Should You Buy Your Games from Epic Games Store? A Balanced Look

16 June 2025

Gaming has become a massive part of our lives, whether you're a casual player who unwinds with a few rounds of "Fortnite" or a die-hard fan sinking endless hours into RPGs. But with so many digital storefronts out there—Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store, Itch.io, and more—it’s totally normal to wonder, “Where should I buy my games?”

Specifically, let’s talk about the Epic Games Store (EGS). It’s been making waves since its launch in 2018, but not without its fair share of controversy. Is it worth switching over, or should you stick to your usual platform? Let’s break it down and see if the Epic Games Store deserves a spot in your gaming routine.

The Epic Games Store: What’s the Big Deal?

At first glance, you might think, “Why should I even care about another game launcher? Aren’t they all the same?” Not exactly. The Epic Games Store has carved out a niche for itself with some unique perks that might make you raise an eyebrow (in a good way).

But before we dive into the pros and cons, let’s get one thing straight: Epic Games didn’t pop out of nowhere. These are the same folks behind Unreal Engine, one of the most popular game development tools, and the wildly successful "Fortnite." Launching their own store was a natural step, but how does it measure up to competitors like Steam?

The Pros of Buying Games from the Epic Games Store

Okay, let’s start with the good stuff. Why do some gamers swear by EGS?

1. Free Games? Yes, Please!

If there’s anything that gets a gamer’s attention, it’s the word “free.” Epic Games Store has been giving away free games every single week since its launch. And we’re not talking about throwaway titles no one cares about—some have been super popular, like "Grand Theft Auto V," "Control," and "Borderlands 3."

Think of it as the gaming equivalent of walking into a candy store and getting free chocolates every week. Who wouldn’t like that?

2. Amazing Exclusive Titles

EGS is known for grabbing exclusivity deals with top-notch games. Ever wanted to play "Metro Exodus" or "Final Fantasy VII Remake" right as they launch? Sometimes, you’ll only find these games on Epic for months (or even years) before they hit other stores.

Sure, some people dislike exclusivity, but from Epic’s point of view, it’s like owning the only pizza shop in town that sells stuffed crust. It’s a tempting offer for players who don’t want to wait.

3. Better Revenue Sharing for Developers

Okay, this one isn’t directly about you as a player, but hear me out: Epic takes only a 12% cut from game sales, compared to Steam’s 30%. This means developers earn more money per purchase. Supporting developers is important, especially indie studios crunching to create amazing experiences.

By buying from EGS, you’re indirectly helping keep those devs happy, which could mean better games for everyone in the long run. Win-win, right?

4. User-Friendly Interface

Let’s be honest: some game launchers feel like a cluttered junk drawer in your kitchen. EGS, however, keeps things simple. Its minimalist design focuses on your games and the store without overwhelming you with hundreds of features you might not even use.

Think of EGS like a sleek coffee shop. Sure, they don’t offer 50 menu items, but that’s kind of the point. You get what you came for, and it’s easy to find it.

The Cons of Buying Games from the Epic Games Store

Of course, no platform is perfect. While EGS has some great selling points, there are a few downsides to consider.

1. Limited Features Compared to Competitors

If you’re coming from Steam, you’ll notice EGS lacks some features—community forums, achievements, cloud saves for all games, mod integration, and so on. For hardcore gamers, this might feel like trading in your fancy smartphone for a flip phone.

And let’s not forget social features. In comparison to Steam’s robust friend system and game hubs, EGS can feel a little lonely.

2. Exclusivity Can Be a Buzzkill

While some gamers love those exclusive titles, others find them frustrating. Nobody likes being told, “You can only buy this here and nowhere else!” It might even feel like you’re being forced into downloading yet another launcher.

If you’re the type who wants all your games in one place, this could be a major sticking point.

3. Privacy Concerns

EGS has been in hot water over data collection and privacy issues before. Some gamers raised concerns about how Epic handles user data, especially since Tencent, a Chinese tech giant, owns a significant share of the company.

Although Epic has addressed these concerns and assured users that their data is safe, the whole thing left a sour taste for some.

4. Library Size

Compared to Steam and its gigantic library of 50,000+ games, Epic’s catalog is still small. Sure, the store is growing, but if you’re on the hunt for quirky indie games or niche titles, you might have better luck elsewhere.

So, Should You Buy Your Games from Epic Games Store?

Alright, let’s cut to the chase: is Epic Games Store worth your time?

It really depends on what you value most as a gamer. If you’re someone who loves free games, appreciates exclusive releases, and wants to support developers with a better revenue split, EGS is a fantastic option. It’s kind of like the cool new player in town that’s shaking things up—and honestly, we love a bit of competition.

But, if you’re all about features, an expansive library, and privacy is a major concern for you, it might not be your first choice (at least, not yet). That’s okay too!

At the end of the day, you don’t need to pick just one store. You can have Steam and Epic. Nobody’s stopping you from grabbing deals on both platforms. Think of it like ordering pizza from different places depending on your mood—why limit yourself when you can have the best of both worlds?

Final Thoughts

Love it or hate it, there’s no denying that Epic Games Store has made a huge impact on the gaming industry. It’s given players more choices, developers a better deal, and competitors like Steam a reason to up their game.

Should you buy your games from EGS? That’s up to you. But if nothing else, swing by for the free games—it’s hard to say no to that kind of deal!

At the end of the day, gaming is all about having fun. Whether it’s on Steam, Epic, GOG, or even a good old-fashioned console, the goal is the same: enjoy yourself.