Epic Games Store Adds Itch.io to Its Launcher

Since adding Spotify to the Epic Games Store, Epic has made five more non-games apps available for the launcher, one of which includes rival store Itch.io.

The new apps add a variety of new tools and utility to the Epic Games Store, including the open-source web browser Brave, the 3D modeling program KenShape, the digital art program Krita, and the digital radio channel iHeartRadio. The programs are now listed under an ‘Apps’ category, separating them from video games on the store. The inclusion of apps on the Epic Games Store is similar to Steam’s software, though it seems like Epic might be looking to add more than just creative tools to its shelves.

Among the apps recently added is Itch.io, a competing store that focuses on experimental indie games. The app is currently available for download on the Epic Games Store, but it makes no sense why you’d open one launcher to get redirected to a completely different one. On the plus side, Epic’s decision to include Itch.io to their storefront could help attract an audience for the indie-focused platform. Itch.io is home to experimental titles and game jams, and having a larger spotlight could improve the quality of the games found on the platform.

The Itch app is still downloadable outside of Epic’s launcher, and Epic also won’t be taking any percentage of the sales made through its launcher. It seems incredibly generous for Itch.io developers, but Epic might just be using them as an example. The publisher is still in a legal battle with Apple over its monopoly on the iOS app store. Perhaps by hosting the Itch.io store on their own launcher, Epic is looking to show that it’s feasible for them to add their own store to the iOS.