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25 Facts About Epic Games

Jelene Tait

Written by Jelene Tait

Published: 30 Jun 2025

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Epic Games has become a household name, especially among gamers. But how much do you really know about this gaming giant? Founded in 1991 by Tim Sweeney, the company has grown from a small startup to a major player in the gaming industry. Epic Games is best known for Fortnite, a game that has taken the world by storm with its battle royale mode. However, there's more to the company than just one game. From their Unreal Engine technology, which powers many popular games, to their Epic Games Store, they have made significant contributions to the gaming world. Did you know they also offer free games every week? Stick around to learn 25 fascinating facts about Epic Games that you might not know!

Table of Contents
01The Origins of Epic Games
02Epic Games and Unreal Engine
03Fortnite Phenomenon
04Business and Acquisitions
05Legal Battles and Controversies
06Contributions to the Gaming Community
07Technological Innovations
08Cultural Impact
09Epic Games: A Legacy of Innovation

The Origins of Epic Games

Epic Games has become a household name in the gaming industry. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this gaming giant.

  1. Founded in 1991: Tim Sweeney started Epic Games in his parents' basement in Potomac, Maryland. It was initially called Potomac Computer Systems.

  2. First Game Release: Their first game, "ZZT," was released in 1991. It was a simple text-based adventure game.

  3. Name Change: In 1992, the company rebranded to Epic MegaGames. The name was shortened to Epic Games in 1999.

Epic Games and Unreal Engine

Epic Games is not just known for its games but also for its powerful game development engine, Unreal Engine.

  1. Unreal Engine Debut: Unreal Engine was first showcased in the 1998 game "Unreal." It revolutionized game development with its advanced graphics and tools.

  2. Free for Developers: In 2015, Epic Games made Unreal Engine free to use, with a royalty model for commercial products.

  3. Used Beyond Gaming: Unreal Engine is used in various industries, including film, architecture, and automotive design.

Fortnite Phenomenon

Fortnite has become one of the most popular games globally. Here are some intriguing facts about this cultural phenomenon.

  1. Released in 2017: Fortnite was released in July 2017. It quickly gained popularity with its Battle Royale mode.

  2. Massive Player Base: By 2021, Fortnite had over 350 million registered players worldwide.

  3. In-Game Concerts: Fortnite has hosted virtual concerts featuring artists like Travis Scott and Marshmello, attracting millions of viewers.

Business and Acquisitions

Epic Games has made several strategic business moves and acquisitions over the years.

  1. Tencent Investment: In 2012, Chinese tech giant Tencent acquired a 40% stake in Epic Games for $330 million.

  2. Acquisition of Psyonix: In 2019, Epic Games acquired Psyonix, the developer of the popular game "Rocket League."

  3. Epic Games Store: Launched in December 2018, the Epic Games Store offers a competitive revenue split for developers, challenging Steam's dominance.

Legal Battles and Controversies

Epic Games has been involved in several high-profile legal battles and controversies.

  1. Apple Lawsuit: In 2020, Epic Games sued Apple over its App Store policies, leading to a highly publicized legal battle.

  2. Google Lawsuit: Epic also filed a lawsuit against Google for similar reasons, challenging their app store practices.

  3. Loot Box Controversy: Epic faced criticism for loot boxes in "Fortnite: Save the World." They later removed them and offered transparency.

Contributions to the Gaming Community

Epic Games has made significant contributions to the gaming community and industry.

  1. Epic MegaGrants: In 2019, Epic launched a $100 million fund to support game developers, educators, and other creators using Unreal Engine.

  2. Free Games: The Epic Games Store offers free games every week, attracting millions of users to their platform.

  3. Cross-Platform Play: Epic Games has been a strong advocate for cross-platform play, allowing players on different devices to play together.

Technological Innovations

Epic Games has been at the forefront of technological innovations in the gaming industry.

  1. Nanite Technology: Unreal Engine 5 introduced Nanite, a virtualized geometry technology that allows for incredibly detailed environments.

  2. Lumen Technology: Unreal Engine 5 also features Lumen, a dynamic global illumination system that enhances lighting in games.

  3. MetaHuman Creator: In 2021, Epic unveiled MetaHuman Creator, a tool for creating highly realistic human characters.

Cultural Impact

Epic Games has had a significant cultural impact beyond the gaming world.

  1. Pop Culture Collaborations: Fortnite has featured collaborations with major franchises like Marvel, Star Wars, and DC Comics.

  2. Educational Programs: Epic Games has partnered with educational institutions to offer courses on game development using Unreal Engine.

  3. Charity Initiatives: Epic has donated millions to various charities, including COVID-19 relief efforts and racial justice organizations.

  4. Influence on Esports: Fortnite's competitive scene has grown, with tournaments offering millions in prize money, influencing the esports landscape.

Epic Games: A Legacy of Innovation

Epic Games has truly left its mark on the gaming industry. From Fortnite's massive success to the groundbreaking Unreal Engine, their contributions are undeniable. They’ve not only created some of the most popular games but also provided tools that empower other developers. Their commitment to pushing boundaries and embracing new technologies keeps them at the forefront of gaming.

Whether you're a gamer, developer, or just someone interested in tech, Epic Games offers something for everyone. Their journey from a small company to a global powerhouse is inspiring. As they continue to innovate, one can only imagine what exciting developments lie ahead.

So, next time you play a game or see stunning graphics, remember the role Epic Games has played in shaping the digital landscape. Their legacy is one of creativity, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

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