CEO Tim Sweeney admits Epic Games launcher is clunky compared to Steam rival but has advantages

The Epic Games launcher has struggled to achieve the same following as Valve's Steam marketplace. Steam has an unmatched selection of games, but many buyers also find the Epic alternative frustrating. CEO Tim Sweeney made some surprising admissions in a recent Lex Fridman podcast. Sweeney discussed how, despite the company's efforts, the Epic launcher is slower to navigate. However, he also praised the software's multi-platform advantages and anticipates future growth.

Sweeney explained that one issue that plagues the launcher is the placement of content delivery networks. If users are too far from the closest server, loading store pages and downloading files becomes slower. Yet, even when accessed in an optimal location, the launcher consumes more resources than Steam. The Epic Games Store has a more modern design with larger graphics that tax lower-end PCs.

Despite its problems, Sweeney sees a bright future for the marketplace. He mentioned how Steam's audience is mainly on PCs, while Epic Games has introduced cross-platform features. Titles like Fortnite and Rocket League allow progress and purchases to carry over to Xbox, PlayStation, and mobile devices. Sweeney believes this will become increasingly advantageous. Microsoft is another company trying to blur the lines between platforms. Epic and Steam might benefit from a new Windows-based Xbox console that brings their games to more devices.

By most accounts, Steam still has a significantly larger user base than the Epic Games launcher. Even so, Epic offers free games, often AAA titles, which keep customers from uninstalling the software. Also, the marketplace appeals to emerging developers, especially after recent changes. These game-makers will now receive a larger revenue share from the Epic Games Store. Yet, sluggish performance remains an obstacle for gamers looking to discover new titles.