Epic Web Shops

Epic Games Launches Its Web Shops — A New Tool Giving Mobile and PC Game Creators Greater Freedom and Control Over Monetization

Epic Games Store is no longer just a distribution platform; with the launch of Web Shops, it becomes a scalable, global e-commerce network available to all developers.

What Are Epic Web Shops?

Epic Web Shops are essentially digital storefronts that allow developers to sell in-game content — such as currencies, bundles, and special items — directly to players, leveraging Epic’s infrastructure.

Key Benefits for Developers

1. Better Revenue Share: This is the most impactful change.
   Developers can keep 100% of the first $1 million in net revenue per title each year — an incredible opportunity for smaller and independent teams.

2. Cross-Platform Accessibility: Games don’t need to be distributed through the Epic Games Store! Web Shops are designed to work wherever players are, across all mobile and PC platforms.

3. Freedom and Control: Epic is giving developers full control over how and where they monetize, bypassing traditional payment systems on mobile and PC stores.

Player Support

Web Shops also support:

• Epic Account Balance: Players can use their Epic account balance (including funds from the new Fortnite gift cards) to make direct purchases.

• Epic Rewards: Purchases made through Web Shops integrate with Epic’s rewards system, making transactions smooth and beneficial for the community.

Impact and the Mobile Future

The launch of Web Shops is particularly strategic in light of recent legal developments.
Epic specifies that the feature is available globally but governed by the “store steering” rules imposed by Apple and Google in each region.

However, the service has immediate value in the United States, where an injunction already allows store steering.
It will become even more relevant on Android after October 22, when a separate injunction will require Google Play Store to officially permit user redirection to alternative payment systems.

A Concrete Example

Codename Entertainment has already led the way with the first live Web Shop for its hit title Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms.
This store allows players to make purchases that work across the Epic Games Store version (on PC, iOS, and Android) as well as the versions available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Getting Started

If you’re a developer looking for more control over monetization, now is the time to explore Epic Web Shops.

• Web Shops are available today through the Epic Developer Portal for all mobile and PC products.

For mobile games, developers need to sign up or log in to the Developer Portal and complete the “Leads Intake Form” to request access to mobile self-publishing tools through the Mobile Early Adopters program.

For more information, you can find the official Epic Games article on their website here