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Ubisoft exec Chris Early has branded Steam's business model "unrealistic," and suggested the popular online marketplace needs to devise a more modern approach.

Chris Kerr, News Editor

August 28, 2019

1 Min Read

Ubisoft exec Chris Early has branded Steam's business model "unrealistic," and suggested the popular online marketplace needs to devise a more modern approach. 

Speaking to The New York Times, Early explained Valve's refusal to modify its revenue-sharing model is why Ubisoft chose to launch The Division 2 on Uplay and The Epic Games Store over Steam earlier this year. 

“It’s unrealistic, the current business model that they have," he said, commenting on the way Steam currently operates. "It doesn’t reflect where the world is today in terms of game distribution."

Right now, Steam offers most developers a standard 70/30 revenue split, although those devs whose games earn over $10 million and $50 million will see their share increase to 75 percent and 80 percent, respectively. 

As some have pointed out, however, those hefty milestones clearly favor larger triple-A titles, and are still someway behind the new standard set by the Epic Games Store, which offers all developers an 88 percent revenue share.

Ubisoft isn't the only big-name to have chosen The Epic Games Store over Steam, with others like Remedy (Control), Deep Silver (Metro Exodus), and Ys Net (Shenmue 3) all signing various exclusivity agreements with Epic. 

About the Author(s)

Chris Kerr

News Editor, GameDeveloper.com

Game Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning journalist and reporter with over a decade of experience in the game industry. His byline has appeared in notable print and digital publications including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, and PocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered major industry events including GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton. He has featured on the judging panel at The Develop Star Awards on multiple occasions and appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss breaking news.

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