The Epic Games Store experienced significant growth between 2019 and 2024, increasing its user base by 173%, from 108 million to over 295 million users. This growth predominantly stemmed from account creation due to free-game promotions but did not translate into increased consumer spending.
Growth and Features
Epic Games Store initially launched as a competitor to Steam, attracting developers with better revenue splits and exclusive releases. While it has added features over time, such as wishlists and achievements in 2021, and reviews and gifting (reintroduced in 2025), some functions like family sharing and mod support remain absent. These feature gaps contribute to the store's inability to convert its large user base into proportional sales.
User Behavior and Market Position
The user behavior on the Epic Games Store largely centers around claiming free games. This contrasts with platforms like Xbox PC, which rely more on Game Pass subscriptions to engage users who are inclined to spend. While Epic's approach emphasizes coexistence and free content, Steam maintains dominance in the PC market due to its established features and user-focused ecosystem. As a result, many users still prefer Steam and Xbox for spending, using Epic primarily for free games.
Both Epic and Xbox, while distinct in their strategies, are carving their niches without directly challenging Steam's leading position. Epic can sustain success by focusing on its unique advantages, even without matching Steam's scale or user loyalty.
