In a statement remarkable for its candor, Steve Allison, Vice President and General Manager of the Epic Games Store, has openly acknowledged the shortcomings of Epic Games' PC game distribution platform. During an exclusive interview with Eurogamer UK, Allison did not hesitate to label the current client as something that "sucks," a level of self-criticism rare in the gaming industry. This admission comes at a crucial time when competition with Steam, the undisputed giant in the sector, intensifies each year.
The context could not be more relevant. Since its launch in 2018, the Epic Games Store has tried to gain ground by offering developers a more favorable revenue share (88/12 versus Steam's 70/30) and giving away weekly AAA and indie titles to users. However, the platform has been consistently criticized by the community for lacking basic social features, a robust review system, a slow client, and a user interface considered inferior. These shortcomings have limited its mass adoption, despite the billions of dollars invested in temporary exclusives and marketing campaigns.
Allison detailed that the year 2026 is marked on Epic's calendar as the "year of the big improvement." The plan, according to the executive, is not focused on minor patches but on a comprehensive overhaul of the client. Among the promises are radical improvements in download speed and performance, the implementation of a native and robust forum system, and the introduction of social features that allow for deeper connection between players, similar to what Steam offers. "Let's call it what it is," Allison stated, referring to the current problems, "and now let's fix it."
The impact of this statement is significant. For developers, a more competitive and complete platform means better tools to reach their audience and manage their communities. For players, it promises a smoother, more social, and enriching experience, which could finally balance the scales in the PC digital distribution duopoly. The conclusion is clear: the Epic Games Store is willing to publicly acknowledge its mistakes and has set an ambitious date for its reinvention. The success or failure of this transformation in 2026 could redefine the landscape of digital storefronts and offer a real and viable alternative to Steam's dominance.
