We often see Epic Games giving away free games in an effort to attract players and encourage them to move away from Steam. While this strategy has undoubtedly helped Epic Games expand its user base, it does not always result in players fully switching platforms.
In many cases, users simply claim the free games offered by Epic Games and then return to Steam to continue purchasing and playing their games there. This phenomenon has even been acknowledged by a former Epic Games employee.
So why does this happen?
Based on our observations, one of the main reasons is the difference in user experience and platform features. Many gamers still prefer Steam because it offers a more complete ecosystem. Epic Games Launcher is often criticized for being relatively resource-heavy and lacking the level of customization available on Steam.
Another frequently mentioned issue is the lack of a traditional user review system. While Steam allows players to post reviews and share their experiences with purchased games, Epic Games primarily relies on curated reviews and critic feedback. As a result, some users feel that the platform does not provide enough opportunities for players to express their opinions and help others make informed purchasing decisions.
Community features are another area where Steam maintains a significant advantage. Steam provides discussion forums, guides, screenshots, artwork sharing, and direct community interaction, allowing players to engage with both fellow gamers and game developers. These features help create a stronger sense of community around the games available on the platform.
Based on these observations, it is understandable why many gamers continue to favor Steam as their primary gaming platform. In addition to its extensive feature set, Steam is also often perceived as being lighter on system resources when compared to the Epic Games Launcher, particularly when both applications are idle.
If Epic Games hopes to convince more users to make a permanent switch, the company may need to focus not only on free game giveaways but also on improving its launcher, expanding community features, and providing tools that enhance the overall user experience.
