Epic Games Rolls Out Exciting First Run Program: A Game-Changing Offer for Game Developers.
Epic Games gives third-party developers 100% of revenue for six months as a reward for game exclusivity on its storefront. Epic's newly announced First Run program is an opt-in scheme. Developers who choose to take part in the initiative will receive six months of 100% revenue. After this period of exclusivity expires, the split will return to the store's original configuration, with 88 percent going to developers and 12 percent going to Epic.
Epic Games is throwing down an offer that's turning heads. They're giving third-party developers a shot at exclusivity on their Epic Games Store, and here's the kicker – for the first six months, developers get to keep a jaw-dropping 100% of the revenue. That's right, you read that correctly – a full 100% share. It's like getting a golden ticket to the chocolate factory but for game developers.
According to Epic, First Run will be open to developers "of any scale" and will offer participants a number of benefits aimed at boosting their product's visibility in general. Benefits from "relevant store campaigns" like sales and events, as well as "exclusive badging, homepage placements, and dedicated collections" are included in this.
Both developers and publishers who have registered Epic Games developer accounts and "eligible products" releasing any time after October 16, 2023, are eligible for the First Run program from Epic.
According to Epic, an eligible product is "a new release game or app which has not been released on another third-party PC store previously or included in a subscription service available on another third-party PC store."
Epic's not just showering them with cash but with some awesome perks too. We're talking about prime spots in "relevant store campaigns" – think sales, events, and other flashy happenings. Plus, developers get to flaunt their creations with "exclusive badging, homepage placements, and dedicated collections." It's like getting the VIP treatment at the coolest gaming party in town.
The company announced that any apps or games that have already signed an exclusivity agreement with the Epic Games Store are ineligible for the First Run program.
In spite of all of this, developers can still participate in First Run and simultaneously release their products on a third-party website or store, according to Epic, which states that "Products in the Epic First Run program can also be released simultaneously on publishers' and developers' own stores or launchers with direct sales, sale of an Epic digital redemption code, or integration with our keyless redemption program."
Epic CEO Tim Sweeny stated on X (formerly Twitter) that "everyone wins" with this new scheme.
Epic Games Store launched in 2018 with an 88% / 12% revenue split. Now developers can also choose a new option: launch your PC game on EGS first for 6 months for a 100% / 0% revenue split. Devs earn more money, Epic reaches new customers, everyone wins.https://t.co/T2GJAkwy1g
— Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) August 23, 2023
Epic'sboss Tim Sweeney calls this a win-win for everyone involved. Epic store's also getting some behind-the-scenes love. Sweeney spilled the beans that they're working hard to give it an "optimization" boost. Apparently, it's come a long way in the past year, but they're not stopping until it's as smooth as a speedrun through your favorite game.
As a side note, Sweeney mentioned in the comments on this post that the Epic store is being "optimized" as part of a "big development effort" right now.
In response to a query about the store's overall experience, Sweeny said, "It's roughly doubled performance over the past year but it has further to go.
Epic Games is dropping a bombshell with its First Run program. This isn't just about exclusivity; it's a bold step to reshape the gaming landscape. Developers are in for a treat with that sweet 100% revenue during the exclusivity window. And those extra perks? Well, they're like the cherry on top of a well-crafted game.
So, while we wait for the First Run to kick off, let's keep our controllers charged and our eyes peeled for the next big thing in the gaming world. After all, with Epic Games setting the stage, who knows what other surprises they've got up their sleeves?