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    Epic Games
    Video game industry

    Epic Games

    United States flagUnited States

    "The company behind Fortnite and Unreal Engine"

    Founded January 15, 1991 Cary, North Carolina CEO: Tim Sweeney
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    About

    Epic Games began its journey in a suburban basement in 1991, founded by Tim Sweeney and Mark Rein. Initially known as Potomac Computer Systems, the company rebranded to Epic MegaGames in 1992 and finally settled on Epic Games in 1999. Headquartered in Cary, North Carolina, it has grown into a global force in the interactive entertainment and technology sectors.

    The company is perhaps best known for its immensely popular battle royale game, Fortnite, which has become a cultural phenomenon. Beyond its own game development, Epic Games is the creator of the Unreal Engine, a sophisticated game development platform licensed to countless developers worldwide. This engine has powered many of Epic's own successful titles, including the Unreal Tournament series, Gears of War, and Infinity Blade, earning the distinction of being the "most successful video game engine" according to Guinness World Records.

    In addition to game and engine development, Epic Games operates the Epic Games Store, a digital storefront that offers a curated selection of PC games. The store aims to provide a more developer-friendly revenue split, positioning itself as a significant competitor in the digital distribution market against platforms like Steam.

    Products & Sub-brands

    FortniteUnreal EngineEpic Games StoreUnreal TournamentGears of WarInfinity Blade

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Who is the majority owner of Epic Games?
    Tim Sweeney remains the majority shareholder and CEO of Epic Games. Despite significant investments from companies like Tencent, Sweeney retains substantial control over the company's direction.
    What is Unreal Engine used for?
    Unreal Engine is a powerful and versatile software development kit used for creating video games, simulations, and other real-time 3D content. It is licensed by Epic Games to developers across the globe.
    Why was Fortnite removed from Apple and Google stores?
    Fortnite was removed from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store due to Epic Games' decision to bypass their in-app payment systems, which violated the platforms' terms of service. This led to ongoing legal disputes.
    What is the main difference between Epic Games Store and Steam?
    The Epic Games Store offers a more favorable revenue split for developers (88% to the developer, 12% to Epic) compared to Steam. It also features exclusive game releases and a curated selection.
    What are Epic Games' recent developments?
    Recent developments include continued advancements in Unreal Engine technology, particularly with Unreal Engine 5, ongoing legal challenges with major tech companies, and strategic investments aimed at expanding into the metaverse and other interactive experiences.

    Keywords

    video gamesgame developmentUnreal EngineFortnitedigital distributionTim SweeneyNorth Carolina

    Company Info

    Founded
    January 15, 1991
    Founder
    Tim Sweeney, Mark Rein
    CEO
    Tim Sweeney
    Headquarters
    Cary, North Carolina
    Industry
    Video game industry
    Revenue
    Not publicly disclosed, but valued at approximately $32 billion as of April 2022
    Founders
    Tim Sweeney, Mark Rein
    Key Products
    Fortnite, Unreal Engine, Epic Games Store
    Valuation
    Approx. $32 billion (April 2022)

    Official Website

    www.epicgames.com/

    Links

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