The news that Metro Exodus will be a timed exclusive on the Epic Games Store has been the subject of a lot of debate. Loyal Steam users have been left annoyed that they’re being lured over to another digital storefront; those tired of Valve’s dominance of the PC gaming market are relieved to finally see a true competitor to its throne.
The GameRevolution editorial team waded in with our thoughts on the matter, which you can read below. As always, leave your own thoughts in the comments section, and we’ll feature our favorite in tomorrow’s Tell GR.
Paul Tamburro, executive editor: “I’m all for it. Epic Games really needs something to attract new users to its storefront, and competition should cause Valve to put more effort into Steam in the future. While I can understand Steam users’ hesitance to switch to another store, one company having such a stranglehold over PC gaming isn’t beneficial long-term. Hopefully, this will lead to good things for everyone.”
Jason Faulkner, senior editor: “I’m not crazy about the growing number of digital storefronts, but I guess that’s capitalism at work. Considering that so many PC games are by default Steam “exclusives,” I don’t really have a problem with Epic snagging some of its own. I’ve seen people comment that it’s “anti-consumer” but I think it’s anything but. Turning the heat up on Steam and encouraging them to be more innovative and competitive is a textbook example of how the free market can work. My only disappointment right now concerning Epic Store exclusives is that the client needs to mature and start offering cloud saving and the like.”
Mack Ashworth, lead editor: “I’m perfectly fine with Epic Games grabbing exclusives. If the devs are getting a better deal there, then I’m all for it. Steam needed competition to improve, and I really do feel like Valve was getting complacent.”
Bradley Russell, news editor: “As a consumer, I’m admittedly a little concerned. I already have Steam and Origin and now I know I’m going to have to commit to getting the Epic Games Store client at some point. Competition might be good for Valve, in particular, though. It’s a publisher and developer that always seems to push out some of its best ever content when it feels under pressure so it might just lead to some amazing Steam exclusives down the line. If that’s the case, I’m all for it. Half-Life 3, anyone?”
Michael Leri, features editor: “I’m glad Steam has competition now even if I think ripping games off of one store is maybe a little misleading. Steam’s attitude toward the marketplace is infuriating and it’s about time someone gave them a real run. Maybe it’ll even make Valve develop Half-Life 3 as a Steam exclusive to boost the platform so people can finally shut the hell up about it.
Yesterday’s best comment
Question: What underrated game deserves a sequel?
bigtruckseriesreview: “I’d appreciate a COLONY WARS sequel, but I’d really be happier getting a sequel to JANES USAF. Where have all the Military Flight Sims gone???”
