Epic Games
American video game and software developer known for Fortnite, Unreal Engine, and the Epic Games Store digital marketplace.
Company Type
public
Founded
1991
Headquarters
Cary, North Carolina, USA
About Epic Games
Epic Games operates across multiple segments of the gaming industry: game development, game engine technology, and digital distribution. The company employs approximately 4,000 people globally, with major offices in Cary, North Carolina, and additional studios worldwide.
The company's primary revenue comes from Fortnite (through in-game purchases and Battle Pass sales), Unreal Engine licensing fees from other developers, and the Epic Games Store commission on third-party game sales. Epic Games has diversified its revenue streams to reduce dependency on any single product.
Epic Games is known for its technical innovation in graphics technology, game development tools, and cross-platform gaming experiences. The company invests heavily in research and development, particularly in areas like real-time rendering, virtual production, and the metaverse concept.
History of Epic Games
Epic Games was founded in 1991 by Tim Sweeney as Potomac Computer Systems, initially focusing on PC game development. The company released its first major game, ZZT, in 1991 and renamed to Epic MegaGames in 1992. Throughout the 1990s, the company developed popular shareware games including Jill of the Jungle, Jazz Jackrabbit, and Unreal.
In 1998, Epic Games released Unreal, a groundbreaking first-person shooter that introduced the Unreal Engine. The engine's success transformed Epic from a game developer into a major technology company, with Unreal Engine becoming one of the most widely used game development platforms in the industry.
The 2000s saw Epic Games focus heavily on Unreal Engine licensing while developing major franchises like Gears of War. In 2009, the company acquired People Can Fly and later rebranded as Epic Games Poland. The company's most significant success came with the 2017 launch of Fortnite Battle Royale, which became a global cultural phenomenon.
In 2018, Epic Games launched the Epic Games Store, challenging Steam's dominance in PC digital distribution. The company has continued expanding through acquisitions, including Psyonix (Rocket League) and Mediatonic (Fall Guys), while maintaining its position as a leading force in gaming and game development technology.
Brands Owned by Epic Games
Epic Games owns 1 brand in our database.
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Epic Games Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Technical leadership in game engine technology through Unreal Engine
- +Massive success with Fortnite providing stable revenue for innovation
- +Strategic partnerships with major companies like Sony and Tencent
- +Control over key gaming technology and distribution channels
- +Strong financial position without public market pressures
Considerations
- -Heavy dependency on Fortnite's continued success for revenue
- -Regulatory scrutiny over App Store policies and competition practices
- -Tension with platform holders like Apple and Google over commission rates
- -Balancing interests of multiple major investors (Tencent, Sony)
- -Competition from established platforms like Steam and emerging technologies
Frequently Asked Questions About Epic Games
Is Epic Games a subsidiary of another company?
Epic Games is not a subsidiary of another company. It operates as an independent, privately held corporation with majority ownership by founder Tim Sweeney, though it has minority investments from Tencent and Sony.
Is Epic Games publicly traded?
Epic Games is not publicly traded on any stock exchange. The company remains privately held, with ownership shared between founder Tim Sweeney and minority investors including Tencent Holdings and Sony Corporation.
When was Epic Games founded?
Epic Games was founded in 1991 by Tim Sweeney, initially under the name Potomac Computer Systems before rebranding to Epic MegaGames in 1992 and eventually to Epic Games.
Who founded Epic Games?
Epic Games was founded by Tim Sweeney, who continues to serve as CEO and maintain majority ownership of the company. Sweeney is a prominent figure in the gaming industry known for his technical innovation and advocacy for open platforms.
What is Epic Games' market position?
Epic Games is one of the most influential companies in gaming, leading in game engine technology (Unreal Engine), operating one of the world's most popular games (Fortnite), and running a major PC gaming marketplace (Epic Games Store).
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