Recent performance metrics for the Epic Games Store offer a revealing look at the platform’s trajectory as it approaches 2026.
According to data compiled by a Reddit user, the store’s registered user base skyrocketed by 173% over a six-year period, reaching 295 million by the end of 2024. However, revenue from third-party titles grew by a negligible 1.6% during the same timeframe, highlighting the limited financial impact of the company’s aggressive game giveaway strategy.
The analysis points toward a near-total stagnation in consumer spending. In 2024, third-party game sales generated $255 million—a mere $4 million increase over 2019 figures, despite the audience expanding by nearly 190 million people. While gamers frequent the store to claim free titles, their actual purchases remain largely tied to Steam, which saw a record-breaking holiday season in December 2025.
This disparity stems not only from entrenched user habits but also from the quality of the software itself. Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has acknowledged that the EGS launcher underperforms compared to its rivals in terms of speed. Between its limited feature set and minimal social infrastructure, the platform functions for many as a repository for freebies rather than a primary digital gaming hub.
Source: iXBT.games