Epic Games Store: Your Ultimate Guide To Games & Deals

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Epic Games Store: Your Ultimate Guide to Games & Deals

Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into the awesome world of the Epic Games Store? If you're a PC gamer, you've probably heard of it, but maybe you're not entirely sure what it's all about. No worries, because in this guide, we're going to cover everything you need to know. We'll explore what the Epic Games Store is, what makes it different, and how you can get the most out of it. Get ready to discover new games, snag some sweet deals, and maybe even find your next favorite title! Let's get started!

What is the Epic Games Store?

So, what exactly is the Epic Games Store? Well, simply put, it's a digital storefront for PC games, similar to Steam, GOG, and others. Think of it like a massive online mall, but instead of clothes and gadgets, it's packed with video games. Launched in December 2018 by Epic Games, the company behind the gaming phenomenon Fortnite, the store quickly made waves in the PC gaming community. Its primary goal? To offer both gamers and developers a compelling alternative to the established giants in the market.

A New Challenger Appears!

The Epic Games Store didn't just pop up out of nowhere. Epic Games saw an opportunity to shake things up in the digital distribution landscape. They believed that developers deserved a fairer revenue split, and that gamers deserved access to great games and exclusive deals. And that's exactly what they set out to create. One of the key strategies the Epic Games Store uses to attract users is offering free games every week. That's right, you can regularly snag some awesome titles without spending a dime. These free games range from indie gems to AAA blockbusters, so there's always something new to discover. By giving away free games, Epic aims to bring more players to the platform, hoping they'll stick around and purchase other games as well. It's a win-win situation for gamers!

Supporting Developers

Beyond the free games, the Epic Games Store also distinguishes itself with its developer-friendly revenue split. Unlike some other platforms that take a 30% cut of sales, Epic offers developers a more generous 88/12 revenue split. This means that developers get to keep 88% of the revenue generated from their game sales, while Epic takes only 12%. This fairer split allows developers, especially smaller indie studios, to invest more in their games, create better content, and ultimately, deliver a better experience for players. By supporting developers, the Epic Games Store aims to foster a healthier and more vibrant gaming ecosystem.

Key Features of the Epic Games Store

Alright, now that we've covered the basics, let's dive into some of the key features that make the Epic Games Store stand out from the crowd. From exclusive games to a streamlined interface, there's a lot to love about this platform. Here's a closer look at what you can expect:

Exclusive Titles

One of the biggest draws of the Epic Games Store is its collection of exclusive titles. Epic has secured deals with various developers to release their games exclusively on their platform, at least for a certain period. This means that if you want to play these games on PC, the Epic Games Store is the only place to get them. These exclusives can range from highly anticipated AAA titles to unique indie gems. While some gamers might not be thrilled about platform exclusivity, it's a strategy that has helped the Epic Games Store attract a large audience and establish itself as a major player in the market. These exclusive games incentivize players to use the platform if they want to play these titles at launch.

Free Games, Free Games, Free Games!

We've already touched on this, but it's worth repeating: the Epic Games Store gives away free games every week! This is a fantastic way to build your game library without breaking the bank. The free games on offer are usually a mix of indie titles and older AAA games, but sometimes you'll get lucky and find a brand-new release available for free. To claim these free games, all you need is an Epic Games account and the Epic Games Launcher. Simply log in, head to the store page, and claim your freebie. Once you've claimed a game, it's yours to keep forever, even if you don't download and install it right away. This is a great way to discover new games you might not have otherwise tried.

A Clean and Simple Interface

Compared to some other digital storefronts, the Epic Games Store boasts a clean and simple interface. The design is minimalist and easy to navigate, making it a breeze to find the games you're looking for. The store page is well-organized, with featured games, new releases, and popular titles prominently displayed. You can also easily browse games by genre, tag, or developer. The simplicity of the interface makes the Epic Games Store a welcoming platform for both new and experienced PC gamers.

Epic Games Launcher

To access the Epic Games Store and play your games, you'll need the Epic Games Launcher. This is a desktop application that serves as your portal to the Epic Games ecosystem. Through the launcher, you can browse the store, purchase and download games, manage your library, and connect with friends. The launcher also provides access to other Epic Games services, such as Unreal Engine, a popular game development tool. While the launcher has received some criticism for its resource usage, it's generally a functional and reliable way to manage your Epic Games collection.

How to Get Started with the Epic Games Store

Okay, so you're interested in checking out the Epic Games Store? Awesome! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to get started:

Step 1: Create an Epic Games Account

First things first, you'll need to create an Epic Games account. Head over to the Epic Games website and click on the "Sign Up" button. You can sign up using your email address, or you can connect your account to other services like Facebook, Google, or PlayStation Network. Once you've created your account, be sure to verify your email address to unlock all the features.

Step 2: Download and Install the Epic Games Launcher

Next, you'll need to download and install the Epic Games Launcher. You can find the download link on the Epic Games website. Once the download is complete, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. The installation process is straightforward and should only take a few minutes.

Step 3: Explore the Store and Claim Your Free Games

Once the launcher is installed, launch it and log in with your Epic Games account. Now you're ready to explore the store! Browse the available games, check out the latest deals, and don't forget to claim your free games of the week. To claim a free game, simply click on its banner and then click the "Get" button. The game will then be added to your library.

Step 4: Download and Play Your Games

To download and play a game, head to your library in the Epic Games Launcher. Find the game you want to play and click on it. Then, click the "Install" button and select the location where you want to install the game. Once the installation is complete, you can launch the game directly from the launcher. That's it! You're now ready to enjoy your games on the Epic Games Store.

Tips and Tricks for the Epic Games Store

Want to get the most out of your Epic Games Store experience? Here are a few tips and tricks to help you out:

  • Enable Two-Factor Authentication: To protect your account, be sure to enable two-factor authentication. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code from your phone or email in addition to your password when you log in.
  • Check the Store Regularly: Don't forget to check the store regularly for new releases, deals, and free games. The Epic Games Store updates its offerings every week, so there's always something new to discover.
  • Join the Community: Connect with other Epic Games Store users on forums, social media, and other online communities. This is a great way to discover new games, share tips and tricks, and get help with any issues you might encounter.
  • Take Advantage of Sales: The Epic Games Store frequently hosts sales and promotions, offering discounts on a wide range of games. Be sure to keep an eye out for these sales to snag some great deals.

The Future of the Epic Games Store

So, what does the future hold for the Epic Games Store? Well, Epic Games seems committed to continuing its efforts to disrupt the digital distribution landscape. They're investing heavily in securing exclusive titles, improving the platform, and supporting developers. Here are a few things we can expect to see in the future:

  • More Exclusive Games: Expect Epic to continue securing deals for exclusive games, both AAA and indie. These exclusives will likely remain a key part of their strategy to attract users to the platform.
  • Improved Features: Epic is constantly working on improving the Epic Games Store and the Epic Games Launcher. We can expect to see new features, performance improvements, and a more streamlined user experience in the future.
  • Continued Support for Developers: Epic is committed to providing developers with a fairer revenue split and the tools they need to succeed. We can expect to see continued support for developers, including funding programs, marketing assistance, and access to Unreal Engine.

Conclusion

The Epic Games Store has undoubtedly made a significant impact on the PC gaming landscape. With its free games, exclusive titles, and developer-friendly revenue split, it offers a compelling alternative to other digital storefronts. Whether you're a seasoned PC gamer or just getting started, the Epic Games Store is definitely worth checking out. So, go ahead, create an account, download the launcher, and start exploring the world of Epic Games! You might just find your next favorite game. Happy gaming, guys! I hope this guide was helpful and informative. Now you know all the basics about the Epic Games Store and how to make the most of it. Remember to grab those free games every week, and keep an eye out for those awesome deals. See ya!