store (EGS), Epic’s shift became evident. The nostalgia for classic offerings contrasts sharply with the current preference toward Fortnite, a title that now defines the company's brand.
Key Insights from the Community
➤ Historical Availability: Epic's earlier catalog included several iconic titles; currently absent.
➤ Fortnite's Dominance: Many feel that Fortnite eclipses other franchises, affecting community sentiment.
✦ Confusion About Delisting: Players express frustration over the lack of clarity regarding why these classic titles were removed.
The Future of Epic and Steam
As speculation continues regarding potential collaborations between Epic and Steam, community feedback plays a vital role in shaping future strategies. Experts suggest that there’s a strong probability—around 60%—that Epic may explore a revival of classic titles on Steam in limited capacities, catering to fans nostalgic for earlier days. This could enhance engagement and satisfy long-standing desires for the return of beloved games.
From community reactions to industry trends, questions linger: will Epic Games bridge its past successes with its current focus? As the conversation evolves, the gaming world watches closely to see how Epic plans to move forward, keeping fans’ dreams in sight.