Epic Games Store Will Be on New Xbox When It Comes Out

Epic Games plans to bring its store to the new Xbox console right when it is released. This means players might be able to buy PC games from the Epic Games Store on their Xbox from the very first day. This is a big change for consoles.
By Newsroom | Gaming, Technology |

The arrival of the Epic Games Store on the next Xbox console at its launch is a significant development. This move suggests a potential shift in how digital storefronts operate on consoles, with implications for game access and platform openness. The plan, as stated by Epic Games Store leadership, is to have the store available as a native application on the new Xbox hardware from its first day.

Background and Context

Reports indicate that Epic Games has been in discussions with Microsoft regarding the integration of the Epic Games Store (EGS) onto the upcoming Xbox console. This initiative appears to be part of a broader strategy by Epic to expand its market presence beyond PCs and current mobile platforms.

Epic Games Store plans to launch on the next Xbox console "on day one" - 1

  • Key Actor: Steve Allison, head of the Epic Games Store, has been the primary source for this information.

  • Timeline: The plan is for EGS to be available "on day one" of the next Xbox console's release.

  • Industry Trends: The move aligns with observed industry trends towards greater ecosystem openness and the increasing convergence of PC and console gaming experiences.

Evidence and Statements

Statements from Steve Allison and other reports provide the basis for this planned launch.

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"As it currently stands, the plan is to have the Epic Games Store on the new Xbox console on the day it releases, as a native app offering access to its library of PC games." - Steve Allison, as reported by VGC.

  • Direct Confirmation: Allison has explicitly stated that EGS plans to be on the next Xbox console "on day one."

  • Native App: The store is expected to function as a native application on the console, providing direct access to its PC game library.

  • Discussions with Microsoft: Epic has confirmed ongoing conversations with Microsoft about this integration.

Strategic Motivations for Epic Games

Epic Games appears to be pursuing several strategic objectives with this console expansion.

Epic Games Store plans to launch on the next Xbox console "on day one" - 2

Market Expansion and Diversification

The integration of EGS onto the next Xbox console is a key part of Epic's plan to broaden its reach.

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  • Beyond PC: This move extends EGS beyond its traditional PC platform into a major console ecosystem.

  • New Audiences: It provides access to a console-gaming audience that may not typically use the Epic Games Store on PC.

  • Global Reach: Epic has also indicated plans to expand into other markets like iOS in Japan and mobile in Brazil.

Enhancing the Ecosystem

Epic aims to leverage this console presence to enhance its overall digital storefront strategy.

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  • Free Games Impact: Allison has hinted that the platform's popular free games program could drive sales of other titles, even on consoles.

  • Social Features: Plans include adding more social features, such as forums, to the EGS.

  • Platform Updates: The store's game launcher is also scheduled for an update later this year.

Potential Implications for the Gaming Landscape

The introduction of a third-party storefront like EGS onto a major console platform could have wide-ranging effects.

Increased Game Access for Players

Console players could gain access to a broader range of PC titles.

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Epic Games Store plans to launch on the next Xbox console "on day one" - 4

  • Epic Exclusives: This includes titles that may have been exclusive to the Epic Games Store on PC.

  • Unified Hub: The EGS app would serve as a central point for managing and accessing these games.

  • Hybrid Console Vision: Reports suggest the next Xbox may adopt a hybrid design, capable of running both traditional Xbox games and PC titles, making such storefront integration more feasible.

Shaping Platform Policies

Epic's involvement could influence future console platform policies.

  • Ecosystem Openness: If Microsoft allows third-party storefronts, EGS could become a test case for how open such ecosystems can be.

  • Policy Influence: Epic might play a role in shaping policies related to security, refunds, certification, and platform fees.

Development Status and Uncertainties

While the intention is clear, the actual development of the EGS application for the next Xbox console is still underway.

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  • "Modern Guts": Epic is undertaking a significant update to the store's backend, referring to it as "replacing the guts with modern guts."

  • Development Status: Some reports suggest that an actual Xbox version of the EGS has not yet begun development.

  • Technical Requirements: Epic acknowledges that it will need to build software to meet Microsoft's specific requirements for the platform.

Sources Used:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will the Epic Games Store be on the new Xbox?
Yes, Epic Games plans to have its store on the new Xbox console when it first comes out.
Q: What games will be available?
The store will offer PC games that are available on the Epic Games Store.
Q: When will this happen?
The plan is for the store to be ready on the first day the new Xbox console is released.
Q: Is this a new idea for consoles?
Yes, having a PC game store like Epic's directly on a console at launch is a new step.