Randy Pitchford, the boss behind Borderlands 4 and Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, recently delved deeper into his previous statement about Steam being a “dying” store due to Epic’s investments in technology. While Pitchford now acknowledges that his optimism for the Epic Game Store was misplaced, he continues to criticize Valve for its lack of developer-friendly models. He emphasizes that there is still an opportunity to disrupt the PC gaming retail space.
The Game vs. Storefront Debate
Pitchford argues that games like Borderlands 3 and Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands prove that customers are more interested in the games themselves rather than the storefront where they are purchased. However, he laments that the industry seems content with Steam’s monopoly and is hesitant to support more developer and publisher-friendly stores. This perpetuates the status quo and inhibits innovation in the PC gaming market.
Despite Pitchford’s critique of Steam, he admits that he, as a Steam customer and developer, will continue to support competition in the marketplace. He recognizes the potential for disruption in the PC gaming retail space but observes that no one has successfully challenged Steam’s dominance so far. This lack of competition limits choices for consumers and hinders the growth of developer-friendly platforms.
As Borderlands 4’s release approaches, Pitchford acknowledges that the game will be available on Steam, contrary to his past hopes for a more developer-friendly alternative. He confesses that personal interests and convenience often clash with the desire for a better ecosystem for developers and publishers. While he expresses support for Steam, he also encourages Epic to continue its efforts to challenge the status quo and drive innovation in the PC gaming industry.
Randy Pitchford’s reflections on the Epic Game Store controversy highlight the ongoing debate surrounding storefronts, developer-friendly models, and market competition in the PC gaming industry. As Borderlands 4 prepares for launch on Steam, the clash between personal interests and industry evolution remains a central theme in Pitchford’s perspective on the future of gaming platforms.