If you ever thought the gaming industry was predictable, think again. Epic Games just shook up the entire digital storefront scene with a bold new initiative that’s got developers and publishers buzzing and gamers wondering what it means for their next favourite game.
KEEP 100% OF PROFITS
In a move that sounds almost too good to be true, Epic has launched Epic First Run, a new program that lets game creators take home every cent their game makes during the first six months on the Epic Games Store. That’s right — 100% net revenue, no sharing with Epic if they agree to make their game exclusive to the store for that period.
Normally, the platform splits earnings 88% to developers and 12% to Epic — which already beats rivals like Steam but First Run throws that out the window for half a year.
WHAT’S THE CATCH?
Of course, this isn’t a free-for-all:
- To qualify, a game must be brand new it can’t have already launched on Steam or other major PC storefronts.
- The deal only applies if the game stays exclusive on the Epic Games Store for six months.
- After that? The revenue share goes back to Epic’s standard split.
Still, for many indie studios and even big publishers, this could mean millions more in their pocket right out of the gate money they could use for marketing, expansions, or even funding their next big hit.
WHY EPIC IS MAKING THIS CRAZY OFFER
This isn’t just a generous tax cut it’s a strategic power play.
Epic wants to lure developers away from competitors, especially Valve’s dominant Steam platform, by offering deals no one else has dared to try. With millions of users and a growing global audience, Epic is banking on exclusivity and big rewards to reshape the PC gaming landscape.
WHAT COULD THIS MEAN FOR GAMERS?
If more developers embrace First Run, the next few years could be filled with fresh, exclusive titles on the Epic Games Store games you might not see anywhere else.
Some players are excited, others skeptical, but one thing’s for sure: this controversial new program has the gaming world talking.
