The Epic Games Launcher has long been a point of contention among PC gamers, with many opting for alternatives like Steam due to its performance issues and clunky interface. However, recent developments suggest that the situation might be improving. According to Pirat_Nations's slides from Unreal Fest, Epic is working on a ground-up rebuild of its launcher, promising a significant performance boost. The update claims to deliver a 5x faster cold start and a 6.5x faster systray restore to library on average. These improvements could translate to a smoother user experience, especially for those with larger game libraries who have struggled with the current launcher’s lag and slow load times.

While the performance gains are impressive, the Epic Games Store still has a long way to go to match Steam’s established reputation for reliability and user-friendly design. For now, the launcher’s updates are focused on addressing its most glaring flaws. One of the key areas of improvement is in-app navigation, which has historically been a pain point for users. With faster load times and a more streamlined interface, the hope is that the Epic Games Launcher will become less intrusive and more intuitive.

The redesign also introduces several features that mirror Steam’s functionality, which could be a positive step for users accustomed to its ecosystem. Some of the notable additions include:

  • Personalised game recommendations on the home page
  • Quick-access categories for easier single-page browsing
  • Product detail pages tailored to each player, connecting them to the game’s community, story, and their own progression
  • Patch notes directly on the game’s storefront
  • Player reviews, player profiles with avatars, and support for Xbox and PlayStation controllers
  • Cross-region game gifting, publisher-funded coupons, and a tool to check how games will run on your system

These features not only bring the Epic Games Launcher closer to industry standards but also address long-standing user complaints. However, the real test will be how these changes translate into a more seamless and responsive experience. As the rebuild progresses, it’s crucial that Epic maintains its promise of delivering a snappier, more efficient launcher that keeps users engaged without getting in the way.

Ultimately, while the new updates are promising, the Epic Games Launcher still needs to prove itself as a viable alternative to Steam in terms of performance, usability, and feature set. If Epic can deliver on these promises, it might finally be a platform worth considering for more gamers.