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Chat feature now available in launcher: what happened?

Chat Feature Sparks Buzz | Launcher Update Stirs User Reactions

By

Tina Li

Dec 12, 2025, 04:47 AM

3 minutes of duration

A screenshot of the gaming launcher showcasing the new chat feature and Social tab in the EGS Mobile App.
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A new chat option has unexpectedly appeared in the Epic Games launcher, raising questions among the player community. The addition comes shortly after an update to the Epic Games Store (EGS) mobile app, now at version 1.0, featuring a dedicated "Social" tab for connecting with friends. Is this an accidental rollout or a planned enhancement?

Context of the Change

Sources reveal that users were surprised to find a chat function when clicking on their profiles. Previously unavailable, this feature now allows players to communicate directlyโ€”something long requested by many. The initial confusion stemmed from its sudden implementation, tackling usability issues that advocates argue should have been addressed sooner.

The sentiments among players appear mixed. One comment noted, "It took EGS a ridiculous amount of time to release this feature, but itโ€™s better late than never." Another remarked on the aesthetic improvements: "I noticed a change in the look of the social tab last night on both Windows and Mac."

Interestingly, many users have expressed hope that more enhancements are on the way:

"I hope our profiles are also getting a major overhaul; itโ€™s been needed for a LONG time."

Key Themes from User Reactions

  1. Long-Awaited Feature

    • Gamers are relieved yet frustrated about the long wait for basic functions. As one user put it, "Glad to see chat back but shouldnโ€™t have taken this long."

  2. Ambiguities in Functionality

    • Users are raising questions about message deletion options. "No way to delete or clear messages; Iโ€™ve spent five minutes on this," mentioned a concerned user.

  3. Ongoing Updates and Improvements

    • Many see the recent rollout as part of a larger trend of improvements from the Epic team. "The dev team for the launcher has been killing it these past few months, new features every three weeks!"

Sentiment Patterns

The overall atmosphere conveys a blend of excitement and skepticism. Many users praise the update while also voicing frustration about delayed features. It showcases a community eager for more consistent enhancements.

Highlights from the Community Conversation

  • โ€œNow waiting for a workshop and to be able to make reviews.โ€

  • โ€œRegardless, itโ€™s good to see Epic is finally making some changes.โ€

  • โ€œItโ€™s been like 3-4 years since they introduced chat.โ€

Final Thoughts

As players adjust to the new chat function, the spotlight shifts to Epic Gamesโ€™ commitment to continuing these updates. With the community eager for consistent improvements, 2026 may hold promise for a more enhanced user experience in the launcher.

๐Ÿ”น

  • โ–ณ User reactions split between relief and frustration about the late launch.

  • โ–ฝ Many users applaud the recent redesign efforts amid complaints over missing features.

  • โ€ป "Letโ€™s hope 2026 is a good year for the launcher!"

Let's see what the next updates will bring.

What Lies Ahead for the Epic Games Launcher?

With the communityโ€™s mixed reactions to the chat feature, thereโ€™s a strong chance that Epic Games will prioritize additional improvements in the coming months. Users are vocal about needing features like message deletion and profile overhauls, indicating a clear demand. Experts estimate around a 70% probability that the development team will unveil further updates by mid-2026, reflecting an increasing commitment to user feedback. The trend of consistent updates suggests that Epic may aim to convert skepticism into satisfaction, making the launcher a more robust platform.

Drawing Parallels with the Past

This situation mirrors the evolution of social media platforms, such as Facebook, where early skepticism often preceded rapid feature enhancements. Much like how users initially criticized Facebook for sluggish updates yet grew into a thriving community, the essential need for effective communication tools pushed developers to rethink their strategies. The lingering hope that Epic Games can transform criticism into progress mirrors a classic tale: Evolution often emerges from a storm of unmet expectations, leading to reshaped landscapes in digital communication.