Epic Games is doubling down on player-centric features after years of prioritizing publisher tools and mobile expansion. The upcoming mid-year overhaul of the Epic Games Launcher will strip away outdated systems to deliver a faster, more responsive experience. For the first time, the store is also experimenting with community-driven forums for select titles, along with player profiles, avatars, and cross-game social tools—though moderation will remain far stricter than Steam’s.
The shift reflects a deliberate evolution. While Epic has long resisted social integration—rejecting forums in 2019 and avoiding review systems until 2022—it now acknowledges that players expect more than just a transactional storefront. The new forums, currently in testing, will be closely monitored by Epic’s trust and safety team to prevent toxic behavior or review brigading. Unlike Steam, where user reviews can be weaponized against developers, Epic’s system relies on random sampling of players who’ve spent significant time with a game, reducing the risk of manipulation.
This caution extends to other features. The launcher’s technical refresh, underway since October, aims to eliminate laggy load times and improve system resource management. Early feedback suggests the changes will be noticeable—users may no longer experience delays when accessing libraries or navigating the store. The overhaul also paves the way for deeper integration of social tools, including voice chat and private messaging, though Epic has no plans to replicate Steam’s open-ended groups or unmoderated discussions.
Behind the scenes, Epic’s approach remains pragmatic. The store’s 2025 financial report highlighted record spending on third-party titles, a testament to its growing appeal among developers. While Epic’s revenue split (12% after $1 million in annual sales) is more generous than Steam’s, the company is betting that social features and performance improvements will further solidify its position as a viable alternative.
For now, the focus is on controlled experimentation. Forums will launch for top titles first, with moderation as a top priority. The free games program, a key driver of user growth, will continue, though Epic has not announced plans to expand it beyond its current scope. The balance between engagement and control will define the store’s future—one that avoids Steam’s pitfalls while still fostering community.
