For anyone into PC gaming, they most likely are aware of the recent growth of the Epic Game Store (EGS). Along with that has also come the news of multiple deal they’ve made with game developers and publisher to release their games exclusively on EGS. Well as it has been announced Epic Games has purchased the game studio Psyonix, the developers behind Rocket League [https://archive.fo/WqWHi].
From a business standpoint, it makes sense that Epic would want to pursue the game to be put on their platform. Released in 2015, the game has gained considerable fame and according to Steam Charts had an average player count of 32,594.4 in the month of April [https://archive.fo/0BAJ4]. Of course we have no idea of how much money is being spent to acquire the company, as the deal itself has yet to close as of writing this. However I would imagine that it would be quite a pretty penny.
Unsurprisingly, this has lead to predictable backlash as the game is being reviewed bombed on its Steam store page [https://archive.fo/zqRvQ].
The practice of EGS buying up exclusively has not been without controversy, with those that support the idea to combat the essential monopoly it has over the PC gaming market, and those against the concept. Stating that it is anti-consumer by limiting their ability to have an open marketplace. While I’m not writing this post to discuss the whole idea of exclusivity, anyone curious about my stance is that I am on the side again Epic buying up exclusive content.
I’m writing this because I want to make the point that they’ll continue this practice because it works. Even with the backlash, most people simply don’t care. Exclusivity isn’t a new concept in gaming, it’s pretty much the main backbone for why each individual game console maintains their competitiveness in the console market. It’s not even technically new in the PC gaming sphere, as some AAA publishers have their own launchers for games created by them. Examples being Origin or Battle.Net.
However, unlike other games they’ve received exclusivity, this is one that had already been sold elsewhere for almost 4 years now. This is the part that concerns me the most. Before, this type of news would only make me disappointed in hearing of new titles being announced. But now, even games that I’ve already enjoyed playing elsewhere. Whether it’s on Steam, GOG, or even Origin, aren’t even safe in staying on those platforms.
What do you guys think? I’d like to hear what people who enjoy playing on PC, and even those that don’t even game have to say about this.
Author’s Note: All links are archive links in the case that the source have changes done or are taken down for whatever reason. This is done ensure that my sources can still be verified down the line.