Epic Games has unveiled its latest initiative, the Epic Web Shops service, designed for both PC and mobile platforms. This innovative offering is accessible through the company’s self-publishing tools, allowing developers to monetize in-game content seamlessly. By leveraging Epic’s extensive global distribution network and robust ecommerce platform, developers can establish a direct-to-consumer storefront.
Revenue Model and Developer Benefits
One of the standout features of the Epic Web Shops service is its favorable revenue model. Developers will retain 100% of their first million in net revenue per title, a significant incentive for creators. After reaching this milestone, the revenue share will transition to the standard 88/12 split, ensuring that developers still benefit from their hard work.
Moreover, players engaging with Web Shops will enjoy Epic Rewards on every purchase, which can be redeemed for future transactions, enhancing the overall user experience. Once a Web Shop is activated, it will be prominently displayed on the developer’s product page under a new ‘Web Shop’ tab on PC, facilitating easy access for consumers. This feature also supports out-of-app purchases, broadening the scope for developers to reach their audience.
Mobile Integration and Eligibility
Epic has confirmed that mobile app product pages will incorporate the Web Shops feature natively within the Epic Game Store mobile app later this year, further expanding the potential for developers to engage with mobile users. To create a Web Shop, developers or publishers must possess a registered Epic Games Developer account and have eligible products ready for sale.
The service is designed to accommodate various types of content, specifically “any content considered a consumable sale,” which includes virtual currency and other in-game items. However, it is important to note that Web3 games are not eligible for this service.
In a notable first, Codename Entertainment has successfully launched a live Web Shop for its title, Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms. This rollout follows Epic’s earlier announcement of the webshop feature, coinciding with its recent legal victory against Apple, marking a significant step forward in the company’s ongoing evolution in the gaming landscape.
