# Epic Games

> American video game and software developer

**Wikidata**: [Q739711](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q739711)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epic_Games)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/epic-games

## Summary

Epic Games is a video game developer [1]. It has received the British Academy Games Special Award [2]. The company’s notable works include *Fortnite*, *Epic Pinball*, *Unreal Engine*, and *Jazz Jackrabbit* .Epic Games is a member of the Linux Foundation [3].

## Summary
Epic Games is an American video game and software developer founded in 1991, best known for creating *Fortnite* and the Unreal Engine. It operates as a privately held company with a significant presence in the video game industry, owning multiple subsidiaries and competing with major developers like Electronic Arts and Ubisoft.

## Key Facts
- Founded on **January 15, 1991**, by **Tim Sweeney** and **Mark Rein** in **Potomac, Maryland**.
- Headquartered in **Cary, North Carolina**, with additional offices in **Rockville, Maryland**.
- Owned partially by **Tencent (40%)**, **Tim Sweeney (51%)**, and **Sony Group (1.4%)**, with **Disney acquiring a 9% stake in 2024**.
- Employs approximately **4,000 people** as of **2023**.
- Notable products include *Fortnite*, *Unreal Engine*, *Jazz Jackrabbit*, and *Epic Pinball*.
- Owns subsidiaries such as **Psyonix**, **Harmonix Music Systems**, **Mediatonic**, and **People Can Fly**.
- Competitors include **Electronic Arts, Ubisoft, Riot Games, and Valve Corporation**.
- Received the **British Academy Games Special Award in 2019**.

## FAQs
### Q: When was Epic Games founded?
A: Epic Games was founded on **January 15, 1991**, by **Tim Sweeney** and **Mark Rein**.

### Q: What are Epic Games' most famous products?
A: Epic Games is best known for *Fortnite*, the *Unreal Engine*, and earlier titles like *Jazz Jackrabbit* and *Epic Pinball*.

### Q: Who owns Epic Games?
A: Major stakeholders include **Tim Sweeney (51%)**, **Tencent (40%)**, **Sony Group (1.4%)**, and **Disney (9% as of 2024)**.

### Q: Where is Epic Games headquartered?
A: The company is headquartered in **Cary, North Carolina**, with additional offices in **Rockville, Maryland**.

### Q: What companies does Epic Games own?
A: Epic Games owns several subsidiaries, including **Psyonix**, **Harmonix Music Systems**, **Mediatonic**, and **People Can Fly**.

## Why It Matters
Epic Games has significantly shaped the video game industry through its **Unreal Engine**, a leading game development platform used by studios worldwide. *Fortnite* revolutionized online gaming with its battle royale mode, becoming a cultural phenomenon and a major revenue driver. The company’s **Epic Games Store** challenges Steam’s dominance in digital game distribution, promoting competition and better revenue shares for developers. Epic’s acquisitions and investments in studios like **Psyonix** and **Harmonix** further expand its influence in gaming. Additionally, its legal battles with **Apple** over app store policies have broader implications for digital marketplaces and developer rights.

## Notable For
- Creating the **Unreal Engine**, one of the most widely used game development platforms.
- Developing *Fortnite*, a global phenomenon with over **350 million players**.
- Owning the **Epic Games Store**, a major competitor to Steam.
- Acquiring high-profile studios like **Psyonix (Rocket League)** and **Harmonix (Rock Band)**.
- Leading legal challenges against **Apple’s App Store policies**, advocating for fairer digital marketplace practices.

## Body
### History and Founding
Epic Games was founded as **Potomac Computer Systems** in **1991** by **Tim Sweeney** and **Mark Rein**. Initially focused on shareware games, the company released *ZZT* (1991) and later *Jazz Jackrabbit* (1994), which gained significant popularity. The company rebranded as **Epic MegaGames** before settling on **Epic Games** in **1999**.

### Key Products and Technologies
- **Unreal Engine**: First released in **1998**, it has become a cornerstone of modern game development, powering titles like *Gears of War*, *BioShock*, and *Fortnite*.
- **Fortnite**: Launched in **2017**, it popularized the battle royale genre and became a cultural and financial juggernaut.
- **Epic Games Store**: Launched in **2018**, it offers developers a **12% revenue share** (compared to Steam’s 30%), attracting exclusives like *Borderlands 3* and *Metro Exodus*.

### Ownership and Subsidiaries
Epic Games is majority-owned by **Tim Sweeney (51%)**, with **Tencent holding a 40% stake** since **2012**. Other investors include **Sony (1.4%)** and **Disney (9% as of 2024)**. Key subsidiaries include:
- **Psyonix** (acquired **2019**): Developer of *Rocket League*.
- **Harmonix** (acquired **2021**): Known for *Rock Band* and *Guitar Hero*.
- **Mediatonic** (acquired **2021**): Developer of *Fall Guys*.
- **People Can Fly** (acquired **2015**): Co-developer of *Gears of War* and *Bulletstorm*.

### Legal and Industry Impact
Epic Games has been a vocal critic of **Apple’s App Store policies**, filing a lawsuit in **2020** over antitrust concerns. The case highlighted issues of **monopolistic practices** in digital marketplaces, though courts ruled in favor of Apple on most counts. Epic’s advocacy continues to influence industry discussions on **developer rights and platform fees**.

### Competitors
Epic Games competes with major studios such as:
- **Electronic Arts** (*FIFA*, *Battlefield*)
- **Ubisoft** (*Assassin’s Creed*, *Far Cry*)
- **Riot Games** (*League of Legends*, *Valorant*)
- **Valve Corporation** (*Steam*, *Counter-Strike*)
- **Supercell** (*Clash of Clans*, *Brawl Stars*)

## Schema Markup
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  "description": "American video game and software developer known for Fortnite and the Unreal Engine.",
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  "founder": [
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      "name": "Mark Rein"
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  "parentOrganization": {
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    "name": "Tencent",
    "ownershipFundingInfo": "40%"
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  "subOrganization": [
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      "name": "Psyonix"
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      "@type": "Organization",
      "name": "Harmonix Music Systems"
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  "award": "British Academy Games Special Award (2019)"
}

## References

1. Global LEI Index
2. [Source](https://www.lobbyfacts.eu/datacard/epic-games-inc?rid=658052446691-45)
3. LastDodo
4. Jazz Jackrabbit. game-catalogus Beeld & Geluid. 1994
5. [Source](https://www.forbes.com/profile/tim-sweeney/)
6. [Source](https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/epic-games-2)
7. [Source](https://www.nasdaqprivatemarket.com/company/epic-games/)
8. [Source](https://www.pcgamer.com/every-game-company-that-tencent-has-invested-in/)
9. [Source](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200709005844/en/Epic-Games-Receives-Strategic-Investment-Sony-Corporation)
10. [Source](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2018-07-24/fortnite-phenomenon-turns-epic-game-developer-into-billionaire)
11. [Source](https://www.cnbc.com/2024/02/07/disney-to-take-1point5-billion-stake-in-epic-games-maker-of-fortnite.html)
12. [Source](https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/disneys-epic-deal-shows-sharp-cut-fortnite-makers-valuation-the-information-2024-02-08/)
13. [BAFTA to honour Epic Games with Special Award](https://www.bafta.org/media-centre/press-releases/bafta-to-honour-epic-games-with-special-award/)
14. Virtual International Authority File
15. BnF authorities
16. [Source](https://blog.bandcamp.com/2022/03/02/bandcamp-is-joining-epic/)
17. [Source](https://www.mediatonicgames.com/blog/mediatonic-joins-the-epic-games-family)
18. MusicBrainz
19. [Source](https://www.linuxfoundation.org/membership/members/)
20. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
21. National Software Reference Library
22. [Source](https://www.geekwire.com/2021/epic-games-buys-seattle-area-video-game-development-toolmaker-rad/)
23. [Source](http://km.aifb.kit.edu/services/crunchbase/)
24. EU Transparency Register
25. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/Epic_Games-RAKJW)
26. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
27. [EPIC GAMES latest news & coverage](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/topic/epic-games)
28. [Epic Games Company Culture | Comparably](https://www.comparably.com/companies/epic-games)
29. VideoGameGeek
30. MobyGames
31. Video Games Chronicle