Epic Games is a powerhouse when it comes to gaming and digital technologies, but what sets them apart from their competitors, and what will be their next move to continue market domination?
If you are not familiar with Epic Games, they are probably best known as being the developers of the phenomenon that is Fortnite, a title that has attracted millions of players from around the world and is now regarded as being much more than just a game, it’s a social and entertainment platform that has redefined how video games can influence global culture.
This is a game that appeals to a wide range of people, from casual gamers to those who are living the dream and playing esports for a living.
The gameplay is being constantly updated so players are kept engaged and the scenario where Fortnite becomes boring to play and left behind by its competitors is unlikely to happen.
More Than Meets the Eye
If you thought that Epic Games was a ‘one trick pony’, think again because there is far more going on with this remarkable company.
With the same innovation that revolutionized gaming with Fortnite, you could easily imagine Epic branching out into other digital entertainment experiences, just as an online casino is pushing the boundaries of virtual entertainment, offering immersive environments for players around the globe.
Let’s start by taking a look at Unreal Engine, a highly advanced and versatile real time 3D creation tool that is widely used across various industries.
Unreal Engine – The Game Changer
Used in gaming and film production, architecture and automotive design, Unreal Engine has grown to become one of the most powerful game development platforms in the world due to its cutting-edge features, high performance, and flexibility.
Let’s take a closer look at the technology behind Unreal Engine from a layman’s point of view (don’t worry, we won’t get too technical)
- Nanite (Micropolygon Geometry) – Nanite virtualized geometry basically means that it is far easier for developers to show very detailed objects in video games without slowing down the performance of the gameplay, making the game seem far more realistic.
- Lumen (Dynamic Global Illumination) – This is a lighting system that makes the gameplay more realistic. It reacts to changes in the environment in real time, meaning that if something moves or the lighting changes (like the sun setting), the light adjusts naturally. It’s stuff that gamers take for granted, but it’s little things like this that make Epic Gaming stand out from the crowd.
- MetaHuman Creator – MetaHuman creator is pretty mind blowing as it allows game developers to quickly create highly realistic human characters meaning that it is easy to populate games or even films with life like characters.
- Quixel Megascans Integration – This saves developers a lot of time because they don’t need to create everything from scratch. Instead, they can use this library of photo realistic assets to make their games look amazing, and it helps speed up the development process while keeping the visuals just about as realistic as it is possible to get.
Epic Games Store – The Developers Best Friend
This is the digital distribution platform for video games and software developed and distributed by Epic Games.
The Epic Games Store was at first seen as a competitor to established storefronts such as Steam but as you would probably expect from this dynamic company, the store has grown at a remarkable pace, attracting millions of users with its unique offerings and strategies.
One of the main benefits of the Epic Games Store which sets it apart from its competitors, especially Steam, is the developer-friendly revenue split,
Epic takes only a 12% share of sales, far less than the industry standard 30%, so it is of no surprise why the platform has attracted many developers, especially smaller studios and independent creators, who benefit from the more favourable terms.
Everyone Loves a Free Game
The free games strategy has been one of Epic’s most effective tools for attracting new users.
Every week, users return to the store to claim their free game, and many end up staying to browse or make additional purchases.
Some key outcomes of this strategy include:
- User Growth: The consistent release of free games has brought millions of users to the platform. In 2022, Epic Games reported that the store had over 230 million users which is quite astonishing.
- Increased Developer Exposure: Offering indie games for free has also helped independent developers gain exposure to a broader audience.
Games that might have been overlooked in other stores gain attention through the free games program, which can lead to increased sales later on.
What Else Does Epic Gaming Have Up its Sleeve?
There is so much going on behind the scenes but what could be more exciting than AI and machine learning, it makes you almost afraid to learn of how Epic Games are embracing this new technology because you know it will take your breath away.
So, with that in mind, let’s delve a little deeper into the metaverse vision of Epic Gaming and why it will ensure that they will carry on dominating the industry.
AI can be used to generate what are known as Intelligent non player characters (NPC’s) that interact naturally with users.
We are talking about life-like responses here, but that’s not all, how about highly detailed virtual worlds that are constantly evolving without the need for designers to get involved, it will be almost like these games will offer a universe that is unique to the individual player.
Let’s not forget about the potential within the metaverse to offer personalised learning experiences, these adaptive AI systems can provide lessons and feedback based on an individual’s progress and what’s more, in a fully immersive 3D environment.
The potential within the Epic Metaverse is astounding and the opportunity to expand beyond traditional gaming is something that will ensure that the future is very bright for Epic Gaming.
As Epic continues to innovate, its integration of AI, machine learning, and the metaverse will redefine not only gaming but also how we learn, socialize, and interact in virtual spaces.
Hold on to your hats because it is all about to get very exciting.
