Insights into Free Epic Games Store Titles, User Growth, and Spending
The Epic Games Store recently unveiled its 2023 year in review, shedding light on its efforts to establish itself as a formidable player in the PC gaming marketplace, despite facing stiff competition from platforms like Steam.
According to a blog post on the Epic Games Store, the platform gave away a staggering 86 games throughout the year, totaling a recommended retail value of over $2,000. This initiative attracted a considerable audience, with more than 580 million games downloaded during the free giveaway promotions.
In terms of user engagement, the Epic Games Store reported a milestone of 75 million monthly active users by December 2023, marking a notable 10% increase compared to the previous year. However, while this growth is significant, it falls short of Steam’s colossal user base, which exceeded 132 million monthly active users by the end of 2021.
Despite the competitive landscape, the store observed a 16% increase in player spending, reaching an impressive $950 million. Key contributors to this revenue surge included popular titles such as Genshin Impact, Rocket League, Dead Island 2, Grand Theft Auto 5, and Fortnite.
Despite these positive trends, the Epic Games Store has yet to achieve profitability. Steve Allison, the head of the Epic Games Store, acknowledged in November 2023 that the platform still operates as a loss leader for the company, even after nearly five years of operation.
As Epic Games looks to the future, its commitment to enhancing the appeal and accessibility of the store remains steadfast. Recognizing the competitive nature of the digital storefront landscape, the company is doubling down on strategies aimed at broadening its store’s reach and solidifying its position in the market.
One of the key tactics in Epic’s arsenal is its weekly free game giveaways. By consistently offering high-quality titles at no cost to users, Epic Games entices both existing and potential customers to engage with the platform regularly. This approach not only drives user acquisition but also fosters goodwill and loyalty among gamers, who appreciate the opportunity to expand their libraries without breaking the bank.