Summary
AsSteamcelebrates its 20th anniversary, its evident that Valve’s digital storefront has become synonymous with PC gaming. However,Steamhas faced some stiff competition from other storefronts such as the Epic Game Store, which has been enticing users to check out its offerings with weekly free game giveaways. With the competition between digital storefronts on PC heating up, there are several major titles releasing this Fall that are skipping a Steam release in favor of a competing digital game storefront on PC.
Although there was a time when it was expected that every new PC game would launch on Steam, the rise of competing platforms means players will have to keep an eye on when and where new titles are launching in order ensure they can access an anticipated game on day-one. Companies likeEpic Games, Ubisoft, and EA have developed their own storefronts and launchers to try and pull PC gamers away from Steam and into their own ecosystems using launch exclusivity as means to attract players. Due to this new competition, more PC games are beginning to release on storefronts outside of Steam.
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Assassin’s Creed Mirage
The latest entry in theAssassin’s Creedfranchise seems to be a return to the series' roots after the sprawling open worlds ofAssassin’s Creed OdysseyandAssassin’s Creed Valhalla. However, PC players interested in grabbingAssassin’s Creed Mirageat launch won’t find the game for sale on Steam and will instead have to head over to the Epic Games Store or Ubisoft Connect in order to purchase it. This release strategy continues a trend for Ubisoft, as the company has shifted away from Steam in favor of pushing users to its own storefront, Ubisoft Connect, along with working with Epic Games to make new releases exclusive to its storefront as well.
The Crew Motorfest
Following the same trend asAssassin’s Creed Mirage, Ubisoft’s upcoming entry in theirracing sim franchiseThe Crew Motorfestwill also be skipping a Steam release on PC. This title will take drivers to the beautiful Hawaiian island of O’ahu where they will be able to tackle a variety of races, events, and challenges behind the wheel of everything from vintage classics to modern supercars. Unfortunately for Steam users,The Crew Motorfestwill only be available for purchase through the Epic Games Store and Ubisoft Connect.
Alan Wake 2
Despite being a sequel to Remedy’s cult classic titleAlan Wake,Alan Wake 2drew some controversyearlier this year when it was announced that game wouldn’t receive a physical release on consoles. While PC players are already used to digital-only releases, some may not be too happy to hear thatAlan Wake 2will be exclusive to the Epic Games Store on PC. This exclusivity is not surprising considering Remedy’s publishing contract with Epic Games, but it may be somewhat controversial all the same.
The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria
Fans ofThe Lord of the Ringsfranchise might be in for some redemption after thedisappointment ofThe Lord of the Rings: Gollumearlier this year sinceThe Lord of the Rings: Return to Moriawill bring the franchise into the survival-crafting genre as the dwarves of Middle-Earth look to reclaim and rebuild the lost city of Moria. While this title may have flown under the radar for some fans, others will be excited to see how these Tolkien characters adapt to survival-crafting gameplay. Once again,The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moriawill be exclusive to the Epic Games Store.
Witchfire
FPS fans are set to receive a unique new entry in the genre this Fall when thedark fantasy shooterWitchfirelaunches later this month. This game has been in development for some time, with developer The Astronauts noting the numerous changes the game underwent during that time including a shift to an open world.Witchfireis now set to launch exclusively for PC players on the Epic Game Store on May 23, 2025, leavingSteamfans out of luck.
