Epic Games has announced a solid program called, Launch Everywhere, which will lower the royalty rates for games developed with Unreal Engine from 5% to 3.5%. Epic Games Store is already available for PC and has recently launched for Android. With the platform’s official launch, all the mobile games from Epic Games’ catalog are now accessible for both Android and iOS users thanks to the Digital Markets Act (DMA) following a long Epic vs Apple battle.
Epic Games stole the limelight with its announcement at the Unreal Fest 2024
The keynote at Unreal Fest Seattle 2024 has just wrapped up, featuring several major announcements, like the new Unreal Engine Royalty rates, Unreal Engine 5.5 Preview 1, and the addition of TMNT to Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN).
Like everyone else, we are particularly interested in the new royalty rate savings when shipping eligible games on the Epic Games Store and other stores on PC and Android.
Starting January 1, 2025, Epic is launching the “Launch Everywhere with Epic” program. This initiative will reduce the royalty rate from 5% to 3.5% for eligible games developed with Unreal Engine and published on the Epic Game Store across all platforms and stores from 2025.
The devs need to follow certain criteria to avail the 3.5% royalty rate
However, there are certain criteria to qualify for the benefits of this new initiative. You are eligible for the royalty rate reduction only if you launch your game on the Epic Games Store before or simultaneously with its release on other stores on supported platforms such as PC, Mac, Android, and, iOS in the future. This includes games participating in the Epic First Run program.
The royalty reduction will apply to all platforms and stores where you offer games, including consoles. However, the royalty rate will revert to 5% if the Unreal Engine game is released on another PC or Android Store without releasing it on the Epic Games Store for the corresponding platform.
For iOS games, Epic temporarily waives the simultaneous release requirement to receive the royalty rate reduction. This is done because of Apple’s Core Technology Fee that they impose on games that ship to stores that compete with their stores.
If Epic changes its strategy regarding iOS, they have promised to provide developers with a minimum of four months’ notice. I believe this is a great initiative by Epic that will benefit developers in the long run. It’s also great news for fans and players alike, as it means we will get more Unreal Engine games.
Read other related articles here:
- Epic Games files a lawsuit against Google and Samsung over Auto Blocker
- Epic Games, EA, and other game companies face charges from European Consumer Organisation (BEUC)
- Epic Games announces withdrawal of Fortnite from the Samsung Galaxy Store
- Epic Games Store is now available on Android and iOS
What are your thoughts about this new initiative by Epic? Let us know in the comments below!
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