Epic Games Store: Dominating the Digital Gaming Landscape
The Epic Games Store has rapidly become a powerhouse in the digital gaming distribution arena since its launch in December 2018. With an impressive user base of over 180 million PC gamers and a monthly active user count of 56 million, it’s clear that Epic Games is reshaping the industry landscape. In this comprehensive analysis, we’ll dive deep into the latest statistics, trends, and insights surrounding the Epic Games Store.
The Meteoric Rise of Epic Games Store
Epic Games Store’s growth has been nothing short of phenomenal. In just a few short years, it has managed to capture a significant portion of the digital gaming market, challenging established players like Steam. Here are some key statistics that highlight its remarkable ascent:
- Over 180 million registered PC users
- 56 million monthly active users
- 31.3 million daily active users
- A catalog of more than 470 games
- $700 million in user spending in 2020 alone
These numbers paint a picture of a platform that’s not just growing, but thriving in a competitive market.
User Engagement and Spending Patterns
One of the most telling indicators of Epic Games Store’s success is the level of user engagement and spending it has managed to generate. Let’s break down some key metrics:
User Spending
In 2020, gamers spent a whopping $700 million on the Epic Games Store. This represents a 2.94% increase from the previous year’s $680 million. While this growth may seem modest, it’s important to consider it in the context of a 75% increase in monthly active users during the same period.
Third-Party Game Sales
Of the $700 million spent in 2020, $265 million went towards third-party games. This represents 37.86% of gross sales and shows a 5.58% year-over-year increase. This trend indicates growing trust and interest in the diverse game offerings on the platform.
User Activity
The Epic Games Store saw impressive growth in daily active users, jumping from 10.7 million in 2019 to 31.3 million in 2020 – a staggering 192.52% increase. This outpaced the growth in monthly active users by 2.57 times, suggesting increasing user engagement and loyalty.
Game Catalog and Free Games Strategy
Epic Games Store’s success isn’t just about numbers; it’s also about strategy. One of their most effective tactics has been the regular offering of free games:
- In 2020, Epic offered 103 free weekly games
- These games had a combined value of $2,407
- Users claimed a total of 749 million free games in 2020
This strategy has not only attracted new users but also kept existing ones coming back regularly, contributing to the platform’s impressive daily active user numbers.
Popular Games and Fortnite’s Influence
While the Epic Games Store hosts a variety of titles, it’s worth noting the significant impact of Fortnite, Epic’s flagship game:
- Fortnite had over 350 million registered users as of May 2020
- This represents an 11.66x increase in registrations since the end of 2017
- Fortnite consistently ranks among the top 3 most popular titles on the platform
Other popular games on the platform include Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Satisfactory, and GTA 5, showcasing the diverse range of titles available.
The Future of Epic Games Store
As we look towards the future, several factors suggest continued growth for the Epic Games Store:
- Developer-Friendly Revenue Split: Epic offers developers an 88% cut of revenue, compared to Steam’s 70%, which could attract more exclusive titles.
- Continued Free Game Strategy: The success of their free game offerings is likely to continue, driving user acquisition and retention.
- Expansion of Game Catalog: With 281 new games added in 2020 alone, the platform is rapidly expanding its offerings.
- Cross-Platform Integration: Epic’s efforts in enabling cross-platform play could further boost its popularity among gamers.
As an SEO expert at IncRev, I can confidently say that the Epic Games Store’s growth trajectory presents exciting opportunities for game developers and marketers alike. The platform’s user-friendly interface, coupled with its aggressive growth strategies, makes it an attractive option for those looking to maximize their game’s visibility and sales potential.
Leveraging Epic Games Store for SEO Success
For game developers and marketers looking to optimize their presence on the Epic Games Store, consider the following SEO strategies:
- Keyword Optimization: Utilize relevant keywords in your game’s title, description, and tags to improve discoverability.
- User Reviews: Encourage positive user reviews, as they can significantly impact your game’s visibility and credibility.
- Regular Updates: Frequent updates and new content can help maintain your game’s relevance and visibility on the platform.
- Cross-Promotion: Leverage Epic’s cross-platform capabilities to increase your game’s exposure across different gaming ecosystems.
At IncRev, we specialize in helping game developers and publishers navigate the complex world of digital distribution platforms like the Epic Games Store. Our expertise in SEO and digital marketing can help you maximize your game’s potential and reach a wider audience.
FAQ
How does the Epic Games Store compare to Steam in terms of user base?
While Steam still leads with over 120 million monthly active users, Epic Games Store’s 56 million monthly active users represent significant growth in a short period. The gap is closing rapidly.
What percentage of revenue does Epic Games take from developers?
Epic Games takes only 12% of the revenue, leaving 88% for developers. This is significantly more favorable than Steam’s 70-30 split.
How often does Epic Games Store offer free games?
Epic Games Store typically offers one or more free games every week, which has been a major driver of user engagement and growth.
Can indie developers publish their games on the Epic Games Store?
Yes, indie developers can publish their games on the Epic Games Store. The platform has been actively courting indie developers with its favorable revenue split and exposure opportunities.
Does the Epic Games Store support cross-platform play?
Yes, many games on the Epic Games Store support cross-platform play, allowing PC gamers to play with console users, which has been a significant draw for many players.
