In a recent discussion with Lex Fridman, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney acknowledged the shortcomings of the Epic Games Store launcher, describing it as “clunky.” While improvements have been made, many users still find the experience to be slow and cumbersome, particularly when compared to the more streamlined interface of Steam. Sweeney’s candid admission reflects a broader sentiment among gamers who prefer the efficiency of Steam over Epic’s offering.
Challenges and User Experience
Epic’s launcher received a score of 41% in a recent evaluation of PC launchers, placing it behind competitors like the Microsoft Store and EA but still trailing significantly behind Steam and GOG Galaxy. Sweeney pointed out that the performance issues are not uniform; they can vary widely based on a user’s proximity to a content delivery network (CDN) and the size of their game library. For users with slower internet connections, loading a substantial Epic library can be particularly frustrating, especially when juxtaposed with the seamless experience offered by Steam.
During the interview, Sweeney reiterated his belief that while the Epic launcher should not simply replicate all of Steam’s features, it should incorporate the convenience elements that make it enjoyable to use. He expressed optimism that the unique advantages of the Epic Games approach would eventually outweigh those of Steam, particularly as the gaming landscape evolves towards multi-platform connectivity.
Connecting Players Across Platforms
Sweeney emphasized the importance of connecting players rather than segregating them into isolated online communities. He criticized Valve for not allowing Steamworks to function across all platforms, suggesting that such a move could foster a more inclusive gaming environment. “Your game vastly benefits by connecting all of its players together,” he stated, advocating for a future where cross-platform play is the norm.
In a notable moment, Sweeney addressed the negative backlash faced by developers who utilize Epic Online Services, citing harassment campaigns from certain segments of the Steam user base. He highlighted the case of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, which received early negative reviews on Steam due to the automatic installation of Epic Online Services for crossplay functionality. “Developers do that so they can connect their players across platforms,” he explained, underscoring the intent behind such integrations.
As the conversation around the Epic Games Store continues, Sweeney’s predictions about the future of the platform remain to be seen. For now, users grappling with the Epic launcher can explore alternatives like GOG Galaxy or Heroic, which have been noted for their superior functionality compared to Epic’s own offering.
