In a recent interview with RPG Site, Dave Oshry, head of New Blood Interactive, expressed his concerns regarding the future of digital game distribution platforms. His remarks focused on the evolving dynamics of prominent stores such as GOG and the Epic Games Store.
Dusk Publisher Critiques Epic Games Store and Questions GOG’s Future
Oshry has consistently appreciated GOG for its dedication to classic games. However, he noted a shift in the landscape following recent changes by Steam, which has affected GOG’s viability. He reflected on a time when Steam served as the platform for new games while GOG focused on preserving older titles.
The Impact of Steam’s Policy Changes
He highlighted that Steam’s decision to allow a broader range of games has overshadowed GOG’s niche. “Once Steam opened the floodgates, GOG started losing its unique place in the market,” Oshry said.
- GOG’s Role: Focuses on preserving and updating older games.
- Current Offerings: Projects like Fallout: London showcase GOG’s commitment.
- Market Share: GOG’s sales now represent only 1-5% of Steam’s, down from 5-10%.
Oshry emphasized that while GOG streamlines the installation process for retro games, the gaming demographic has shifted. Younger players may not understand file management or mod installations, making platforms with simpler interfaces more appealing.
Concerns About GOG’s Longevity
Considering current market conditions, Oshry questioned the future of GOG. He stated, “How long will GOG last?” He shared that the primary reason he uses the platform is for specific titles, like Fallout: London, but the user experience often complicates matters.
“The installation process was difficult on modern systems, which is disheartening,” he lamented, noting that while nostalgia drove him to revisit certain games, it wasn’t enough to maintain interest.
Critical View of the Epic Games Store
Oshry did not hold back in critiquing the Epic Games Store. He believes that despite Initial promise, it has failed to evolve over the past decade. “Nothing has changed in 10 years,” he stated firmly.
- Initial Strengths: The store had good ideas and a strong launch.
- Ongoing Challenges: It lacks a genuinely improved user experience.
- Free Distributions: While they help developers financially, they don’t translate to sales.
He concluded that merely offering attractive financial terms to developers is irrelevant if users are not purchasing games. The Epic Games Store may have started with potential, but maintaining competitiveness requires more than just financial incentives.
As both the Epic Games Store and GOG navigate this changing environment, the future of digital game distribution remains uncertain, raising questions about their ability to adapt and survive.
