Introduction: Steam’s Legacy vs. Epic’s Disruption
The battle between Steam and Epic Games Store is heating up in 2025. Steam has been the top choice for PC gamers for nearly two decades. But Epic Games is catching up fast with its bold strategies.
Indian PC gamers are now paying more attention to which platform gives better value, easier access, and fairer pricing. This article breaks down the major differences and future of Steam vs. Epic Games, so you can decide which one is better for you.
Steam’s Market Dominance
Steam Still Leads in Game Sales
Steam controls most of the global PC game market. It has millions of daily users and the largest library of games. In India too, Steam is widely used for its variety, trusted payment systems, and community features.
Deep Community Tools and Mods
Steam lets users create and share content using Steam Workshop. Indian gamers love this feature for downloading mods and customizing their experience. Epic still lacks these tools.
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Epic Games’ Growing Popularity
Free Weekly Games
Epic gives away free games every week, which is great for budget-conscious players in India. This has helped them attract millions of new users since 2020.
Lower Commission for Developers
Epic takes only 12% of sales revenue, compared to Steam’s 30%. In 2025, they announced 0% revenue cut for the first $1 million in sales. This move is helping small Indian game studios and indie developers grow faster.
Features and User Experience
Epic’s Simple Interface
Epic’s launcher is lightweight and fast. It is easier for new gamers to use. However, it lacks some key features like achievements, detailed reviews, and modding tools.
Steam’s Full Ecosystem
Steam offers more features like in-game overlays, cloud saves, reviews, community hubs, and regular seasonal sales. It still feels more complete for serious gamers.
Exclusive Games and Content Strategy
Epic’s Timed Exclusives
Epic has spent heavily on exclusive deals. Some popular titles only launch on Epic for a limited time. This forces players to download and use the Epic launcher.
Steam’s Open Approach
Steam lets all developers list their games. It doesn’t push exclusives but focuses on volume, sales events, and community engagement.
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Indian Gamers’ Perspective
Game Prices and Sales
Steam regularly offers deep discounts on popular titles. Epic has started doing the same. For Indian gamers, price matters, and both platforms now support INR pricing and regional discounts.
Internet Speeds and Game Size
With improved internet across India, downloading large games is easier now. However, Steam offers better download management and pause-resume options compared to Epic.
What Developers Prefer
Indie Developers Moving to Epic
With better revenue sharing and support, many small developers prefer Epic Games Store. It’s easier to earn more from fewer sales.
Bigger Studios Still Rely on Steam
Large studios and AAA publishers still use Steam because of its reach, reliable servers, and mature audience.
The Road Ahead for Both Platforms
Steam’s Plan for Growth
Steam is working on improving its mobile app, adding more Indian payment options, and pushing VR content through SteamVR.
Epic’s Future Strategy
Epic wants to build an open platform with more cross-platform support, better anti-cheat tools, and stronger support for mobile and indie developers.
Summary: Steam vs. Epic Games – What’s Next?
Here’s a quick breakdown for 2025 and beyond:
- Steam still leads in user base, features, and game library
- Epic offers better deals for developers and frequent free games
- Steam is best for community-driven gamers and mod lovers
- Epic is growing fast, especially among Indian budget gamers
- Indie developers and small studios now prefer Epic’s revenue model
- Both platforms are likely to co-exist with unique strengths
FAQs – Epic Games vs Steam
Q1: Which is better for Indian gamers in 2025?
It depends on your needs. Steam is better for game variety and features. Epic is better for free games and newer developers.
Q2: Do both platforms support Indian currency?
Yes. Both now support INR pricing and local payment options like UPI and Paytm.
Q3: Can I use both Steam and Epic on the same PC?
Yes. Many gamers use both platforms to enjoy exclusive deals, free games, and wider game access.
Q4: Does Epic have the same number of games as Steam?
No. Steam has a much bigger library. Epic is catching up but still has fewer titles overall.
Q5: Which one is better for new indie developers in India?
Epic is more developer-friendly due to its low commission and new $1 million free revenue offer.
