The Epic Games Store (EGS) has been in the spotlight since its launch over seven years ago, aiming to rival Steam, the dominant force in the PC gaming market. Epic’s strategy involved enticing developers with a more generous revenue split and captivating gamers through exclusive titles, free games, and enticing discounts. While the exclusives have largely vanished, the allure of free games continues to draw users to the platform.
Epic’s Growth vs. Steam’s Dominance
By the close of 2025, Epic’s substantial investments have undoubtedly paid off, building a significant user base of over 295 million. However, despite Epic’s growth, Steam remains unchallenged, with Valve’s platform achieving a record of over 41.6 million concurrent users just two months ago. This disparity highlights the ongoing preference for Steam among gamers.
Community vs. Marketplace: A Developer’s Insight
Core gamers often display a strong attachment to Steam, while remaining skeptical of EGS. Adrian Chmielarz, founder of The Astronauts, offers an explanation. In an interview with FRVR, he emphasized the sense of community Steam provides, which EGS lacks. He noted, “EGS is a shop, and Steam is a community,” underscoring the emotional investment gamers have in Steam due to its comprehensive features and community engagement. This perception of Steam as a home rather than just a marketplace is a significant factor in its enduring popularity.
The Financial Imperative and Future Prospects
The Astronauts themselves accepted an exclusivity deal with Epic for their game Witchfire, driven by financial necessity. The arrangement allowed them to remain independent, while players eventually received a polished game on Steam. Meanwhile, Epic has introduced features like a gifting option and cross-platform text chat, yet still trails behind Steam’s robust community offerings.
Do you resonate with Chmielarz’s perspective on why Steam holds a special place for many PC gamers? Share your thoughts in the comments and cast your vote in the poll.
In related updates, The Astronauts has just launched a significant update for Witchfire, their roguelite first-person shooter still in early access.