Epic Offers Developers 100% of Revenue for 6-Month Game Store Exclusivity

pcmag.com:

Epic Games has launched its new First Run program, which allows developers to keep 100% of their net revenue when launching a game exclusively on the Epic Games Store.

This is great news for developers who are used to an 88% share when publishing with Epic. The program runs for six months after the game is released, after which it drops back to 88% and developers can release their games on other platforms.

Depending on the game, some gamers may find this aggravating if they prefer platforms like Steam. In our review of the Epic Games Store, for example, we found it to be "too basic to be our top PC game store."

But Epic is pitching the program as a way for "developers of any scale" to reach a global audience at launch. Games in the First Run program will show up on the Epic Games Store homepage with a new exclusive badge to boost visibility. So we may see indie game developers take advantage of the program to boost their revenue.

Games must be released on or after Oct. 16, 2023, to qualify for First Run, and they must be new. Only games that have not been released on other platforms, including subscription services, are eligible. If you've announced a game but not released it, though, it's still eligible.

There are exceptions for publishers’ and developers’ own stores, as well as those who sell games through keyless integration on the platforms below. Keyless integration lets developers link their Epic Games account with third-party stores and skip the 20-digit redemption code.

Humble Bundle

GOG

Fanatical

Green Man Gaming

Genba and their integrated store partners

Nuuvem

Exertis Ztorm and their integrated store partners

Registration for First Run opens on Oct. 16 for those with an Epic developer account.

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