In this interview, we speak with Nia Christair, an expert in mobile gaming and app development, who will discuss the future of the Epic Games Store on mobile. We will cover the decision to focus on mobile, account growth strategies, user engagement patterns, and upcoming changes for mobile users.
What sparked the decision to make the Epic Games Store on mobile a focal point for 2025?
The decision to focus on mobile stems from the observed trends and growth in the mobile segment. There’s a rising demand for mobile gaming, and Epic Games wants to capture this market by providing a robust platform that supports a broad range of gaming experiences. The success of titles like Fortnite on mobile further accentuated the potential of expanding our offerings.
Can you elaborate on what an ‘enhanced app library and discover experience’ entails?
An enhanced app library and discovery experience aim to simplify and enrich the user’s journey in finding new games and apps. This involves curating a diverse range of applications, improving search functionality, and employing personalized recommendation algorithms that analyze user behavior to suggest apps that match their interests.
The total number of cross-platform accounts rose to 898 million in 2024. What strategies contributed to this growth?
Several strategies contributed to this growth, including cross-platform play support, seamless account integration, and partnerships with other gaming platforms. We also focused on engaging community events and exclusive game content that encouraged new sign-ups and retention.
How many of the new accounts are specific to mobile, considering that PC users increased to 295 million?
Although we don’t have specific figures for mobile accounts, the overall increase includes a significant portion of mobile users. The expansion to iOS and Android has been a substantial driver, adding to the already existing player base on other platforms.
You mentioned that Epic’s increase in accounts included those “created through partner platforms and the Epic Games Store on mobile.” Can you provide more details on these partner platforms?
Our partner platforms include collaborations with key gaming and technology companies that allow users to use their existing credentials to sign in. This seamless integration lowers the barrier for new users to join the Epic Games ecosystem, thereby driving growth.
The Epic Games Store expanded to iOS in the EU and Android globally last year. What kind of reception did this expansion receive?
The reception was overwhelmingly positive. Users appreciated the availability of popular titles on their mobile devices, and the convenience of cross-platform play was a major highlight. The success on mobile platforms has set a solid foundation for further development and expansion.
What do the figures for monthly active users (averaging 67m) and daily active users (averaging 32m) in 2024 tell you about usage patterns?
These figures indicate a healthy and engaged user base. Monthly active users show a broad interest and sustained engagement over time, while the daily active users reflect a core group of dedicated players who frequently interact with our platform, suggesting strong retention and engagement.
Despite a rise in overall spending, player spending by PC users on third-party applications fell 18% Y/Y. What do you attribute this decline to?
This decline can be attributed to several factors, including increased competition, changing user preferences, and the growing popularity of free-to-play games. Additionally, economic factors might have influenced spending habits over the year.
Can you provide more information on the $1.09bn spent by PC users on the Epic Games Store? What factors contributed to this 15% rise?
The rise in spending was driven by exclusive game releases, prominent seasonal sales, and the introduction of new and engaging content. Our partnerships with developers to bring in high-quality games played a significant role, as well as effective marketing campaigns.
According to the Epic Games Store 2024 Year in Review, games like Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, Rocket League, and GTA V had higher player spend and engagement than Fortnite. What might this indicate about player preferences?
This indicates a shift towards variety and the popularity of different genres. While Fortnite remains influential, players are looking for diverse experiences. Titles with rich narratives, unique gameplay mechanics, or engaging multiplayer features are attracting significant attention.
Kuro Games’ title Wuthering Waves found substantial success on mobile and led to Tencent acquiring a majority stake in the studio. Can you speak to the importance of mobile games like this in your overall strategy?
Mobile games like Wuthering Waves are critical in capturing and maintaining a wide audience. Their success illustrates the growing importance of mobile gaming. By supporting titles that resonate with players and show substantial growth, we can ensure the Epic Games Store remains a top destination for mobile gamers.
Looking ahead, what specific changes can mobile users expect to see in the Epic Games Store’s catalog in 2025?
Mobile users can expect an expanding catalog of games, including exclusive mobile titles and various types of non-gaming applications. We plan to enhance user experience by improving app discovery, adding more personalized recommendations, and integrating more social features to connect with other players.
How does Epic plan to facilitate users switching away from their native platform when browsing the store?
We aim to implement seamless account integration and synchronized game libraries. This will allow users to switch between devices without losing progress or access to their purchased content. This flexibility is key in providing a unified gaming experience across multiple platforms.
Currently, the mobile self-publishing tools are in an invite-only beta. What feedback have you received from developers using these tools?
The feedback has been generally positive. Developers appreciate the ease of use and the potential for reaching a wider audience. They have provided valuable insights on potential improvements and feature requests, which we are actively incorporating into the tools for a more streamlined experience.
How will the self-service publishing tools for all mobile developers impact the ecosystem of the Epic Games Store?
Opening up self-service publishing tools will democratize content creation, allowing more developers to participate. This will lead to a more diverse and vibrant ecosystem, offering players a richer variety of games and applications, which will, in turn, attract more users to the platform.
You mentioned plans to allow self-publishing of non-gaming apps. What types of applications are you looking forward to hosting, considering the shift in consumer spending patterns?
We are exploring a wide range of applications, including productivity tools, education apps, and creative content platforms. As consumer interest in non-gaming apps grows, integrating these into our store will help meet the evolving needs of our users and provide a comprehensive digital storefront.
How do broader industry changes, like the increase in consumer spending on non-gaming apps, influence Epic’s strategy for the Epic Games Store?
These changes encourage us to diversify our offerings and examine opportunities beyond gaming. By incorporating high-demand non-gaming apps into our platform, we intend to cater to a broader audience, thus driving engagement and maintaining relevance in a changing market.
you have any advice for our readers?
Stay adaptable and keep an eye on industry trends. The mobile landscape is constantly evolving, and being open to new opportunities and technologies can provide significant advantages. Whether you’re a developer or a player, embracing these changes can lead to exciting new experiences and growth.
