Steam Free Games: The Unexpected Benefit of Epic Games Store Giveaways

The Epic Games Store (EGS) often finds itself compared to Steam, and while it may lag behind in features, it’s become a haven for free games. Many gamers, drawn by the allure of freebies, actively seek out these offerings. However, a fascinating trend has emerged: these free giveaways on EGS are actually increasing sales on Steam.

Blood West: A Case Study in Cross-Platform Success

Dave Oshry, CEO of New Blood Interactive, recently revealed compelling data regarding their game, Blood West. Following a free giveaway on the Epic Games Store during the holidays, Blood West experienced a remarkable 200% surge in sales on Steam that very same day. This demonstrates a clear correlation between EGS freebies and increased revenue on Steam.

New Blood allowed the game’s developer to self-publish on Epic, granting them 100% of the giveaway revenue and subsequent purchases. Despite this, the data unequivocally showed a significant jump in Steam sales. As Oshry succinctly put it, “Epic could give devs 100% of sales and it doesn’t mean sh*t if there’s no sales.”

From Marketing Black Hole to Steam Advertising

Oshry initially viewed the EGS as a “Marketing Black Hole,” but now believes that offering a game for free on Epic is, in effect, excellent advertising for Steam sales. The increased visibility from the giveaway translates directly into heightened interest and purchases on the more established platform. Furthermore, Blood West also saw a boost in console sales during the EGS promotion, highlighting the wider reach of these giveaways.

The Epic Games Store: A Store vs. A Community

While the EGS offers attractive financial incentives to developers, it faces criticism for lacking the community features that define Steam. Adrian Chmielarz, creator of Painkiller and Witchfire, noted that EGS feels more like a “shop” than a “home” for players. The absence of user reviews, forums, and other engagement tools limits the platform’s ability to foster a thriving community.

Chmielarz explained, “EGS is a shop, and Steam is a community.” He pointed out the lack of written reviews and forums on EGS, stating that “There’s nothing to do there but to buy. So that will always lose to a shop that is also emotional and you can basically engage with the shop.”

The Future of Free Games and Platform Dynamics

Despite its challenges, the Epic Games Store continues to operate, largely due to its integration with the massively popular Fortnite. However, with Steam consistently breaking revenue and user records, EGS is still striving to make a significant impact. The surprising success of games like Blood West demonstrates that even with its limitations, the EGS can play a valuable role in the broader gaming ecosystem, particularly in driving sales on Steam through strategic free game giveaways.

Looking for more free games? Check out Steam’s Free to Play section for a wide variety of options!