Epic Games is overhauling the Epic Games Store (EGS) with a multi-phase development roadmap aimed at improving performance and introducing long-requested community features. The company confirmed at its recent Unreal Fest 2024 that it is transitioning to a "V2" version of its launcher, targeting a fivefold reduction in load times and a more streamlined user interface to better compete with established platforms like Valve’s Steam.
Why is the Epic Games Store changing its launcher?
Epic Games is moving away from its original launcher architecture to address recurring user complaints regarding navigation speed and feature parity. According to company presentations shared during Unreal Fest, the new V2 client will not rely on the Unreal Engine, a shift intended to make the application significantly more lightweight.
The developer intends to reduce client load times by 5x compared to the current version. Beyond raw speed, the update includes a redesigned storefront layout intended to make finding games more intuitive. This follows years of criticism from the PC gaming community, which has frequently cited the store’s lack of discovery tools and community-driven content as a primary reason for preferring other digital storefronts.
What new social and community features are coming?
Epic Games plans to implement a suite of social tools to mirror the "user-driven discovery" model popularized by Steam. The roadmap includes:
- User Reviews: Integration of full-text review systems on game pages.
- Player Profiles: Personalized profiles and avatars to facilitate a more social experience within the library and friends list.
- Community Tools: Enhanced systems to foster engagement between players and developers.
These features aim to shift the platform from a purely transactional storefront to a community hub. While Epic has previously offered free games to attract users, these updates represent a strategic pivot toward retaining users through long-term ecosystem engagement.
When will these updates arrive?
While Epic has not provided a firm public release date for every feature, the company categorized its roadmap into near-term and long-term goals. Upcoming improvements include:
- Library Management: Better organization for large game collections.
- Patch Notes: In-client visibility for third-party game updates.
- Regional Gifting: Expanded capabilities for cross-region gifting.
- Chunked Installation: A technical optimization to allow for more efficient downloads, specifically highlighting improvements for Fortnite players.
Longer-term initiatives include universal controller support labels and hardware compatibility checks, which will provide users with specific data on how a game will perform on their unique PC configuration.
Comparison of Storefront Features
| Feature | Current EGS Status | Planned V2 Status |
|---|---|---|
| Launcher Engine | Unreal Engine | Native Architecture |
| Load Times | Baseline | Targeted 5x Reduction |
| Reviews | Limited/Aggregated | Full-text User Reviews |
| Social | Basic Friends List | Profiles & Community Tools |
What is the broader impact on PC gaming?
The decision to modernize the EGS launcher signals a shift in Epic Games’ strategy regarding its competitive stance against Steam. By prioritizing core usability and social connectivity, Epic is attempting to address the "friction" that has historically prevented the store from becoming a primary launcher for many PC gamers. These technical upgrades, particularly the move away from Unreal Engine for the client itself, suggest that the company is prioritizing stability and efficiency to ensure the platform can scale alongside its growing library of third-party titles.
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