Hold Up, Did Epic Just Portkey to the Next Xbox? Your Console's Future (and Free Games) Just Got Wilder
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
Epic Games Store is aiming for a day-one launch on the next Xbox console, a move that could significantly open up the traditionally closed console storefront ecosystem and offer players more choice, all while Epic promises their beloved free games program isn't going anywhere.
Right, so I’ve been tinkering with the digital tea leaves this morning, and bloody hell, it looks like Epic Games has been busy casting some serious portal spells. You know that feeling when you're messing around with a new enchantment, and suddenly, you've accidentally opened a gateway to another dimension? Well, that's kinda what it feels like with the latest buzz around the Epic Games Store (EGS) and, of all places, the *next* Xbox console.
According to a chat Epic’s Steve Allison had with Game File (as originally reported by the ever-sharp Vikki Blake over at Eurogamer.net – seriously, go check out her original scoop, it's solid gold), Epic plans to be available on the *next* Xbox console "on day one." Day one! Now, if you’ve been knocking about the gaming scene for a while, you’ll know this is a bit like finding a dragon offering you a lift to work. Console ecosystems have, traditionally, been more closed off than a wizard's secret lab, usually only allowing their own storefronts to operate. The idea of a major third-party digital shop waltzing in? That’s not just a change; that’s a tectonic plate shift in the console landscape.
Allison reckons Microsoft has been pretty "welcome" to the idea, which, let's be fair, is a surprisingly open-handed gesture from the console giant. Of course, Epic will need to "build in whatever their requirements are, some sort of software to support that," which basically means they’re gonna have to conjure up a dedicated app. Allison admitted they "haven't built the apps for those that we need to build" yet, but it’s clearly on their roadmap. This isn't just a casual stroll into a new market; it's a full-on expedition.
But why is Epic so keen to plant its flag on new console soil? Well, mate, it all comes down to growth. Allison confirmed that EGS averaged around 67 million monthly users last year – roughly half of Steam’s massive audience, he estimates – and raked in a record $400 million in revenue from third-party games. That’s not chump change; that’s enough to buy a small, digital island. When you’re seeing those kinds of numbers, it's only natural to start thinking about where else you can, shall we say, expand your magical influence. They're not just resting on their laurels, either; Epic's got plans to expand into iOS in Japan, mobile in Brazil, and even add more social features (forums, anyone?!) – which, honestly, feels a bit like they’re rebuilding the town square after blowing a hole through it with a misfired spell. Oh, and the PC launcher? It’s getting a full "guts" transplant, promising faster, less resource-hungry performance. About bloody time, if you ask me.
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room, or rather, the treasure chest that keeps on giving: Epic's free games program. If you’re anything like me, your EGS library is probably stuffed with more "claimed but never played" titles than a dragon’s hoard. In another chat, this time with WindowsCentral, Allison reiterated that Epic takes this program "very seriously." He called it the "best customer acquisition spend you can ever make," bringing in a whopping 10 million new players a year. Ten million! That's a lot of potential new adventurers, mate. And here’s the kicker: he explicitly stated, "I would never want to see us rug pull it away from people, it's kind of part of our identity." Phew. That's music to my ears. It’s like a wizard promising free potions for life – you kinda want to believe it, don’t you? And it's not just about getting people onto EGS; Allison even hinted that the free games can have a "significant impact" on sales of those *same games* on other platforms, like Steam and, dare I say it, *consoles*. Imagine that – free games on EGS prompting purchases elsewhere. It’s a mind-bending strategy, almost like giving away samples in one shop to boost sales in another.
So, what does this all mean for us, the pixel-poking public? On one hand, more choice is almost always a good thing. Competition can, theoretically, spur innovation and better deals for players. If EGS genuinely offers a strong alternative on Xbox, it could shake things up in a way we haven't seen before. Imagine potential console-specific EGS exclusives, or even better, more free games! That optimistic part of my brain, the one that believes a new spell could solve *all* my problems, is pretty stoked.
However, the gently skeptical wizard in me can’t help but raise an eyebrow. Corporate promises are often written in disappearing ink, and while Epic seems genuinely committed to the free games program, the long-term motivations of any massive company are always about, well, massive growth. Will this lead to truly open consoles, or just another walled garden adjacent to Microsoft's own? Will Microsoft eventually let *other* third-party storefronts in, or is this a special Epic-only deal? These are the questions that keep a digital wizard up at night, pondering the true nature of reality (and monetization strategies).
Still, it’s a fascinating development. The console landscape has always felt a bit like an ancient, unyielding fortress. To see a digital storefront not just knocking, but apparently being *welcomed* to set up shop inside? That’s genuinely exciting. It makes you wonder what other gateways might open up next. Just try not to accidentally summon a demon while you’re pondering it all, eh?
Tags: Epic Games Store, Xbox, Console Gaming, Gaming Industry, Digital Storefronts
Original article: Eurogamer