Tag: Epic Games

  • New Free Game Giveaway on Epic Games Store Leaked!

    New Free Game Giveaway on Epic Games Store Leaked!

    Key Takeaways

    1. Epic Games is offering free game giveaways for both PC and mobile users.
    2. PC players can download Rustler, a sandbox game inspired by Grand Theft Auto.
    3. Mobile users can add The Forest Quartet to their Epic Games libraries.
    4. Faily Brakes 2 will be available for free from January 29 to February 5.
    5. Faily Brakes 2 has high ratings (4.4/5 on Apple App Store and 4.6/5 on Google Play Store) and is expected to be ad-free during the giveaway.

    Epic Games is running different game giveaways for PC and mobile users. PC players can now grab Rustler, a game inspired by Grand Theft Auto that offers a sandbox experience. Meanwhile, mobile users have the chance to get The Forest Quartet added to their Epic Games libraries.

    Upcoming PC Giveaway

    The Epic Games Store has also shared information about its next giveaway for PC gamers, which we have detailed in another article. In contrast, the company usually keeps its mobile giveaways under wraps until the day they are released. However, a Reddit user named u/MeguminShiro has leaked information on what game will be offered next for mobile players.

    Details on Faily Brakes 2

    According to the video provided, u/MeguminShiro claims that Epic Games will provide Faily Brakes 2 for free from January 29 to February 5. This game is known for its car crash mechanics, challenging players to survive as long as they can without destroying their vehicle. Currently, it holds ratings of 4.4/5 on the Apple App Store and 4.6/5 on Google Play Store, despite including ads. Based on previous mobile giveaways, it’s expected that Faily Brakes 2 will be offered without any advertisements active.

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  • Baldur’s Gate 3 Director Responds to Epic Games CEO on Steam

    Baldur’s Gate 3 Director Responds to Epic Games CEO on Steam

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tim Sweeney believes competition between Steam and the Epic Games Store benefits gamers and developers by providing more options and better deals.
    2. Michael Douse disagrees, arguing that exclusivity can harm developers, citing Remedy Entertainment’s struggles after Alan Wake 2’s launch.
    3. Douse suggests that sales on Steam could have helped Remedy recoup costs faster, questioning the value of exclusivity agreements.
    4. He raises concerns about Epic’s long-term strategy, noting a lack of evidence that Fortnite players are transitioning to purchasing premium games.
    5. Alan Wake 2 took nearly two years for Remedy to become profitable, and its absence on Steam likely limited its sales potential and financial recovery.

    Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney recently shared his thoughts on the rivalry between Steam and the Epic Games Store, stating that it is advantageous for both gamers and developers. He remarked, “On some transactions, Epic wins. On more, Steam wins.” Sweeney emphasized, “But one thing is constant on every transaction: gamers and developers win by having more options and better deals.”

    Douse’s Concerns

    This perspective did not resonate well with Michael Douse, Larian’s publishing director, who expressed his disagreement publicly. While he recognized that Epic Games fully financed Alan Wake 2, he argued that the “pro-developer” narrative seems out of touch when considering the reality faced by Remedy Entertainment. He believes that Remedy’s financial difficulties after the game’s launch illustrate the negatives of being excluded from Steam, a platform that could have offered a larger audience for the game.

    The Impact of Exclusivity

    Douse elaborated that had Epic taken a cut from Steam sales, it’s possible that Remedy could have recouped development costs more quickly and made extra profit. Although he acknowledges that competition among storefronts is beneficial, he finds it challenging to justify exclusivity agreements when there are evident instances of games struggling because of them.

    Epic’s Strategy in Question

    He also raised doubts about Epic’s long-term strategy for its store, suggesting that its success hinges on transforming Fortnite’s vast player base into purchasers of premium, single-player titles. As of now, he doesn’t observe any strong indicators that the Fortnite audience is moving in that direction. He likened this scenario to mobile app stores, where years of free-to-play success have made it very hard to market premium games without devaluing them.

    In the case of Alan Wake 2, while Epic’s publishing arrangement did facilitate the game’s creation, it reportedly took nearly two years for Remedy to achieve profitability. The game was not available on Steam or Nintendo Switch, and many believe that a Steam release could have significantly increased sales and alleviated the studio’s financial burden.

    Michael Douse via X

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  • Epic Games Store Reveals January 2026 Free Stealth Game Giveaways

    Epic Games Store Reveals January 2026 Free Stealth Game Giveaways

    Key Takeaways

    1. Epic Games has launched its first PC game giveaway of 2026, with a similar offer for Android and iOS users.
    2. Upcoming giveaways will feature discounts on two titles from January 15 to January 22.
    3. Epic Games is giving away Styx: Master of Shadows and Styx: Shards of Darkness, both rated Very Positive on Steam.
    4. The Styx games are stealth-based RPGs, appealing more to fans of the Thief series than Assassin’s Creed.
    5. Bloons TD 6 is available for free on PC until January 15 at 16:00 UTC.

    Epic Games has launched its first PC game giveaway of 2026. At the same time, the platform has also provided a similar offer for Android and iOS users. Although the mobile version shares the same high rating on Steam as the PC version, it is a distinct giveaway compared to its desktop counterpart.

    Upcoming Giveaways

    Moreover, Epic Games has revealed plans for giveaways happening next week. As is typical, the store is keeping fans guessing about what’s coming next for its mobile free game program. However, it has confirmed that two titles will be available at a discount from January 15 to January 22.

    Free Games Announcement

    In particular, Epic Games is giving away Styx: Master of Shadows for free, along with its follow-up, Styx: Shards of Darkness. Both games are stealth-based and incorporate RPG elements but do not include action components. In simpler terms, Master of Shadows and Shards of Darkness are more suited to fans of the Thief series rather than those who prefer Assassin’s Creed.

    These two titles have received Very Positive ratings on Steam, where they are currently priced at $19.99 each. However, they often go on sale for as low as $1.99. Additionally, players can still get Bloons TD 6 on PC until January 15 at 16:00 UTC.

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  • GDC Director Criticizes Epic Games, Sony, and Unity for Skipping Event

    GDC Director Criticizes Epic Games, Sony, and Unity for Skipping Event

    Key Takeaways

    1. Major industry players like Unity, Epic Games, and Sony are reducing their presence at GDC, causing concern about their commitment to developer relationships.
    2. Mark DeLoura emphasizes the importance of being present at GDC to connect with independent developers who lack insider connections.
    3. DeLoura questions the rationale behind companies opting out of GDC, highlighting that conferences are meant for meeting new people and fostering connections.
    4. GDC plans to rebrand as the “GDC Festival of Gaming” in 2026 to promote industry unity and enhance attendee engagement.
    5. The 2026 event will introduce simplified ticket options, starting at $199 for a new “Festival Pass.”

    The Game Developers Conference (GDC) has expressed concerns that major players in the industry not attending the event are sending a message to developers that they “don’t care” about building relationships within the community. This insight comes from Mark DeLoura, the event’s executive director of innovation and growth.

    Notable Absences

    In a recent talk with The Game Business, DeLoura pointed out the significant gaps at GDC 2025, which is set to take place from March 17-21 at San Francisco’s Moscone Center. Prominent companies like Unity and Epic Games have reduced their participation, while Sony Interactive Entertainment has opted not to have a presence on the expo floor at all.

    DeLoura, who has a history with Sony and started their first booth at GDC 25 years ago, expressed his dismay:

    “As an attendee, I felt let down not to see Unity and Unreal represented. My past with Sony makes it even more disappointing not to see them at the event. There are so many developers present; it’s essential to have a welcoming front.”

    Importance of Connection

    He also pointed out that while these companies organize their own events, like Epic’s Unrea Fest and Unity’s Unite conferences to cover topics protected by NDAs, not participating in GDC could mean missing valuable opportunities to engage with independent developers who may not have insider connections.

    DeLoura remarked:

    “Naturally, these companies will host their own gatherings to nurture their communities and share sensitive information. However, if you’re not present at GDC with an open door, how will you connect with independent developers who don’t already know someone at your company?”

    A Call for Understanding

    Questioning the rationale behind these decisions, he asked:

    “Isn’t the goal of conferences to meet new people? If you’ve chosen not to engage with new connections, I find it hard to grasp this mindset. Sure, there are expenses and other factors, but developers can sense the vibe. If you’re not there, or if you seem indifferent, how can they be certain you care about them? That’s the part I truly struggle with.”

    In light of these concerns, GDC is gearing up for major changes in 2026, planning to rebrand as the “GDC Festival of Gaming” to enhance industry unity.

    Looking Ahead

    Scheduled for March 9–13, 2026, this 37-year-old event will unveil new, simplified ticket options, with prices starting at $199 for a new “Festival Pass.”

    In a statement on October 23, DeLoura said, “During this period of significant change, we can either erect walls or create bridges, and the GDC Festival of Gaming is focused on building those bridges.”

     

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  • Epic Games Store Free PC Game Leaks Early with Great Reviews

    Epic Games Store Free PC Game Leaks Early with Great Reviews

    Key Takeaways

    1. A free mobile game from Epic Games will be available for Android and iOS users starting tomorrow at 15:00 UTC.
    2. The mobile giveaway follows the release of new free PC games by Epic Games.
    3. The Epic Games Store will feature in-game items for Nightingale and Firestone Online Idle RPG from October 2 to October 9.
    4. Gravity Circuit, a highly-rated 2D platformer, will be offered for free from October 9 to October 16.
    5. Gravity Circuit has received positive reviews and is normally priced at $16.99.

    Earlier today, a Reddit user named u/MeguminShiro shared some exciting news about Epic Games’ upcoming free mobile game this week. As we have previously mentioned, the promotion is set to begin for both Android and iOS users tomorrow at approximately 15:00 UTC.

    Timing of the Giveaway

    Interestingly, this giveaway usually starts just moments after Epic Games releases their latest free PC games. Last week, the company revealed the new titles for PC, and this week, the same Redditor has jumped the gun by disclosing the PC freebie ahead of the official announcement from Epic Games Store.

    Upcoming Free Offers

    To provide some context, the Epic Games Store will feature Nightingale and Firestone Online Idle RPG in-game items from October 2 to October 9. After this promotion ends, u/MeguminShiro claims that the store will shift to offering Gravity Circuit, a 2D platformer that has received positive feedback on platforms like the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch, with a current price of $39.99 on Amazon.

    Gravity Circuit has an Overwhelmingly Positive rating on Steam, boasting averages of 89/100 and 86/100 on Metacritic and OpenCritic, respectively. Normally priced at $16.99 for its base game, Gravity Circuit will be available for free on the Epic Games Store until 15:00 UTC on October 16.

    Summary

    In summary, keep an eye out for the mobile game launch tomorrow as well as the exciting PC offers coming your way soon! Be sure to grab Gravity Circuit once it becomes available, as it’s making a splash in the gaming community.

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  • Fortnite Creators Can Soon Sell In-Game Items on Roblox

    Fortnite Creators Can Soon Sell In-Game Items on Roblox

    Key Takeaways

    1. Starting December 2025, Fortnite creators can sell digital items for real cash, earning 50% of the V-Bucks value from sales on their islands.
    2. A limited-time promotion will allow creators to keep 100% of sales revenue from December 2025 until the end of 2026.
    3. Creators can earn additional income based on player engagement, sharing 40% of net revenue from Fortnite’s Item Shop through an engagement pool.
    4. From November 2025, creators can promote themselves with real money, with half of the earnings going back into the engagement payout pool.
    5. Epic will introduce Fortnite Creator communities for developers to share updates and connect, with visibility across various game sections.

    Content creators in Fortnite will soon have the opportunity to sell “digital durable and consumable items” that they create in the game for real cash. Beginning December 2025, developers can earn 50% of the V-Bucks value from sales made on their Fortnite islands.

    Special Promotion for Creators

    As a limited-time offer, Fortnite creators will be able to retain 100% of the value from sales from December 2025 until the end of 2026. To calculate the payout for creators in US dollars, Epic will take all real-money spent on V-Bucks during a month, deduct platform fees (which can range from 12% to 30% on current consoles), and then divide that number by the total V-Bucks spent by players.

    On average, this means creators receive about 37% of total revenue at a 50% rate and 74% when at a 100% rate. Developers will need to use Verse-based API and UEFN tools to make their items. Epic pointed out that the payout rate is more favorable than Roblox, which is only 25%.

    Earnings from Player Engagement

    In addition to selling items, Fortnite creators can also earn money based on how players engage with their islands. The current formula for engagement takes 40% of the net revenue from Fortnite’s Item Shop and related real-money purchases and puts it into an engagement pool, which is then shared among creators’ and Epic’s islands.

    Epic announced plans to enhance this system starting November 1, 2025, by rewarding creators for “reengaging inactive players” in Fortnite. These creators will receive 75% of the contributions from those players in the payout pool for the initial six months.

    Promotion and Community Features

    Starting in November, creators will have the option to use real money to promote themselves in a special sponsored area on Discover. Fifty percent of the earnings from these promotions will be added back into the engagement payout pool for all creators. As a part of the special promotion, this rate will temporarily increase to 100% from December 2025 until the end of 2026.

    Epic is also planning to introduce Fortnite Creator communities soon, allowing developers to share updates both on the web and in-game. Creators will have access to community forums, and their posts will be visible across “Island Lobbies, Island Pages, Creator Pages, and a new section in Discover.”

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  • Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney Challenges WSJ on Fortnite Disney Rumors

    Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney Challenges WSJ on Fortnite Disney Rumors

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, disputed a Wall Street Journal report claiming delays in the Fortnite and Disney project “Project Bulldog” due to slow decision-making at Disney.

    2. Sweeney emphasized that collaborations between Disney and Epic Games have been efficient, stating the speed of their partnership is significantly faster than typical media company dealings.

    3. Project Bulldog, revealed in February 2024, aims to create a mode in Fortnite that resembles Disneyland, with a planned launch in fall 2026.

    4. Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Josh D’Amaro is actively leading the project, having recently visited Epic’s headquarters to oversee developments.

    5. Fortnite continues to thrive as a popular battle royale game, achieving a peak of 1,598,655 concurrent players and an all-time high of 14,343,880 players across all platforms.

    Epic Games’ CEO, Tim Sweeney, has responded to a recent report from the Wall Street Journal, which claimed that Fortnite’s new Disney project, known as “Project Bulldog,” is facing delays due to slow decision-making at Disney.

    Report Details

    The Wall Street Journal, in an article published on August 3, 2025, cited unnamed sources who suggested that the collaboration between Disney and Fortnite had been postponed until 2026. The delay was attributed to the sluggish pace of approvals needed from various Disney departments.

    Sweeney’s Reaction

    Sweeney quickly took to X on August 4 to counter the WSJ’s claims. He stated, “The anonymous quote is BS. The speed of Disney and Epic collaborations like Darth Vader has been awesome and is around 10x the ordinary speed of media company dealings in the business. We even provided a statement to the writer of this article saying so, but they chose not to print it.”

    In February 2024, Fortnite x Disney, or Project Bulldog, was revealed as a joint venture between Epic Games and Disney, supported by Disney’s $1.5 billion investment in Epic. The project aims to introduce a mode reminiscent of Disneyland, although specific details about the upcoming content remain vague.

    Project Leadership

    Led by Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Josh D’Amaro, the project is expected to launch in fall 2026, a timeline that Sweeney did not dispute in his X statement. Disney is known for being protective of its characters and intellectual properties, as seen in past collaborations like the one with Square Enix for Kingdom Hearts.

    D’Amaro is reportedly taking an active role in the project, having visited Epic’s headquarters in North Carolina about a month ago.

    Character Integrations

    Sweeney’s remarks seem credible given the impressive number of character skins, emotes, and items that have made their way into Fortnite from franchises like Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar.

    For instance, after the release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps Premiere on July 25, 2025, Epic quickly rolled out characters such as Reed Richards, Susan Storm, Johnny Storm, and The Thing, along with related items like a glider and emotes on the same day.

    Currently, Fortnite stands out as one of the most engaged battle royale games, recording a peak of 1,598,655 concurrent players within a 24-hour period and an all-time high of 14,343,880 players across all platforms as of now.

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  • Epic Games Store Unveils Free PC Games for August 2025

    Epic Games Store Unveils Free PC Games for August 2025

    Key Takeaways

    1. Epic Games will offer two new free titles, 112 Operator and Road Redemption, starting next Thursday.
    2. 112 Operator is priced at $24.99 on Steam and has a Very Positive rating from over 2,500 players.
    3. Road Redemption is also priced at $24.99 on Amazon and offers a modern twist on the classic Road Rash series.
    4. Current free games will be available until August 7 at 14:49 UTC.
    5. Prices and deals mentioned may change due to time limits or stock availability.

    With July 2025 coming to a close, Epic Games has shared details about their upcoming free games for August. Currently, this week’s complimentary titles will be available for adding to your Epic Games library until August 7 at 14:49 UTC. For more information on this week’s offerings, you can check our related article.

    New Titles Coming Soon

    Once the current giveaways wrap up, Epic Games will swap them out for two new titles that have been received well by gamers in their genres. Interestingly, this time around, leakers have not managed to uncover Epic Games’ plans. The store has kept it a secret that starting next Thursday, the games 112 Operator and Road Redemption will be available for free.

    Pricing and Ratings

    To give you an idea, 112 Operator is listed at $24.99 on Steam and has earned a Very Positive rating from over 2,500 players. The game also has a rating over 70% on Metacritic and OpenCritic, praised for its thrilling gameplay and often stressful multitasking challenges.

    Road Redemption has slightly lower scores but maintains the same Steam rating from a larger number of reviews. This title is also playable on older consoles like the Nintendo Switch and PS4, where it is currently priced at $24.99 on Amazon. Road Redemption offers a modern spin on the classic Road Rash series, featuring both single-player and cooperative campaign modes. Right now, you can grab it on Steam for $2.99, but it will go back to its regular price of $19.99 before Epic Games starts its giveaway. You can check out the listings for 112 Operator and Road Redemption on the Epic Games store for more details.

    Important Note

    Disclaimer: Notebookcheck does not take responsibility for any price adjustments made by retailers. The discounted prices or deals mentioned were accurate at the time of writing and may change due to time limits and/or limited stock availability.

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  • Final July 2025 Epic Games Store Offers 2 Free Games for Limited Time

    Final July 2025 Epic Games Store Offers 2 Free Games for Limited Time

    Key Takeaways

    1. Epic Games has updated its free PC game offerings with two new titles: Keylocker and Pilgrims.
    2. Keylocker, a turn-based rhythm JRPG, is currently marked as ‘coming soon’ and usually retails for $19.99.
    3. Pilgrims, a card-based game, has high ratings with an average score of 83/100 on OpenCritic and is valued at $6.99.
    4. Both games will be available for free until 14:59 UTC on August 7.
    5. The prices and availability mentioned are subject to change and may not be accurate later.

    Epic Games has updated its free PC game of the week offers with two new titles this time around. Last week, the platform switched to Legion TD 2 after previously providing Civilization VI, which is currently priced at $14.95 on Amazon. Now, Epic Games has chosen a couple of highly-rated indie games.

    Game Details

    This week’s offerings include Keylocker, officially known as Keylocker | Turn Based Cyberpunk Action, as it is listed on the Epic Games Store. Although the game is marked as ‘coming soon’ on the platform, it usually retails for $19.99 on Steam, where it is now on sale for $13.99. For some context, this turn-based rhythm JRPG has received a Very Positive rating on Steam and an average score of 81/100 on OpenCritic.

    Another Exciting Offering

    The second game, Pilgrims, has an average score of 83/100 on OpenCritic, while it holds a 78/100 on Metacritic. Additionally, Epic’s second free title this week has an Overwhelmingly Positive rating on Steam. Pilgrims, a card-based game, is particularly noted for its high replayability. The giveaway, valued at $6.99, will remain available for players to claim until 14:59 UTC on August 7, alongside Keylocker. For further information, check out the listings for Keylocker and Pilgrims on the Epic Games Store.

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  • Fumito Ueda: Are New Game Mechanics a Thing of the Past?

    Fumito Ueda: Are New Game Mechanics a Thing of the Past?

    Key Takeaways

    1. Fumito Ueda believes the era of introducing brand-new game mechanics is over, emphasizing a focus on refinement instead.
    2. Developers should prioritize enhancing existing game mechanics that hold significant aesthetic, artistic, and emotional value.
    3. The game industry is shifting towards polish and artistry rather than solely focusing on new mechanics, as seen in successful titles like Claire Obscur: Expedition 33.
    4. Innovative game mechanics can still coexist with artistic expression, as demonstrated by Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding 2.
    5. Ueda is currently developing “Project Robot” with genDESIGN, marking his first release on Xbox, alongside PlayStation and PC.

    Fumito Ueda, a renowned Japanese game designer celebrated for his iconic titles like Shadow of the Colossus, Ico, and The Last Guardian, which were made in partnership with Sony’s now-closed Japan Studio, believes we have moved past the era of game mechanics.

    In a recent discussion with Denfaminicogamer that also included Keita Takahashi, the creator of Katamari Damacy, Ueda shared his perspective that the tradition of introducing fresh game mechanics every year is now outdated. He stated, “I felt we’re no longer in an age that demands brand-new mechanics every time. New devices, new mechanics–maybe that era is over.”

    Focus on Refinement

    Ueda argues that developers should concentrate more on enhancing and refining the existing game mechanics that are already effective. He suggests that it’s important to prioritize elements that have real significance, such as aesthetic appeal, artistic value, and emotional impact. He emphasized, “Even without original mechanics, you can hone the feel or the art… sharpening existing mechanics can be better.”

    A Shift in the Industry

    Ueda’s views resonate strongly as the game industry appears to be evolving, where the emphasis is shifting towards polish and artistry rather than merely introducing new mechanics. A case in point is Claire Obscur: Expedition 33, which has found success by using a classic yet enhanced turn-based RPG system that includes real-time dodging and parrying mechanics, all while engaging players with its heartfelt narrative and unique visual style.

    Conversely, titles like Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding 2 demonstrate that there is still room for innovative game mechanics, allowing for artistic expression at the same time.

    Upcoming Projects

    Currently, Fumito Ueda is working on “Project Robot,” which was first announced at The Game Awards 2024. While details about the project have been scarce, we do know that it is being developed by the Tokyo-based studio genDESIGN and is set to be published by Epic Games. Project Robot will be Ueda’s inaugural release on Xbox, as well as on PlayStation and PC.

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