midnightvulpine

When it comes right down to it, the only ones who can change this are we the consumers. Until we stop buying, they won't stop doing their utmost to squeeze as much money from us as possible and manipulate us into getting what they want. We should have our choice of what platform we want to play on, rather than letting them choose for us and going along with it. The only reason this exclusivity isn't as bad as the console wars(one reason I'm deeply displeased to see this sort of BS growing on PC now) is that they don't know yet if they can still profit while doing it. The more we allow a substandard storefront to dictate terms, the more likely this will get worse. I'm avoiding games now that are gated off, even if it's just to one exclusive launcher. The same will apply to Steam, despite my using their launcher. If they try to do this exclusivity bull, I'll do the same for them. We need to realize that, no matter how nice the game looks, every game ends up old and forgotten. There is always something new on the horizon. The more you feel bound to a sense of loyalty or loss when it comes to a game, the more they have you. Sounds melodramatic, but it's true. I've already bypassed Metro: Exodus until it goes off exclusive(and will likely be discounted). I'll do the same for Outer Worlds and Control. All three were going to be day one buys for me. But I'm not allowing the publishers to dictate terms. Nor Epic. I think you all should consider doing the same. Otherwise you're condoning the latest batch of anti-consumer tactics and doing yourself no favors.

Most likely you're right on the money, Recall the Phoenix Point game that recently went exclusive as well. There was some quote that said they would still be fine if everyone who backed them refunded. Epic is paying out, in one way or another, to make these games exclusive. That's the only reason to limit your game is when you're already ensured a certain profit for doing so. Why limit your potential install base for any other reason?

I will not buy any game from the Epic Store at this current time. Part of it is because of the uncertain status of their store in terms of privacy and security, but it's not just that. The Epic Game Store is anti-consumer. Something I hope that those who say they'll just buy it anyway think about that a bit before they do. The store came into being suddenly and is only relevant because they're throwing their dump trucks of Fortnight money around to buy up exclusives and pay publishers to give away games in a bid to brute force their way into the market, rather than doing the work like Steam did. I'm very open to the idea of competition for Steam. I'm very open to developers getting more money(but we all know the profits largely go to publishers, not developers). But Epic is doing it wrong and win or lose, I will not give my money to an enterprise that is bad for me as a consumer. One good thing about the state of gaming is that I've grown used to allowing games to pass me by and pick them up later. And there are plenty of other games I have and will have to occupy me that, while I am disappointed by The Outer Worlds going exclusive, that disappointment will pass and I will move on without missing a step. I'm sad to deny the game what would have been, likely, a day one purchase. But in the long run this is the best choice. Sadly, it likely won't matter because gamers don't look past the latest, greatest thing. That's why gaming is in the state it is. From DLC to day one DLC to microtransactions, to loot boxes to the new epidemic of half done, mediocre live services and launcher exclusives. Make no mistake. Publishers will continue to push and squeeze money from you all until you decide to stop letting them.