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In the ever-evolving world of gaming, digital distribution platforms have become an integral part of the gaming experience. Gamers have access to a plethora of games and gaming-related content, thanks to these platforms. Steam and Epic Games Store are two major players in this space, each vying for the attention of gamers worldwide. But which one is the best for you? In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the Steam vs. Epic Store debate, examining their features, game libraries, and more to help you make an informed decision.
Steam: Gaming’s Old Guard
Steam, developed by Valve Corporation, is often considered the pioneer of digital gaming platforms. It was launched in 2003 and has since become a household name among gamers. Steam boasts an impressive library of games, ranging from AAA titles to indie gems. Let’s take a closer look at what Steam brings to the table.
Epic Games Store: The New Kid on the Block
Epic Games Store, on the other hand, is relatively new compared to Steam. Launched in 2018 by Epic Games, the company behind Fortnite, this platform quickly made a splash in the gaming community. Epic Games Store introduced a fresh approach, offering exclusive titles, free games, and competitive revenue shares with developers. Here’s what you need to know about the Epic Games Store.
Round 1: Game Library
When comparing Steam vs. Epic Store, the game library is a crucial factor. After all, a gaming platform is only as good as the games it offers.
Steam’s Impressive Game Library
Steam boasts a vast and diverse game library with thousands of titles. Whether you’re into first-person shooters, role-playing games, strategy, or indie games, Steam has you covered. It’s been around for nearly two decades, accumulating a vast catalog that caters to all tastes and preferences. From classics like Half-Life and Portal to modern hits like Among Us and Valheim, Steam’s library is a treasure trove for gamers.
Epic Games Store’s Exclusive Titles
Epic Games Store takes a different approach to its game library. While it may not match Steam in terms of sheer quantity, it focuses on securing exclusive titles. This strategy has paid off, with games like Fortnite, Genshin Impact, and Hades drawing players to the platform. The promise of exclusive titles has made Epic Games Store a serious contender in the market.
Round 2: Pricing and Deals
Gamers are always on the lookout for great deals and discounts. Let’s see how Steam and Epic Games Store stack up in this regard.
Steam’s Regular Sales
Steam is famous for its frequent and substantial sales events. Steam Summer Sale and Steam Winter Sale are highly anticipated by gamers worldwide. During these events, you can snag games at significant discounts, sometimes up to 90% off. Additionally, Steam offers bundles, allowing you to buy a collection of games at a reduced price. There’s also a section for free-to-play games, so you can enjoy gaming without spending a dime.
Epic Games Store’s Free Game Giveaways
Epic Games Store has made headlines with its free game giveaways. Every week, Epic offers a free game for users to claim and keep forever. This strategy has been a massive hit with gamers, as it allows them to build an impressive library without spending a cent. Furthermore, Epic often offers exclusive discounts on newly released titles, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers.
Round 3: Platform Features
A gaming platform is more than just a storefront; it’s an ecosystem. Both Steam and Epic Games Store offer various features to enhance your gaming experience.
Steam’s Feature-Packed Ecosystem
Steam is known for its robust set of features. It offers features like Steam Workshop, which allows users to create and share game mods. Steam also has an integrated social aspect, including friends lists, chat, and groups, making it easy to connect with fellow gamers. Steam Big Picture mode transforms your PC into a gaming console-like experience, perfect for playing on your TV.
Epic Games Store’s Simplicity and Speed
Epic Games Store takes a more streamlined approach. It focuses on simplicity and speed, providing a clean and user-friendly interface. Downloads and updates are often faster on Epic Games Store, thanks to its efficient client. However, it lacks some of the bells and whistles of Steam, which may or may not be important to you, depending on your preferences.
Round 4: Developer and Community Support
The gaming community and developer support are essential aspects of any gaming platform. Let’s see how Steam and Epic Games Store fare in this regard.
Steam’s Long-Standing Community
Steam has built a strong and passionate community over the years. It offers forums, discussion boards, and user reviews for each game. This helps gamers connect, share tips, and discover new titles. Additionally, Steam supports mods, allowing players to enhance their gaming experiences further.
Epic Games Store’s Developer-Friendly Approach
Epic Games Store has gained a reputation for its developer-friendly policies. It offers a more generous revenue share with developers, incentivizing them to publish exclusive titles on the platform. This approach has led to an influx of exciting indie games and exclusive titles. However, Epic Games Store’s community features are still in development and may not be as robust as Steam’s.
Round 5: Privacy and Security
When it comes to digital platforms, privacy and security are paramount. Here’s how Steam and Epic Games Store address these concerns.
Steam’s Strong Security Measures
Steam takes user security seriously. It offers two-factor authentication (2FA) to protect your account. Steam Guard helps prevent unauthorized access, and the platform has a track record of swiftly addressing security issues. Valve, the company behind Steam, has years of experience in safeguarding user data.
Epic Games Store’s Privacy Initiatives
Epic Games Store is also committed to user privacy. It allows you to use 2FA to secure your account. While it may not have Steam’s lengthy history, it’s made efforts to ensure user data remains safe. As with any online platform, it’s essential to practice good cybersecurity habits to protect your information.
FAQs
1. Are games on Epic Games Store more expensive than on Steam?
Game prices can vary between the two platforms, and it’s not always the case that one is cheaper than the other. However, Epic Games Store often offers exclusive discounts on newly released titles, which can make them more affordable than on Steam.
2. Can I play my Steam games on the Epic Games Store and vice versa?
Generally, you cannot play games purchased on one platform on the other. However, some games may offer cross-platform play or provide a free copy on both platforms if you purchase it on one (e.g., Hades).
3. Which platform offers better customer support?
Steam has a well-established support system with various support options. Epic Games Store is working on improving its customer support but may not be as robust as Steam’s in this regard.
4. Is there any advantage to using both platforms?
1. Are games on Epic Games Store more expensive than on Steam?
Game prices can vary between the two platforms, and it’s not always the case that one is cheaper than the other. However, Epic Games Store often offers exclusive discounts on newly released titles, which can make them more affordable than on Steam.
2. Can I play my Steam games on the Epic Games Store and vice versa?
Generally, you cannot play games purchased on one platform on the other. However, some games may offer cross-platform play or provide a free copy on both platforms if you purchase it on one (e.g., Hades).
3. Which platform offers better customer support?
Steam has a well-established support system with various support options. Epic Games Store is working on improving its customer support but may not be as robust as Steam’s in this regard.
5. What are the system requirements for Steam and Epic Games Store?
Both platforms have relatively low system requirements, making them accessible to a wide range of gamers. However, specific requirements can vary depending on the games you want to play.
Conclusion:
Choosing between Steam and Epic Games Store ultimately comes down to your preferences and priorities as a gamer. Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:
- Choose Steam if you prioritize a vast game library, community features, and a wide range of discounts during sales events.
- Opt for Epic Games Store if you’re interested in exclusive titles, free game giveaways, and a streamlined user experience.
