Epic CEO urges Valve to join Team Open, citing Steam’s missed billions

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney is urging Valve to integrate its platform with the 'Team Open' ecosystem, arguing that Steam is missing out on billions of dollars by excluding major titles like Fortnite, Riot games, and Genshin Impact. This public appeal highlights a growing tension between the two gaming giants, as Sweeney believes Valve's current strategy limits its reach to a smaller percentage of the PC audience. The situation matters to players because it centers on which games remain available on the dominant PC storefront and how platform competition affects developer revenue shares.

Tim Sweeney argues the PC storefront is ignoring major titles and mobile markets

Sweeney specifically suggested that Steam should expand its presence to iPhone and Android platforms to capture a broader market. He cited Microsoft Store's 12% revenue cut and Google's improved developer deals as positive examples of how other ecosystems handle revenue sharing. These comments reflect Epic's ongoing efforts to push for more open standards in game distribution, contrasting with Valve's more closed approach to its Steam platform.

Despite these public appeals, fundamental philosophical differences remain between Epic and Valve, including recent disputes over AI disclosure. Sweeney noted that while Epic has a 'nice thing going' on PC, Steam fails to reach key segments of the gaming population, particularly those playing popular free-to-play titles. This disagreement underscores the ongoing struggle for control over the PC gaming ecosystem and the varying strategies platforms use to attract developers and users.

Valve has not shifted its strategy significantly regarding cross-platform integration, maintaining its focus on the PC market. Sweeney's commentary suggests that without changes to Steam's game library or platform policies, the gap between Epic's vision and Valve's current operations will persist. The industry continues to watch how these platform dynamics will evolve, especially as mobile gaming and cross-play become increasingly central to the PC gaming experience.