In a recent statement, Randy Pitchford, the boss of Borderlands 4 and Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, reflected on his previous claim that Steam would be a ‘dying’ store by now due to Epic’s investments in technology. While he acknowledges that his hopes for the Epic Game Store were overly optimistic, he criticizes Valve for maintaining a monopoly in the West with its less developer-friendly model. Pitchford emphasizes the need for disruption in the PC gaming retail space, but questions why no one has been able to make it happen.
Pitchford argues that games like Borderlands 3 and Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands prove that customers are drawn to the content, not the storefront. However, he laments the industry’s reluctance to support more developer and publisher-friendly stores, choosing to stick with Steam’s monopoly instead. Despite his initial excitement for Epic’s Storefront, Pitchford admits that his long-term hopes were unrealistic.
As Borderlands 4’s release approaches, it has been revealed that the game will be available on Steam upon launch. This development has reignited discussions around Pitchford’s previous comments. He confesses that his personal bias for convenience as a Steam Deck customer conflicts with his desire for a more developer-friendly alternative on PC. Despite his support for Steam, Pitchford expresses hope that Epic will continue to challenge the status quo.
Overall, Pitchford’s insights shed light on the ongoing challenges facing the PC gaming retail landscape. While the industry has made strides in offering more options for developers and players, the dominance of Steam persists. As the debate between game content and storefront loyalty continues, it is clear that there is still much work to be done in creating a more diverse and competitive market for PC gamers.
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