Randy Pitchford, the boss of Borderlands 4 and Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, recently revisited his previous statement regarding the competition between Steam and Epic Game Store. He expressed that his initial hope for Epic’s investment in technology to outshine Steam was misplaced and overly optimistic. However, he pointed out that Valve’s lack of a developer-friendly model still allows Steam to maintain its monopoly in the West.
Pitchford emphasized that Borderlands 3 and Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands proved that customers are primarily interested in the games themselves rather than the storefront. This insight indicates a shift in the industry’s focus towards establishing a more developer and publisher-friendly environment for PC gaming retail.
Despite the potential for disruption in the PC gaming space, Pitchford noted the lack of progress in creating viable alternatives to Steam. He highlighted the industry’s reluctance to challenge Steam’s dominance, thereby inhibiting the growth of more developer-friendly platforms.
Pitchford acknowledged his internal conflict as a Steam customer and developer, torn between his personal convenience and the possibility of a more developer-friendly option for PC gaming. While he continues to support Steam, he expressed hope for Epic to continue advancing in the retail space.
Looking ahead, Pitchford reaffirmed his support for Steam while expressing optimism for Epic’s potential progress in challenging Steam’s monopoly. He emphasized the importance of fostering competition in the PC gaming retail sector to benefit both developers and players alike.
Randy Pitchford’s reflection sheds light on the ongoing battle between Steam and Epic Game Store. Despite the challenges and setbacks faced in the retail space, there remains hope for a more developer-friendly environment to emerge. As the industry evolves, the focus on game content and customer experience will continue to drive innovation and change in the PC gaming landscape.
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