It would seem that Epic Games is tossing a hail mary for its Epic Games Store, a digital storefront that doesn’t exactly have many friends, with this new attempt called the “Epic First Run Program.”
This program will allow third-party developers to approach Epic Games and have them publish their games directly on the Epic Games Store, but will now provide up to 100% of revenue for the first six months. After that, it will revert to the default profit split on the Epic Games Store, which is 88/12%. I’ll admit that this new program could be great for those looking to get their games onto the PC and want more money to head their way.
To be eligible, a developer must not already have a game that has already been released on another third-party digital storefront or part of a subscription service. In other words, Epic Games is looking to bring more exclusives to their platform with the draw of more money for the developers, and that’s where I have a problem with this. Instead of having developers come to them on their own, Epic Games is dangling a bag of money in front of them and whispering into their ears.
Sure, it’s a smart business move, as Epic Games doesn’t have to pay upfront for any exclusivity, as the developers will come to them and guarantee that any games added via this program will be exclusive for six months. But as a whole, it doesn’t detract that this is still causing exclusivity on the PC platform. I wouldn’t say I like where this is ultimately headed, and I feel this reeks of desperation on Epic Games’ part. It could also be a sign that the company realizes that paying for exclusives is super pricey and offering this option instead will benefit them and the 3rd party developers, as they don’t have to put anything upfront.
Visit the official site for more information about the Epic First Fun Program.
As for me, I wouldn’t say I like this approach one bit. But maybe I’m wrong, and this will benefit developers. We’ll wait and see how many developers bite and if there’s any blowback from it all.
