Epic Games is set to launch web shops for developers in June 2025, marking a significant shift in the gaming industry landscape. This initiative comes on the heels of a pivotal court ruling that mandates Apple to allow developers to communicate directly with users and link to alternative payment systems, effectively enabling more developers to bypass traditional app store fees.
With the new web shops, companies will have the opportunity to sidestep the high fees typically associated with in-app purchases on platforms like iOS. Epic Games has announced that it will take a 12% royalty on purchases made through its own marketplace, but the introduction of these web shops could provide a more cost-effective alternative for developers.
Beginning in June, Epic will implement a 0% commission on all purchases made through Epic Games Store payments for the first $1 million in revenue per app each year. Following this threshold, the standard 88/12 revenue share will apply. “These web shops can offer players out-of-app purchases, as a more cost-effective alternative to in-app purchases, where Apple, Google, and others charge exorbitant fees,” Epic stated in a recent announcement.
Players who make purchases through these web shops will also benefit from 5% Epic Rewards on all transactions, which can be applied to future purchases. This move is expected to attract developers looking for more favorable financial arrangements compared to the existing app store models.
The announcement follows a landmark ruling by a US judge who criticized Apple’s anticompetitive practices, stating it was in “wilful violation” of a previous injunction. The judge also accused Apple VP of finance Alex Roman of lying under oath during the proceedings. As a result of the ruling, Apple is now required to allow developers to direct users to alternative payment options.
RZAIN Consulting CEO Claire Rozain commented, “The recent Apple vs. Epic ruling marks a meaningful shift in the mobile app ecosystem.” Meanwhile, Oscar Clark, CEO of Fundamentally Games, described the ruling as “explosive,” highlighting the potential opportunities for developers while cautioning them to remain vigilant against potential pitfalls.
The upcoming web shops and direct-to-consumer strategies will be key topics at the Dubai GameExpo Summit, scheduled for May 7th to 8th, 2025. The summit will provide a platform for developers to discuss the implications of these changes and how they can leverage the new opportunities presented by Epic’s initiatives.
In addition to the web shops, Epic Games has also announced plans to bring back its popular game Fortnite to the US iOS App Store next week, following its removal in 2020. This move is seen as a significant victory for Epic, further solidifying its position in the competitive gaming market.
Epic Games Store, which launched in late 2018, has been a robust competitor to Valve's Steam, offering developers a more favorable revenue-sharing model. The current 88/12 split is significantly better than the 30% cut taken by Steam, making it an attractive option for game developers.
The introduction of web shops is expected to enhance the appeal of the Epic Games Store, particularly for mobile game developers who have faced challenges navigating the traditional app store landscape. By offering a platform that allows for out-of-app purchases, Epic is positioning itself as a leader in the evolving digital marketplace.
As the gaming industry continues to shift towards more developer-friendly practices, Epic’s initiatives may pave the way for other companies to follow suit. The ability for developers to retain more of their revenue and offer players better purchasing options could lead to a more vibrant and competitive gaming ecosystem.
While the Epic Games Store has made significant strides in recent years, some users still note that it lacks certain features that are standard on other platforms, such as game gifting and preloading upcoming releases. However, Epic has indicated that these features are on their way, and the company remains committed to improving the user experience.
As the launch of the web shops approaches, developers and players alike are eager to see how these changes will impact the gaming landscape. With the potential for increased revenue and more flexible purchasing options, Epic Games is poised to reshape the way games are sold and consumed in the digital age.
The future looks bright for Epic Games and its web shops, as they prepare to revolutionize the digital storefront model in June 2025. With a focus on developer empowerment and player satisfaction, Epic is setting a new standard for the gaming industry.
