I guess that depends on what you mean by "own content". Netflix pays people to make shows for them. Epic is paying Devs for making timed exclusives for their platform.
I'm not saying it isn't a little shady but it's nowhere near the collusion/coercion levels it's being made out to be.
Yup, you're right. Additional funding doesn't make sense.
Though I still think coercion/collusion is a little hyperbolic. They aren't forcing anyone into these exclusivity deals. Would you characterize Netflix or Amazon prime's original series as collusion? The concept is pretty much the same.
And they are working on new features. It's just easier to get management/stakeholder/shareholder buy in for additional funding if you have an established user base.
(I don't work at Epic, just guessing based on my experience.)
Just to play the devil's advocate, look at it from Epic's point of view.
You've created a new store and want to popularize it. What is the best way? Exclusive games have been effective/accepted in the console space. Why not try using that to establish a user base while you build new features?
Market fragmentation is a genuine concern but that is a side effect of a competitive market where the players are trying to distinguish themselves from each other.
Ultimately, Steam is far from perfect and more competition is always a good thing. The fault for switching to Epic store after announcing Steam pre-orders lies as much if not more with the publisher.
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Minor Correction
Should be 'he wouldn't be breaking' I guess.
Re: Re: Re: 'Lettuce 6 months down the line, burger patty 8-9'
I guess that depends on what you mean by "own content". Netflix pays people to make shows for them. Epic is paying Devs for making timed exclusives for their platform. I'm not saying it isn't a little shady but it's nowhere near the collusion/coercion levels it's being made out to be.
Re: 'Lettuce 6 months down the line, burger patty 8-9'
Yup, you're right. Additional funding doesn't make sense. Though I still think coercion/collusion is a little hyperbolic. They aren't forcing anyone into these exclusivity deals. Would you characterize Netflix or Amazon prime's original series as collusion? The concept is pretty much the same.
Re: Re: Re: Re: ... This again?
And they are working on new features. It's just easier to get management/stakeholder/shareholder buy in for additional funding if you have an established user base. (I don't work at Epic, just guessing based on my experience.)
Re: Re: ... This again?
Just to play the devil's advocate, look at it from Epic's point of view. You've created a new store and want to popularize it. What is the best way? Exclusive games have been effective/accepted in the console space. Why not try using that to establish a user base while you build new features? Market fragmentation is a genuine concern but that is a side effect of a competitive market where the players are trying to distinguish themselves from each other. Ultimately, Steam is far from perfect and more competition is always a good thing. The fault for switching to Epic store after announcing Steam pre-orders lies as much if not more with the publisher.