Epic Games Challenges Apple and Steam with Zero-Commission Policy for Developers
Epic Games lance une nouvelle offensive sur le marché du jeu vidéo en proposant aux développeurs de distribuer leurs jeux sans payer de commission, se positionnant ainsi en concurrence directe avec des plateformes majeures comme Apple et Steam.
Tl;dr
A shakeup in the revenue-sharing model
As the gaming industry watches closely, Epic Games has introduced a transformative overhaul to its commercial policy—one that could deeply reshape how developers earn revenue. Starting this June, any creator whose app generates less than $1 million per year on the Epic Games Store will pay no commission at all. Beyond that threshold, the established rate of 12% will apply.
The scale of this move becomes apparent when compared to industry standards. Currently, platforms like Steam and Apple impose a standard commission of 30%, though Apple reduces this to 15% for a developer’s first million dollars. For small studios and independent developers, Epic’s new policy could provide genuine breathing space—a rare shift in an ecosystem often dominated by high platform fees.
The rise of webshops: new paths for developers
Yet that’s only part of the story. In a further bid to disrupt entrenched models, Epic Games is poised to launch its own webshops. These online storefronts—powered by the Epic Games Store—will soon allow consumers to make purchases « outside the app as a more economical alternative to in-app purchases ». The new feature will roll out across all platforms permitting it, including iOS in both Europe and the United States, starting next month.
Developers gain an unprecedented chance here: they can sidestep the traditional commissions imposed by so-called « walled gardens ». To nudge players toward these webshops, Epic has dangled another incentive: each purchase brings an extra reward—a bonus worth 5% in Epic Rewards. Details regarding the duration of this offer remain undisclosed.
The legal battle that enabled change
How did such sweeping changes become possible? They follow a recent court win against Apple, with a California judge ruling that Apple must stop collecting fees on purchases made outside its App Store. This legal shift sets the stage for something many thought unlikely: after years of absence, Fortnite, Epic’s flagship game, will reappear on Apple devices in America as early as next week.
Several elements explain this decision:
A word from Epic’s CEO, Tim Sweeney, captures the moment: he described it as a « peace plan », hinting that Fortnite could relaunch globally should Apple adopt these policies worldwide. While there’s no official response yet from Cupertino, one fact stands out—the relationship between publishers and platforms may be on the brink of profound transformation.