Epic Games is pulling out all the stops to boost the popularity of their store. Their tactics include giving away free games and securing exclusive deals. However, not all these moves have been successful, as CEO Tim Sweeney acknowledged.
During a recent press briefing, Sweeney admitted that while some exclusivity deals have been profitable, many have not yielded the desired results. On the other hand, the free game giveaway initiative has been a game-changer for the company.
“We’ve invested heavily in exclusives, with mixed outcomes. The free game giveaway program, however, has been incredibly successful.”
Tim Sweeney
The highly anticipated game, The Wolf Among Us 2, will also be exclusive to the Epic Games Store.
Sweeney emphasized that offering free games has proven to be more beneficial than exclusivity deals. Despite seeming counterintuitive, the free game giveaway program has been a cost-effective strategy, attracting users at a lower cost compared to traditional advertising methods. This approach also supports developers directly, aligning with the store’s commitment to their success.
“By offering developers financial support for exclusivity, we can attract new users to our platform at a minimal cost. The free games not only raise awareness but also boost sales for other paid titles, making it a win-win situation for all parties involved.”
Tim Sweeney
Additionally, Epic Games provides funding to studios in exchange for exclusivity on their platform. Titles like Alan Wake II, developed under this program, have set the stage for other studios like Playdead and genDESIGN to follow suit. According to Epic Games Store General Manager Steve Allison, the long-term exclusivity of games on EGS has proven to be a successful strategy, with titles like Borderlands 3 exceeding expectations for both developers and publishers.
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Source: stopgame.ru