Epic Games Store vs Steam

Epic Games Store is a digital game store available through Android, iOS, macOS, web browsers, and Windows. It uses a freemium model with a free plan, so visitors can access the store without a listed purchase requirement. Cloud saves keep supported game data available across sessions, while offline mode allows supported use without an internet connection. A subscription catalog provides another way to access games. The store does not import games from third-party libraries and does not integrate mods. Epic Games, the company behind the store, was founded in 1991 and is headquartered in Cary, North Carolina, United States. Its combination of mobile, desktop, and browser platforms gives users several ways to reach the catalog. People choosing it should weigh the free access, cloud saves, offline mode, and subscription catalog against the stated limits on importing third-party games and adding mods.

Steam is an online destination for playing, discussing, and creating games. Its catalog includes nearly 30,000 games, with game hubs, reviews, achievements, and custom recommendations for discovery. Users can meet others, join groups, form clans, and use text or voice chat. Steam Workshop supports making, finding, and downloading mods and cosmetics for nearly 1,000 supported games. Steam Broadcast streams gameplay live to friends or the community. The Steam Mobile app on iOS and Android supports shopping, account protection, game news, notifications, and community features; Steam Guard can approve sign-ins and confirm trades or Community Market listings. Steamworks provides tools and services for developers and publishers distributing games on Steam. Steam is free, but game and content prices vary and some subscriptions may be free. Content is licensed rather than sold; use may require an account, the client, and an internet connection. Users under 13 may not subscribe, and country-specific age limits may also apply.