Epic Games Store Roadmap Promises 5x Faster Boot Times, User Reviews, and More

Epic Games has unveiled a detailed roadmap for the Epic Games Store, promising a host of long-awaited features and a major redesign of its PC gaming platform. During a presentation at Unreal Fest in Chicago, the company outlined its plans for the next 12 months, aiming to improve the experience for both gamers and developers (via VGC). Among the most anticipated updates are user reviews, a redesigned launcher, and a five-times faster cold start time for the store.

Key Features Coming Soon

The roadmap includes a wide range of updates, starting with some of the most requested features. These include:

  • Fortnite chunked installation — allowing users to install the game in smaller, more manageable parts.
  • Third-party patch notes — giving players access to detailed updates from external developers.
  • Pre-registration for free-to-play games — enabling users to sign up for upcoming free titles.
  • Storefront rearchitecture — a complete overhaul of the store's design and functionality.
  • Library management improvements — making it easier for users to organize and manage their game collections.

These features are expected to roll out in the near future, though specific release dates have not been disclosed. The company has not confirmed whether these updates will be released in waves or all at once.

Upcoming Enhancements on the Horizon

Looking further ahead, the roadmap includes features that are slightly more distant but still on the horizon. These include:

  • Player profiles and avatars — allowing users to personalize their store experience.
  • User-written reviews — a long-requested feature that will give players a voice in the community.
  • Publisher-funded coupons — enabling developers to offer discounts and promotions directly through the store.
  • Search improvements — making it easier for users to find the games they want.

These additions could significantly improve the store's appeal, especially for those who have been hesitant to adopt it as their primary gaming platform.

A New Era for the Epic Games Store

Launched in 2018, the Epic Games Store was introduced as a direct competitor to Steam, offering exclusive titles and free cross-platform services. Epic founder and CEO Tim Sweeney emphasized the store's potential to connect developers with players directly, stating that the success of Fortnite had given the company the resources to build a robust platform.

Despite these ambitions, the Epic Games Store has struggled to match the dominance of Steam. Reports from 2021 indicated that the company had lost hundreds of millions of dollars due to exclusivity deals, and court documents from 2023 revealed that the store had not yet turned a profit five years after its launch.

One of the biggest hurdles for the Epic Games Store has been the absence of features that many gamers expect. However, with the latest roadmap, the company is addressing these gaps. A slide from the Unreal Fest presentation highlighted that the new launcher design will significantly improve performance, promising a five-times faster cold start.

What's Next?

While the roadmap is promising, it remains to be seen how quickly these features will be implemented. IGN recently spoke with Steve Allison, VP and GM of the Epic Games Store, to get an update on the platform's future. As the company continues to develop and refine its services, the question remains whether the Epic Games Store can ever truly rival Steam in popularity and functionality.