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Epic's new revenue sharing policy: 0% cut for developers' first million dollars in the first year!
2025-06-16
The global game distribution platform Epic Games Store has launched a revolutionary revenue sharing policy, benefiting developers and rewarding players, challenging traditional platforms. In June 2025, the Epic Games Store officially implemented a new revenue sharing model, throwing a bombshell into the entire gaming industry: all developers will receive 100% of the first $1 million in revenue for each product per year, with no platform fees. For amounts exceeding this, Epic will only charge a 12% platform fee, with developers retaining 88% of the revenue. This policy took effect on June 1, 2025, applies to revenues up to December 31, and will automatically reset every January 1 from 2026 onwards.
Core of the new policy: restructuring of developer revenue structure
The core of Epic's policy adjustment this time is to provide developers with unprecedented revenue guarantee:
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No commission on the first $1 million : The first $1 million in net revenue for each product per year is entirely owned by the developer
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Tiered Revenue Sharing Structure : The portion exceeding $1 million will be divided according to the ratio of 88%/12% (developers account for 88%)
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Automatic Enjoyment Mechanism : Developers do not need to submit applications or update contracts to enjoy the new policy
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Multi-platform coverage : For all platforms that use Epic's payment processor, such as PC, Mac, iOS, iPadOS and Android
Compared with Steam's default 30% commission ratio (80% commission can be enjoyed only when revenue exceeds US$50 million), small and medium-sized teams only need to sell 333,000 copies of a US$30 game on the Epic platform to fully earn US$1 million in revenue. This model significantly reduces the survival pressure of small and medium-sized developers and truly returns resources to creators.
Policy background: Challenging industry practices
Epic's policy adjustment this time is not an isolated action, but a continuation of its long-term challenge to the high commission model of game platforms:
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Legal battlefield breakthrough
After years of fighting against Apple and Google's 30% high commission, the court did not support Apple's ban on in-app payments in 2023, clearing the way for Epic to open its Webshop function.
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Opportunities of the EU Digital Markets Act
With the implementation of the EU Digital Markets Act, Epic launched its own App Store alternative in the EU to break Apple's payment monopoly
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Mobile expansion
Actively lay out the mobile terminal market, and promise to bear the "core technology fee" (CTF) charged by Apple for some developers
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Technology policy loosening
By the end of 2023, games rated as "adults only" due to blockchain technology will be allowed to be listed, embracing new technology trends
Three benefits for developers: revenue, traffic and autonomy
Epic's new policy brings substantial benefits to game developers, especially small and medium-sized teams:
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Maximize Revenue
Small and medium-sized development teams will achieve real zero commission when annual revenue is less than one million US dollars. Combined with the "Epic First Run" program, developers choose to let their games be exclusive to the Epic platform for six months, during which they can get 100% of the revenue share without any amount limit. After the first run plan ends, the part that does not reach the 1 million US dollar threshold can still enjoy 100% share.
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Traffic Support
Epic Games Store has a user base of 270 million worldwide and supports 16 languages, providing developers with a huge potential user base. The platform's weekly free game event has become an important strategy to attract users, although this strategy has put financial pressure on the company.
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Independent operating capability
Epic has opened up the Webshop feature, allowing developers to host and operate their own online stores through the platform. Developers can customize store pages, set up promotions, and directly manage player communities.
This feature allows players to complete purchases outside the app, bypassing up to 30% of the commission charged by platforms such as Apple and Google.
Double benefits for players: consumption rebate and cost reduction
Epic's new policy not only benefits developers, but also brings real benefits to players:
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5% consumption reward : Players can earn 5% Epic Rewards points when they purchase digital content from the Epic Webshop, which can be used for future purchases.
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Bypassing the platform commission ：The Webshop feature allows players to complete purchases by jumping out of the app, avoiding high commissions from platforms such as Apple and Google, further reducing consumption costs
Industry Impact: Reconstructing the Game Distribution Landscape
Epic's policy adjustment this time may trigger a major change in the digital game distribution market:
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Challenging Steam's Dominance
With a better revenue-sharing policy and 270 million users, Epic will directly challenge Steam's market dominance.
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Small and medium-sized developers are leaning towards Epic
Compared with Steam's high-threshold tiered revenue sharing mechanism (80% revenue sharing is only available for revenues above $50 million), Epic's zero-revenue-sharing policy in the early stage is more attractive to small and medium-sized developers
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Pushing for Industry Revenue Sharing Reform
Industry analysts predict that Epic's new policy will force traditional platforms to re-evaluate their revenue-sharing structure
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Accelerate the market transformation of mobile terminals
In the EU region, Epic has launched an alternative to the iOS App Store, challenging Apple's payment dominance
Outlook and Recommendations: How Developers Can Seize Opportunities
For mobile app developers, Epic's new policy provides a rare opportunity:
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Multi-platform distribution strategy : Utilize Epic's cross-platform support (PC, Mac, iOS, Android) to achieve multi-end product distribution
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Make good use of the Webshop function : Create your own store page through Epic Webshop, accumulate direct user resources, and reduce dependence on third-party platforms
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Consider the "Epic Launch Program" : For high-quality new works, the potential revenue of six months of exclusivity can be assessed
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Focus on EU Market Opportunities : Break through the Apple ecosystem by using Epic's alternative iOS store in the EU
As competition in the digital game market intensifies, the relationship between platforms and developers is being restructured. Epic Games Store's new policy is not only an adjustment of business strategy, but also a revolution in the value distribution model of the game industry. Small and medium-sized development teams have obtained real income guarantee for the first time, and players can also benefit from lower consumption costs. This change may push the entire game industry to develop in a healthier and more balanced direction.
Is your app fully benefiting from the latest platform policies? Book an Appfast ASO diagnosis service now to get personalized promotion strategies and let your app take the lead in the transformation!
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