Epic Expands Competitive PC Online Catalogue with Acquisition of Rocket League Developer Psyonix

Publication date: 07 May 2019 Author: Louise Shorthouse, Ph.D. Research Analyst I, Games and Apps

Epic expands competitive PC online catalogue with acquisition of Rocket League developer Psyonix

Brought to you by Informa Tech Epic expands competitive PC online catalogue 1 with acquisition of Rocket League developer Psyonix

Industry giant Epic Games has announced that it’s in the process of acquiring San Diego-based studio Psyonix, who develops the very popular vehicular-soccer game Rocket League. The title is one of the biggest cross-platform games that are available on all major platforms, second only to Epic’s Fortnite, and with more than 57 million lifetime players it represents the company’s most significant acquisition to date. Furthering Epic’s developer-centric vision for the future of PC gaming? Epic Games has been aggressively pursuing exclusive game content for its PC games store, with AAA titles such as Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 already listed, plus World War Z and Borderlands 3 in the pipeline. The acquisition of Psyonix initially appeared to be a significant move in Epic’s on-going battle to persuade Steam to commit to a permanent 88% revenue share for developers and publishers. Epic-exclusivity for Rocket League would represent a significant loss for Steam, and further fuel existing market tensions. However, despite initial indications that Rocket League would cease to be available on Steam following its release on the Epic Games Store, the company later clarified that no plans regarding the sale of the game on Steam had been finalised. The future of the title on Steam therefore remains to be seen. Whilst seeking exclusivity seems natural based on Epic’s recent movements in the market, such deals have previously sparked a backlash from the community – as with Metro Exodus’ last-minute Steam departure. In pandering to the industry rather than the consumer, Epic has alienated many potential audiences. The potential impact of this response, though, has thus far been offset by the tremendous success of Fortnite, which continues to thrive and fund Epic’s numerous strategic moves and acquisitions. A mutually beneficial partnership for growing esports presence Psyonix stated that the acquisition would increase “potential reach and resources” for the Rocket League esports ecosystem, which has already amassed a considerable fanbase. Season 6 of the biannual Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS) started in September 2018, featuring a million-dollar prize pool and 165,000 peak Twitch viewers. Support from Epic Games could allow Rocket League’s various tournaments to expand to further regions, and the acquisition is a sign of Epic’s commitment to investing in the still- emerging esports trend, which is set for its biggest year yet.

Citation policy Request external citation and usage of Omdia research and data via [email protected]. Omdia consulting We hope that this analysis will help you make informed and imaginative business decisions. If you have further requirements, Omdia’s consulting team may be able to help you. For more information about Omdia’s consulting capabilities, please contact us directly at [email protected]. Copyright notice and disclaimer The Omdia research, data and information referenced herein (the “Omdia Materials”) are the copyrighted property of Informa Tech and its subsidiaries or affiliates (together “Informa Tech”) and represent data, research, opinions or viewpoints published by Informa Tech, and are not representations of fact. The Omdia Materials reflect information and opinions from the original publication date and not from the date of this document. The information and opinions expressed in the Omdia Materials are subject to change without notice and Informa Tech does not have any duty or responsibility to update the Omdia Materials or this publication as a result. Omdia Materials are delivered on an “as-is” and “as-available” basis. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to the fairness, accuracy, completeness or correctness of the information, opinions and conclusions contained in Omdia Materials. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Informa Tech and its affiliates, officers, directors, employees and agents, disclaim any liability (including, without limitation, any liability arising from fault or negligence) as to the accuracy or completeness or use of the Omdia Materials. Informa Tech will not, under any circumstance whatsoever, be liable for any trading, investment, commercial or other decisions based on or made in reliance of the Omdia Materials.