Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford explained in detail why Borderlands 3 is coming out on the Epic Games Store and who made this decision. He points out weaknesses in Valve’s Steam platform.
Why did the question arise? Borderlands 3 will be available exclusively on the Epic Games Store for about six months. As with similar deals between Epic Games and development studios, Borderlands fans reacted strongly to this announcement.
There was even a review bombing of the previous games on Steam. The Epic Games Store stirs emotions because players want the freedom to buy their games where they want and do not want to be forced to “have to” use a specific store.
Moreover, many players criticize the Epic Store, which offers much less comfort and security than Steam – many beloved features that Steam provides are simply missing on the new platform.
Pitchford: Epic Store will be tailored to Borderlands
What did Randy Pitchford mean? On Twitter, Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford was asked why the Epic Games Store was chosen when Steam has many more customers and better features. Pitchford responded with a very detailed answer that sheds light on the situation:
- Randy Pitchford explains that the decision was made by the publisher 2K Games. He does have some influence, but cannot make decisions.
- Regarding the features, Pitchford agrees. Steam offers more.
- However, not all features fit every store. Therefore, one should not expect the Epic Games Store to become a second Steam in functionality.
- When Borderlands 3 launches in September, the Epic Games Store will already offer more features than it currently does.
- If the Epic Games Store does not have the features that players want by the release of Borderlands 3, Epic has a problem.
- Epic Games will do everything it can to integrate the features that Borderlands 3 needs, as it is the biggest release for the store to date.
- This will make the features available faster – also for other games.
What problem does Pitchford see? The Gearbox CEO does not only see the positive sides of the Epic Games Store. There are, of course, disadvantages too.
- Pitchford believes that there is a risk. The Epic Games Store may not have all the features ready by the release of Borderlands 3 that the game needs.
- He is not angry that 2K Games made the decision, but he just sees the risk and talks about it.
Steam could be left behind
Whom does the Gearbox CEO trust more? In the tweets, Pitchford clearly indicates that he has high expectations for Epic and their corporate philosophy, while he views Valve and their platform more critically:
- According to Pitchford, Epic Games invests significantly more in new technologies than Valve.
- Steam could lose relevance in five to ten years and be overtaken by other stores.
- The store that dominates the market in ten years does not have to be Epic’s.
- What is happening right now opens the doors for more competitors, who might do everything better.
- The competition that is emerging now is good for the customers, developers, and publishers.
Why is Epic currently pushing so hard? According to Randy Pitchford, Epic Games currently has some advantages they are leveraging to grow their success.
- Epic focuses on technology and has improved the industry with Unreal Engine for 20 years.
- They use this success and also the success of the online shooter Fortnite to offer better conditions. This attracts new customers and consequently boosts Epic Games’ success.
- In contrast, Valve is a private company that invests little money in technology. According to Pitchford, revenues seemingly go into the pockets of the executives, as nothing appears to be invested in Steam or new games.
- Valve simply hasn’t had to invest so far because there was no real competition to Steam.
- Valve needs to change something, or Steam will die sooner or later.
- Epic Games, on the other hand, takes a different approach. The revenue is invested. They offer developers better terms and continuously improve the store.
In the end, balance is key
What is the goal according to Gearbox? Randy Pitchford explains that the Epic Games Store was necessary to improve the market.
- He says that he swallows the bitter pill and accepts the criticism from fans, because in the end, the exclusivity deal for Borderlands 3 was simply necessary.
- In a few years, when we all get better games because developers have more money for their titles due to better conditions, many will understand.
- And we will soon see a beginning: Those who join in will receive a Borderlands 3 on September 13 that is as fans wish it to be.
Randy Pitchford concludes his explanation by stating that the Epic Games Store brings a balance that was simply needed. Furthermore, he does not understand why he had to have this discussion when the decision was made by 2K Games.
The discussion is long overdue because customers need to understand. However, Pitchford believes that 2K Games is simply afraid to speak publicly on this topic.
The openness with which the Gearbox CEO explains the exclusivity deal with the Epic Games Store is well received in the community. They agree that this topic should have been openly discussed a long time ago.
