History Platform / EpicGamesStore

Another interesting advantage is that much like GOG, Epic currently does not enforce their own DRM scheme; instead, it's up to the developer to implement such measures themselves. This has lead to a surprising number of AAA games and Indie games alike being DRM Free on EGS and GOG, but not on Steam; for a few examples, ''[[VideoGame/SpidermanPS4 Spider-Man Remastered]]'', the ''VideoGame/BatmanArkhamSeries'', ''VideoGame/Cyberpunk2077'', ''VideoGame/Thief2014'', ''VideoGame/DeusExMankindDivided'' and ''VideoGame/{{Control}}'' ([[https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/List_of_DRM-free_games_on_Epic_Games_Store just to name a few]]) are all DRM Free on GOG and EGS, but their releases on Steam require Steamworks DRM, Denuvo, [[BreadEggsBreadedEggs a combination of both]], or some other measures. While Epic does ''technically'' have a DRM scheme; [=EOS=] (Epic Online Services), it isn't treated as such by the company and Tim Sweeney has even gone on record [[https://www.gameinformer.com/2018/12/04/tim-sweeney-answers-questions-about-the-new-epic-games-store saying it's optional to include]]. Case in point, [=EOS=]'s authentication can be toggled offline, making a game DRM Free after its download from the store with certain launch commands). And so while [=EOS=] can deter very casual piracy, it's more akin to an [=SDK=] or plugin for game developers to leverage to enable cross-play, achievements, and cross-progression between storefronts and consoles, rather than a DRM Scheme by itself.

Another interesting advantage is that much like GOG, Epic currently does not enforce their own DRM scheme; instead, it's up to the developer to implement such measures themselves. This has lead to a surprising number of AAA games and Indie games alike being DRM Free on EGS and GOG, but not on Steam; for a few examples, ''[[VideoGame/SpidermanPS4 Spider-Man Remastered]]'', the ''VideoGame/BatmanArkhamSeries'', the [[VideoGame/TombRaider2013 Tomb]] [[VideoGame/RiseOfTheTombRaider Raider]] [[VideoGame/ShadowOfTheTombRaider Reboot]] trilogy, ''VideoGame/Cyberpunk2077'', and ''VideoGame/{{Control}}'' are all DRM Free on GOG and EGS, but their releases on Steam require Steamworks DRM, Denuvo, or some other measures. While Epic does ''technically'' have a DRM scheme -- [=EOS=]; Epic Online Services -- it isn't treated as such by the company (case in point, Epic themselves baked in a command override for bypassing [=EOS=], making a game DRM Free after its download from the store). And so while [=EOS=] can deter very casual piracy, it's more akin to an [=SDK=] or plugin for game developers to leverage to enable cross-play, achievements, and cross-progression, often between storefronts and consoles.

[[https://www.epicgames.com/store/en-US/ Epic Games Store]] (or [=EGS=] for short) is a UsefulNotes/DigitalDistribution platform of video games for Windows and Mac OS created by Creator/EpicGames. The Epic Games Store launched at the tail-end of 2018, where they announced that in addition to their existing repertoire of game development, publishing and technology, they would also be expanding into the realm of game distribution, similar to the likes of Platform/{{Steam}} and [[Website/GoGDotCom GOG.com]]. It offers both Indie and AAA games at the same prices of other storefronts, and much like Steam, also takes into account regional pricing, which can also make games cheaper by either a few pennies or several dollars, depending on circumstances.

Compare and contrast with EA's [[Creator/ElectronicArts Origin]], Valve's Platform/{{Steam}}, and [=CD Projekt's=] [[Website/GoGDotCom GOG.com]].

Then, on March 26, 2022, something rather interesting happened; [[https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/24/technology/eu-regulation-apple-meta-google.html the European Union came up with the "Digital Markets Act"]], a proposed package of anti-competitive conduct laws aimed at Big Tech companies. The proposed laws include unifying instant messaging apps, as well as access to any data a user generates, and enforcing USB-C and replaceable batteries on all new devices to cut down on e-waste, some of which went to effect in 2023. But more pertinent to this article, the laws force Apple, Google and others to allow for third party storefronts to be installed on their devices -- '''the very thing''' Epic Games rallied for in their lawsuit against Apple. This would later be properly ratified in September 2022, and December 2022 [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SDjZeQan0c had the EU commission confirm that companies have until May 2024 to get their affairs in order]].

Near the end of 2021, the concept of [=NFTs=] (Non-fungible tokens) started to enter the public consciousness as a way of making money through the blockchain, but has caused significant backlash for essentially being a [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyramid_scheme Pyramid Scheme]]. Due to this, several storefronts (including Steam and [=Itch.io=]) issued a blanket ban on any game incorporating [=NFTs=], and while [[https://twitter.com/TimSweeneyEpic/status/1449162844193308675 Epic are not against games on the storefront using the blockchain in other ways]], so long as the technology is being used within the confines of the law[[note]]It should be noted here that [=NFTs=] and the Blockchain '''are separate entities'''; the latter is required for the former to work, the terms should not be confused. For example: [=NFTs=] and Cryptocurrency leverage the use of the Blockchain, but neither technologies ''are'' the blockchain in of themselves[[/note]], Sweeney also maintains that [[https://twitter.com/TimSweeneyEpic/status/1442519522875949061 Epic isn't interested in [=NFTs=] due to their unstable nature]] (as well as the amount of scams it has caused). To wit, any game that uses the blockhain or contains [=NFT's=] have a warning enforced on their game page, which ''strongly'' discourages users from obtaining them.

The Launcher comes bundled with Unreal Engine launcher, which hosts the latest versions of Unreal Engine (4 and 5) and links to the Unreal Marketplace.

[[https://www.epicgames.com/store/en-US/ Epic Games Store]] (or [=EGS=] for short) is a UsefulNotes/DigitalDistribution platform of video games for Windows and Mac OS created by Creator/EpicGames. The Epic Games Store launched at the tail-end of 2018, where they announced that in addition to their existing repertoire of game development, publishing and technology, they would also be expanding into the realm of game distribution, similar to the likes of UsefulNotes/{{Steam}} and [[Website/GoGDotCom GOG.com]]. It offers both Indie and AAA games at the same prices of other storefronts, and much like Steam, also takes into account regional pricing, which can also make games cheaper by either a few pennies or several dollars, depending on circumstances.

Compare and contrast with EA's [[Creator/ElectronicArts Origin]], Valve's UsefulNotes/{{Steam}}, and [=CD Projekt's=] [[Website/GoGDotCom GOG.com]].

Then, on March 26, 2022, something rather interesting happened; [[https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/24/technology/eu-regulation-apple-meta-google.html the European Union came up with the "Digital Markets Act"]], a proposed package of anti-competitive conduct laws aimed at Big Tech companies. The proposed laws include unifying instant messaging apps so messages are interoperable between services, as well as access to any data a user generates, and enforcing USB-C on all new devices to cut down on e-waste. But more pertinent to this article, the laws force Apple, Google and others to allow for third party storefronts to be installed on their devices; '''the very thing''' Epic Games rallied for in their above lawsuit against Apple. This would later be properly ratified in September 2022, and December 2022 [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SDjZeQan0c had the EU commission confirm that companies have until May 2023 to get their affairs in order]].

Near the end of 2021, the concept of [=NFTs=] (Non-fungible tokens) started to enter the public consciousness as a way of making money through the blockchain, but has caused significant backlash for essentially being a [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyramid_scheme Pyramid Scheme]]. Due to this, several storefronts (including Steam and [=Itch.io=]) issued a blanket ban on any game incorporating [=NFTs=], and while [[https://twitter.com/TimSweeneyEpic/status/1449162844193308675 Epic are not against games on the storefront using the blockchain in other ways]], so long as the technology is being used within the confines of the law[[note]]It should be noted here that [=NFTs=] and the Blockchain '''are separate entities'''; the latter is required for the former to work, the terms should not be confused. For example: [=NFTs=] and Cryptocurrency leverage the use of the Blockchain, but neither technologies ''are'' the blockchain in of themselves[[/note]], Sweeney also maintains that [[https://twitter.com/TimSweeneyEpic/status/1442519522875949061 Epic isn't interested in [=NFTs=] due to their unstable nature]] (as well as the amount of scams it has caused). To wit, any game with [=NFT's=] have a warning enforced on their game page, which strongly discourages users from obtaining them.

Near the end of 2021, the concept of [=NFTs=] (Non-fungible tokens) started to enter the public consciousness as a way of making money through the blockchain, but has caused significant backlash for essentially being a [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyramid_scheme Pyramid Scheme]]. Due to this, several storefronts (including Steam and [=Itch.io=]) issued a blanket ban on any game incorporating [=NFTs=], and while [[https://twitter.com/TimSweeneyEpic/status/1449162844193308675 Epic are not against games on the storefront using the blockchain in other ways]], so long as the technology is being used within the confines of the law[[note]]It should be noted here that [=NFTs=] and the Blockchain '''are separate entities'''; the latter is required for the former to work, the terms should not be confused. For example: [=NFTs=] and Cryptocurrency leverage the use of the Blockchain, but neither technologies ''are'' the blockchain in of themselves[[/note]], Sweeney also maintains that [[https://twitter.com/TimSweeneyEpic/status/1442519522875949061 Epic isn't interested in [=NFTs=] due to their unstable nature]] (as well as the amount of scams it has caused). To wit, any game with [=NFT's=] have a warning enforced on their game page, which strongly discourages users from obtaining them. It's an interesting stance, to say the least.

Another interesting advantage is that much like GOG, Epic currently does not enforce their own DRM scheme; instead, it's up to the developer to implement such measures themselves. This has lead to a surprising number of AAA games and Indie games alike being DRM Free on EGS and GOG, but not on Steam; for a few examples, ''[[VideoGame/SpidermanPS4 Spider-Man Remastered]]'', the ''VideoGame/BatmanArkhamSeries'', the [[VideoGame/TombRaider2013 Tomb]] [[VideoGame/RiseOfTheTombRaider Raider]] [[VideoGame/ShadowOfTheTombRaider Reboot]] trilogy, ''VideoGame/Cyberpunk2077'', and ''VideoGame/{{Control}}'' are all DRM Free on GOG and EGS, but their releases on Steam require Steamworks DRM, Denuvo, or some other measures. While Epic does ''technically'' have a DRM scheme -- [=EOS=]; Epic Online Services, it isn't treated as such by the company (case in point, Epic baked in a command override for bypassing it), and so [=EOS=] is more akin to an [=SDK=] or plugin for game developers to leverage to enable cross-play, acievements, and cross-progression, often between storefronts.

Another interesting advantage is that much like GOG, Epic currently does not enforce their own DRM scheme; instead, it's up to the developer to implement such measures themselves. This has lead to a surprising number of AAA games and Indie games alike being DRM Free on EGS and GOG, but not on Steam; for a few examples, ''[[VideoGame/SpidermanPS4 Spider-man Remastered]]'', the ''VideoGame/BatmanArkhamSeries'', the [[VideoGame/TombRaider2013 Tomb]] [[VideoGame/RiseOfTheTombRaider Raider]] [[VideoGame/ShadowOfTheTombRaider Reboot]] trilogy, ''VideoGame/Cyberpunk2077'', and ''VideoGame/{{Control}}'' are all DRM Free on GOG and EGS, but their releases on Steam require Steamworks DRM, Denuvo, or some other measures. While Epic does ''technically'' have a DRM scheme -- [=EOS=]; Epic Online Services, it isn't treated as such by the company (case in point, Epic baked in a command override for bypassing it), and is more akin to an [=SDK=] or plugin for game developers to leverage to enable cross-play, cross-progression and other features between storefronts.

A free game (or two, if one of them is M-rated or equivalent) are usually given away once per week on Thursdays, and are available to keep forever on the players' account. In the past, this has included some big hits like ''VideoGame/AlienIsolation'', ''VideoGame/DeathStranding'', the entire ''Franchise/BatmanArkhamSeries'', ''VideoGame/Prey(2017)'', and ''VideoGame/GrandTheftAutoV''; the latter game caused so many people to visit the store to redeem the game that the entire platform's server was on its knees for 24 hours. Smaller indie titles like ''VideoGame/TwentyXX'', ''VideoGame/FasterThanLight'', [[VideoGame/{{Overcooked}} both]] ''[[VideoGame/{{Overcooked2}} Overcooked]]'' games, ''[[VideoGame/Tunche]]'', ''[[VideoGame/HorizonChase Horizon Chase Turbo]]'' and many others have also been made available for free to keep.

Another interesting advantage is that much like GOG, Epic currently does not enforce their own DRM scheme; instead, it's up to the developer to implement such measures themselves. This has lead to a surprising number of AAA games and Indie games alike being DRM Free on EGS and GOG, but not on Steam; for a few examples, ''[[VideoGame/SpidermanPS4 Spider-man Remastered]]'', the ''VideoGame/BatmanArkhamSeries'', the [[VideoGame/TombRaider2013 Tomb]] [[VideoGame/RiseOfTheTombRaider Raider]] [[VideoGame/ShadowOfTheTombRaider Reboot]] trilogy, ''VideoGame/Cyberpunk2077'', and ''VideoGame/{{Control}}'' are all DRM Free on GOG and EGS, but their releases on Steam require Steamworks DRM, Denuvo, or some other measures. While Epic does ''technically'' have a DRM scheme -- [=EOS=]; Epic Online Services, it isn't treated as such by the company (case in point, Epic baked in an command override for bypassing it), and is more akin to an [=SDK=] or plugin for game developers to leverage to enable cross-play, cross-progression and other features between storefronts.

Another interesting advantage is that much like GOG.com, Epic currently does not enforce their own DRM scheme; instead, it's up to the developer to implement such measures themselves. This has lead to a surprising number of AAA games and Indie games alike being DRM Free on EGS and GOG, but not on Steam; for a few examples, ''[[VideoGame/SpidermanPS4 Spider-man Remastered]]'', the ''VideoGame/BatmanArkhamSeries'', the [[VideoGame/TombRaider2013 Tomb]] [[VideoGame/RiseOfTheTombRaider Raider]] [[VideoGame/ShadowOfTheTombRaider Reboot]] trilogy, ''VideoGame/Cyberpunk2077'', and ''VideoGame/{{Control}}'' are all DRM Free on GOG and EGS, but their releases on Steam require Steamworks DRM, Denuvo, or some other measures.

A free game (or two, if one of them are M-rated or equivalent) are usually given away once per week on Thursdays, and are available to keep forever on the players' account. In the past, this has included some big hits like ''VideoGame/AlienIsolation'', ''VideoGame/DeathStranding'', the entire ''Franchise/BatmanArkhamSeries'', and ''VideoGame/GrandTheftAutoV''; the latter game caused so many people to visit the store to redeem it that the entire platform's server was on its knees for 24 hours. Smaller titles like ''VideoGame/TwentyXX'', ''VideoGame/FasterThanLight'' and [[VideoGame/{{Overcooked}} both]] ''[[VideoGame/{{Overcooked2}} Overcooked]]'' games have also been made available for free to keep.

Another interesting advantage is that much like GOG.com, Epic currently does not enforce their own DRM scheme; instead, it's up to the developer to implement such measures themselves. This has lead to a surprising number of AAA games and Indie games alike being DRM Free on EGS and GOG, but not on Steam; for a few examples, ''[[VideoGame/MarvelsSpidermanPS4 Spiderman Remastered]]'', the ''VideoGame/BatmanArkhamSeries'', the [[VideoGame/TombRaider2013 Tomb]] [[VideoGame/RiseOfTheTombRaider Raider]] [[VideoGame/ShadowOfTheTombRaider Reboot]] trilogy, ''VideoGame/Cyberpunk2077'', and ''VideoGame/{{Control}}'' are all DRM Free on GOG and EGS, but their releases on Steam require Steamworks DRM, Denuvo, or some other measures.

Another interesting advantage is that much like GOG.com, Epic currently does not enforce their own DRM scheme; instead, it's up to the developer to implement such measures themselves. This has lead to a surprising number of AAA and Indie games being DRM Free on EGS and GOG, but not on Steam; for a few examples, the ''VideoGame/BatmanArkhamSeries'', the [[VideoGame/TombRaider2013 Tomb]] [[VideoGame/RiseOfTheTombRaider Raider]] [[VideoGame/ShadowOfTheTombRaider Reboot]] trilogy, ''VideoGame/Cyberpunk2077'', and ''VideoGame/{{Control}}'' are all DRM Free on GOG and EGS, but their releases on Steam use Steamworks DRM.

A free game (or two, if one of them are M-rated or equivalent) are usually given away once per week on Thursdays, and are available to keep forever on the players' account. In the past, this has included some big hits like ''VideoGame/AlienIsolation'', the entire ''Franchise/BatmanArkhamSeries'' and ''VideoGame/GrandTheftAutoV''; the latter game caused so many people to visit the store to redeem it that the entire platform's server was on its knees for 24 hours. Smaller titles like ''VideoGame/TwentyXX'', ''VideoGame/FasterThanLight'' and [[VideoGame/{{Overcooked}} both]] ''[[VideoGame/{{Overcooked2}} Overcooked]]'' games have also been made available for free to keep.

Near the end of 2021, the concept of [=NFTs=] (Non-fungible tokens) started to enter the public consciousness as a way of making money through the blockchain, but has caused significant backlash for essentially being a [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyramid_scheme Pyramid Scheme]]. Due to this, several storefronts (including Steam, [=Itch.io=], and Epic Games) issued a blanket ban on any game incorporating [=NFTs=], and while [[https://twitter.com/TimSweeneyEpic/status/1449162844193308675 Epic are not against games on the storefront using the blockchain in other ways]], so long as the technology is being used within the confines of the law[[note]]It should be noted here that [=NFTs=] and the Blockchain '''are separate entities'''; the latter is required for the former to work, the terms should not be confused. For example: [=NFTs=] and Cryptocurrency leverage the use of the Blockchain, but neither technologies ''are'' the blockchain in of themselves[[/note]], Sweeney also maintains that [[https://twitter.com/TimSweeneyEpic/status/1442519522875949061 Epic isn't interested in [=NFTs=] due to their unstable nature]] (as well as the amount of scams it has caused). An interesting stance, to say the least.

After several months and numerous hearings, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers of the US District Court for the Northern District of California dismissed the case the following year, and while they admitted that Tim Sweeney had some valid points, most of Epic's charges against Apple were not followed through on, with the notable exception of one: Apple was told (or rather, [[AnOfferYouCantRefuse "Injuncted"]]) by the Judge to make their payment system open (as was one of the main goals of Epic's lawsuit), and it took only the day before that order was to go into effect did Apple's appeal (as well as Epic's separate appeal for their dismissed claims) go through, and delayed this injunction for the time being, which still holds true as of writing (30/12/2022).

Then, on March 26th, 2022, something rather interesting happened; [[https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/24/technology/eu-regulation-apple-meta-google.html the European Union came up with the "Digital Markets Act"]], a proposed package of anti-competitive conduct laws aimed at Big Tech companies. The proposed laws include unifying instant messaging apps so messages are interoperable between services, as well as access to any data a user generates, and enforcing USB-C on all new devices to cut down on e-waste. But more pertinent to this article, the laws force Apple, Google and others to allow for third party storefronts to be installed on their devices; '''the very thing''' Epic Games rallied for in their above lawsuit against Apple. This would later be properly ratified in September 2022, and December 2022 [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SDjZeQan0c had the EU commission confirm that companies have until May 2023 to get their affairs in order]].

After several months and numerous hearings, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers of the US District Court for the Northern District of California dismissed the case the following year, and while they admitted that Tim Sweeney had some valid points, most of Epic's charges against Apple were not followed through on, with the notable exception of one: Apple was told (or rather, [[AnOfferYouCantRefuse "Injuncted"]]) by the Judge to make their payment system open (as was one of the main goals of Epic's lawsuit), and it took only the day before that order was to go into effect did Apple's appeal (as well as Epic's separate appeal for their dismissed claims) go through, and delayed this injunction for the time being, which still holds true as of writing (01/04/2022).

Then, on March 26th, 2022, something rather interesting happened; [[https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/24/technology/eu-regulation-apple-meta-google.html the European Union came up with the "Digital Markets Act"]], a proposed package of anti-competitive conduct laws aimed at Big Tech companies. The proposed laws include unifying instant messaging apps so messages are interoperable between services, as well as access to any data a user generates. But more pertinent to this article, it would force big tech companies like Apple and Google to allow for third party storefronts to be installed; ''the very thing'' Epic Games rallied for in their above lawsuit.

Near the end of 2021, the concept of [=NFTs=] (Non-fungible tokens) started to enter the public consciousness as a way of making money through the blockchain, but has caused significant backlash for essentially being a [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyramid_scheme Pyramid Scheme]]. Due to this, several storefronts (including Steam, [=Itch.io=], and Epic Games) issued a blanket ban on any game incorporating [=NFTs=], and while [[https://twitter.com/TimSweeneyEpic/status/1449162844193308675 Epic are not against games on the storefront using the blockchain in other ways]], so long as the technology is being used within the confines of the law[[note]]It should be noted here that [=NFTs=] and the Blockchain '''are separate entities'''; the latter is required for the former to work, the terms should not be confused. For example: [=NFTs=] and Cryptocurrency leverage the use of the Blockchain, but neither technologies ''are'' the blockchain in of themselves[[/note]], Sweeney also maintains that [[https://twitter.com/TimSweeneyEpic/status/1442519522875949061 [=NFTs=] themselves are off-limits]] due to their unstable nature (as well as the amount of scams it has caused), though curiously, Epic themselves are not interested in the technology for their own games. It's an odd stance to take, to say the least.

[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/egs_logo.png]]

The unique advantage of the storefront is that they will take a 12% cut of revenue from game sales, as opposed to the industry standard of 30% for digital distribution services (Microsoft's own store only take 15%). Additionally, licensees of Epic's Unreal Engine 4 and 5 would not have to pay any additional royalties to Epic for sales on the storefront, making the store an even more attractive offer for such games as Unreal 4 is one of the most widely used engines on PC and consoles in both Indie and big budget games.

On August 2020, Epic Games launched an update for VideoGame/{{Fortnite}} that bypassed Apple's payments, and got booted off the platform, and Epic filed a pre-empted lawsuit against Apple on the grounds of monopolistic behaviour in the app space, to lower the cut given to Apple versus the apps' developers, and they wanted to allow for third party app installs on their platform. Epic also hosted a twitter campaign ([=#FreeFortnite=]) to drum up support, which too gained controversy.

Near the end of 2021, the concept of [=NFT's=] (Non-fungible tokens) started to enter the public consciousness as a way of making money through the blockchain, but has caused significant backlash for essentially being a [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyramid_scheme Pyramid Scheme]]. Due to this, several storefronts (including Steam, [=Itch.io=], and Epic Games) issued a blanket ban on any game incorporating NFT's, and while [[https://twitter.com/TimSweeneyEpic/status/1449162844193308675 Epic are not against games on the storefront using the blockchain in other ways]], so long as the technology is being used within the confines of the law[[note]]It should be noted here that NFT's and the Blockchain '''are separate entities'''; the latter is required for the former to work, the terms should not be confused. For example: NFT's and Cryptocurrency leverage the use of the Blockchain, but neither technologies ''are'' the blockchain in of themselves[[/note]], Sweeney also maintains that [[https://twitter.com/TimSweeneyEpic/status/1442519522875949061 NFT's themselves are off-limits]] due to their unstable nature (as well as the amount of scams it has caused), though curiously, Epic themselves are not interested in the technology for their own games. It's an odd stance to take, to say the least.

Amidst all this, the court case had documents leaked from both sides showing various pieces of information relating to the case and the companies involved. [[https://www.reddit.com/r/fuckepic/comments/ov572q/wave_1_minimum_guarantees/ One enterprising Redditor]] took information from some of the documents from May 2021, and tried to determine the profits from the shortfall of each game from the first wave of games exclusive to the store. According to this unofficial data deep dive, only ''VideoGame/{{Satisfactory}}'', ''VideoGame/{{Dauntless}}'' and a third blanked out entry were profitable on the store, with the rest having losses of varying degree's of severity.

A free game (or two, if one of them are M-rated or equivalent) are usually given away once per week on Thursdays, and are available to keep forever on the players' account. In the past, this has included some big hits like ''VideoGame/AlienIsolation'', the entire ''Franchise/BatmanArkhamSeries'' and ''VideoGame/GrandTheftAutoV''; the latter game caused so many people to visit the store to redeem it that the entire platforms' server was on its knees for 24 hours. Smaller titles like ''VideoGame/TwentyXX'', ''VideoGame/FasterThanLight'' and [[VideoGame/{{Overcooked}} both]] ''[[VideoGame/{{Overcooked2}} Overcooked]]'' games have also been made available for free to keep.

Near the end of 2021, the concept of [=NFT's=] (Non-fungible tokens) started to enter the public consciousness as a way of making money through the blockchain, but has caused significant backlash for essentially being a [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyramid_scheme Pyramid Scheme]]. Due to this, several storefronts (including Steam, [=Itch.io=], and Epic Games) issued a blanket ban on any game incorporating NFT's, and while [[https://twitter.com/TimSweeneyEpic/status/1449194065061457922 Epic are not against games they sell using the blockchain in other ways]], so long as the technology is being used within the confines of the law[[note]]It should be noted here that NFT's and the Blockchain '''are separate entities'''; the latter is required for the former to work, the terms should not be confused. For example: NFT's and Cryptocurrency leverage the use of the blockcian, but neither technologies ''are'' the blockchain in of themselves[[/note]], [[https://twitter.com/TimSweeneyEpic/status/1442519522875949061 Sweeney maintains that NFT's themselves are off-limits]] due to their unstable nature (as well as the amount of scams it has caused, [[https://twitter.com/TimSweeneyEpic/status/1449162844193308675 but are not against games using the blockchain to be sold on the storefront]], though curiously, Epic themselves are not interested in the technology for their own games. It's an odd stance to take, to say the least.

Near the end of 2021, the concept of [=NFT's=] (Non-fungible tokens) started to enter the public consciousness as a way of making money through the blockchain, but has caused significant backlash for essentially being a [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyramid_scheme Pyramid Scheme]]. Due to this, several storefronts (including Steam, [=Itch.io=], and Epic Games) issued a blanket ban on any game incorporating NFT's, and while [[https://twitter.com/TimSweeneyEpic/status/1449194065061457922 Epic are not against games they sell using the blockchain in other ways]], so long as the technology is being used within the confines of the law[[note]]It should be noted here that NFT's and the Blockchain '''are separate entities'''; the former is required for the latter to work, do not confuse the two terms. For example: NFT's and Cryptocurrency both use the blockchain, but neither ''are'' the blockchain in of themselves, they just use the technology provided by the blockchaim[[/note]], [[https://twitter.com/TimSweeneyEpic/status/1442519522875949061 Sweeney maintains that NFT's themselves are off-limits]] due to their unstable nature (as well as the amount of scams it has caused, [[https://twitter.com/TimSweeneyEpic/status/1449162844193308675 but are not against games using the blockchain to be sold on the storefront]], though curiously, Epic themselves are not interested in the technology for their own games. It's an odd stance to take, to say the least.

Near the end of 2021, the concept of [=NFT's=] (Non-fungible tokens) started to enter the public consciousness as a way of making money through the blockchain, but has caused significant backlash for essentially being a [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyramid_scheme Pyramid Scheme]]. Due to this, several storefronts (including Steam, [=Itch.io=], and Epic Games) issued a blanket ban on any game incorporating NFT's, and while Epic are not against games using the blockchain in other ways[[note]]It should be noted here that NFT's and the Blockchain '''are separate entities'''; the former is required for the latter to work, they should not be confused for being the same thing,[[/note]], [[https://twitter.com/TimSweeneyEpic/status/1442519522875949061 Sweeney maintains that NFT's themselves are off-limits]] due to their unstable nature (as well as the amount of scams it has caused, [[https://twitter.com/TimSweeneyEpic/status/1449194065061457922 but are not against games using the blockchain to be sold on the store]], though Epic themselves are not interested in the technology for their own games.