Since launching in 2003, Steam has been a force in the world of PC gaming, with the platform acting as the favored digital marketplace for many players that prefer mouse-and-keyboard over home consoles. Lately however, Epic Games has begun pushing back with its own digital store, which has caused many developers to speak up about what they lose when releasing their games on Steam.

During a panel at Gamelab 2019 in Barcelona last week, Paradox Interactive's Executive Chairman Fredrik Wester voiced his opinion on Steam's 70/30 revenue split. Steam takes 30% of the revenue earned by many of the games that launch through the platform, and Wester did not hold back in saying the company's revenue model needs to change. Specifically, Wester said that it is "outrageous" that Steam hasn't looked into giving developers a larger cut of the profits, something the Epic Games Store has repeatedly been praised for since it launched last December.

"I think the 70/30 revenue split is outrageous. I think the platform holders are taking too much money. Everyone in the press here, just quote me on that."

In the roughly half a year since Epic launched its marketplace, it's gathered tons of momentum by acquiring exclusive deals on high-profile games, such as Metro: Exodus, Borderlands 3, The Outer Worlds, and Shenmue 3, to name a few. Wester also suggests Epic needs to be wary of consumer criticism when making new deals, something that was seen via the company's partnership with Psyonix, which led to Rocket League being review-bombed on Steam.

While it appears Epic Games is looking to take control of the PC market, CEO Tim Sweeney has stated the push for exclusives will end once Steam offers a better revenue split. A former developer at Valve, Richard Geldriech, has also come forward on the negative impact of Steam's revenue model, saying the 30% cut "isn't sustainable."

steam developer revenue split epic games

It's true the Epic Games Store 88/12 revenue split is more appealing to many developer, especially smaller teams where a better sales cut can be the difference between success and failure. As of now, Steam doesn't seem willing to forfeit what would be an 18% loss on every game it sells. If Epic Games continues to pile on more deals, however, it may only be a matter of time until Steam has to start making some big changes.

Source: GamesIndustry