Epic Games Store finally adds pre-download functionality for games

Epic Games Store Finally Embraces Pre-Downloads After Years of Waiting

The long-awaited day has finally arrived for PC gamers: the Epic Games Store, a platform that launched in 2018 with significant ambitions, has finally introduced a pre-download feature for purchased games. This crucial functionality, which allows users to download games up to five days (120 hours) before their official release, was first spotted by Reddit users on the game developer Local Bald's forum posts. This addition, while seemingly basic, marks a significant catch-up for Epic, which has lagged behind competitors like Steam in this regard for nearly seven years.

A Long Overdue Feature for a Growing Platform

The introduction of pre-downloads means that once a game is pre-ordered, an encrypted build will be downloaded to the user's computer. This clever move aims to eliminate the frustrating hours of waiting on release day, allowing players to jump straight into their new games the moment they become available. It's a feature that many would consider a fundamental expectation for any digital game storefront, especially one vying for market share against established giants.

Addressing Platform Deficiencies and Future Ambitions

Epic Games has openly acknowledged its platform's shortcomings. Earlier this year, CEO Tim Sweeney himself described the Epic Games Launcher as "clunky," and store head Steve Allison admitted that they are "still a long way from world-class." This sentiment is echoed by many players who have voiced their criticisms regarding the platform's underdeveloped functionality, pointing to the absence of crucial features like user reviews and the ability to share screenshots. The delay in implementing basic conveniences like pre-downloading is particularly puzzling, given the company's aggressive strategies to grow its user base, most notably through its popular weekly free game giveaways.

Keeping Pace with a Dynamic Market

The gaming landscape is constantly evolving, and Valve, the company behind Steam, has been actively enhancing its platform. This year alone, Steam has seen significant updates, including the beta release of a "new" Steam interface, the integration of real and AI-generated in-game footage, and fixes to the FPS counter, among other improvements. Even the ability to search for reviews by specific languages has been implemented, demonstrating a commitment to refining the user experience. These advancements highlight the competitive pressure Epic Games faces and the considerable amount of work still ahead to bring its store up to par with the industry's leading offerings.

A Step Forward, But the Journey Continues

While the addition of pre-download functionality is undoubtedly a positive step and a much-needed improvement, it serves as a stark reminder of the core features that have been missing from the Epic Games Store for an extended period. The platform's strategy of acquiring users through generous free game distributions has been successful in building a large library for many players. However, for Epic to truly solidify its position and compete effectively, it must prioritize and accelerate the development of its technical infrastructure and user-facing features. This latest update suggests a potential shift in focus, and players will be keenly watching to see if Epic can finally bridge the gap and deliver a truly robust and competitive digital storefront experience.