The Rise of Indie Games on the Epic Games Store

8 October 2025

The gaming industry has always been a dynamic and ever-evolving beast. Once upon a time, gamers were restricted to titles churned out by big-name publishers, with massive budgets and teams working overtime to deliver cutting-edge experiences. But in recent years, indie games—those passionate, quirky, underdog creations—have risen like scrappy heroes in a blockbuster movie. And guess what? The Epic Games Store is becoming one of the most popular stages for these indie gems to shine.

Let’s take a closer look at what’s driving the rise of indie games on the Epic Games Store, why it matters, and what it means for developers and gamers alike.

What Are Indie Games, Anyway?

Let’s start with the basics: indie games, short for independent games, are typically created by smaller teams or even solo developers. These games often have tighter budgets but make up for it with creativity, innovation, and a heavy dose of heart.

While AAA titles from big studios feel like the polished Hollywood blockbusters of gaming, indie games often come across as heartfelt independent films—quirky, unique, and sometimes experimental. And that's where the charm lies, right? They’re like hidden gems, waiting to be discovered by players around the world.

Indie games have been around for years, but their distribution was limited in the early days—usually relegated to obscure websites or smaller digital storefronts. But all that began to change thanks to platforms like Steam, and now, the Epic Games Store has entered the scene to shake things up.

How Did the Epic Games Store Get Here?

If you’ve been gaming for a bit, you’ve probably heard of the Epic Games Store. Launched in December 2018, the platform quickly became a competitor to Steam, and let’s just say it didn’t tiptoe quietly into the market. Epic Games Store made a huge splash with exclusive deals, free monthly games, and, most importantly, a more developer-friendly revenue split.

While most platforms like Steam take a whopping 30% cut from game sales, Epic flipped the script by offering developers 88% of the revenue, keeping a modest 12% for themselves. For indie developers working with tight budgets, this deal was a game-changer (pun intended). It meant more money in their pockets and more incentive to bring their titles to the Epic Games Store.

Why Are Indie Developers Choosing the Epic Games Store?

So, with other platforms already dominating the market, why are indie developers flocking to the Epic Games Store? It turns out, there are quite a few reasons.

1. That Sweet Revenue Split

Let’s face it—money talks. Indie developers, who often pour their own savings into their games, can’t afford to lose huge chunks of revenue. Epic’s 88/12 split is a lifeline for these smaller studios, allowing them to funnel more profits back into their projects or simply stay afloat.

2. Increased Visibility

The Epic Games Store isn’t as crowded as older platforms like Steam (yet). That means fewer games competing for attention, which gives indie titles a much better chance of standing out. It’s like being at a farmer’s market with only a handful of vendors versus a massive shopping mall. For indie developers, this increased visibility can make or break their game’s success.

3. A Supportive Ecosystem

Epic Games isn’t just about selling games; it's about building relationships. The company frequently partners with developers through its Epic MegaGrants initiative, offering funding to promising projects. Add to that their willingness to highlight indie games during sales events, showcases, and promotions, and you get a platform that genuinely feels invested in indie success.

Indie Games That Shone Bright on the Epic Games Store

Over the years, several indie games have flourished on the Epic Games Store, each showcasing the potential of a successful indie launch. Let’s take a look at some standout examples:

1. Hades

Supergiant Games’ hit title Hades became a household name not just for its addictive gameplay and deep storytelling, but also because of how well it was received on platforms like the Epic Games Store. Released as an early-access title on Epic, it built a dedicated following before becoming a full-on phenomenon.

2. Untitled Goose Game

Who knew causing low-stakes chaos as a mischievous goose could be so much fun? This quirky title debuted on multiple platforms but found a particularly enthusiastic home at the Epic Games Store. Its viral success showed the potential for offbeat, daring indie ideas.

3. Celeste

Though Celeste initially launched elsewhere, it found renewed success on the Epic Games Store as one of its free offerings. Not only did it introduce the beautiful platformer to a wider audience, but it also demonstrated the impact a good partnership with Epic can have on indie game visibility.

Why This Rise Matters to Gamers

You might be asking: “Cool story, but what’s in it for me?” Turns out, the indie explosion is great news for gamers too.

1. Greater Variety

Let’s be real—sometimes AAA games can feel a bit, well, samey. How many different ways can we really re-skin a first-person shooter? Indie games, on the other hand, often take creative risks that result in fresh gameplay mechanics, emotional storytelling, and out-of-the-box designs. They add spice and color to an industry that desperately needs it.

2. More Affordable Options

Not everyone has $70 lying around for the latest blockbuster release. Indie games are usually much more wallet-friendly, meaning you can snag several fantastic experiences for the price of one AAA game. You’re basically getting more bang for your buck.

3. Supporting Passion Projects

Every time you buy an indie game, you’re supporting someone's dream. These games are often labors of love, crafted with incredible care and effort, and your purchase directly helps developers continue doing what they love. Pretty cool, right?

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Of course, the rise of indie games on the Epic Games Store isn’t without its challenges. Competition is heating up between digital storefronts, and some gamers remain loyal to other platforms like Steam or GOG. Additionally, accusations of exclusivity deals with Epic have sparked debates among players.

But here’s the thing: competition is good! It keeps companies on their toes and benefits consumers by encouraging innovation, better deals, and improved platforms. As more indie developers thrive on Epic’s store, the overall gaming ecosystem grows stronger. Everybody wins.

The Future of Indie Games on Epic Games Store

So, what’s next? The rise of indie games on the Epic Games Store isn’t just a passing trend—it’s climbing upward fast. As Epic continues to invest in its storefront, and more developers recognize the benefits of partnering with the platform, we can expect even more incredible indie creations to grace our screens.

For gamers, this means a golden age of diverse, creative, and engaging games. Whether you’re solving puzzles, slaying monsters, or just being a goofy goose, there’s no shortage of fun in store. So why not dive in and give these indie gems a shot? You never know—you might just find your next favorite game.