Why is Genshin Impact Exclusively on Epic Games Store?
Exclusivity Factors for Genshin Impact on the Epic Games Store
- Financial Incentives: Epic offers developers a more favorable revenue split compared to Steam. While Steam typically takes a 30% cut of sales, Epic only takes 12%. This significantly increases profitability for developers, especially for smaller studios or indie developers.
- Epic First Run Program: Genshin Impact is available on the Epic Games Store due to the Epic First Run program, which offers developers 100% of their net revenue for a limited time. In exchange, developers agree to make their games exclusive to the Epic Games Store for a set period. This incentivizes developers like miHoYo to choose the Epic Games Store over other platforms. The first six months allow developers to keep 100% of their net revenue from spending on eligible products.
- Game Industry Dynamics: The game industry is fundamentally about money. Epic Store allows developers to earn more revenue and forego Epic Games royalties if using Unreal Engine. For example, if a game anticipates $1,000,000 in sales, publishing on Steam could lead to significant losses—$180,000 without Unreal Engine, and $230,000 with it. In contrast, with Epic Store, the potential profit could soar to $380,000.
- Marketing : Epic often provides marketing and promotional funding to developers who agree to exclusivity. This includes funding for advertising, promotional events, and features on the EGS platform, thereby increasing visibility and sales.
- Acquisition Goals: Epic is actively trying to grow its base and compete with Steam. By securing exclusives, they can attract more s to their platform, which can be beneficial for both Epic and the developers in the long term.
- Growth of Digital Platforms: Exclusives are a part of the growth of many successful platforms for games and other forms of media. The concept is that through game demand and increased service traffic and usage, acquiring sole distribution rights can ultimately pay for itself. Epic Games boasts a developer cut of 88% rather than Steam’s 70%, making it an appealing option for developers.
How Can You Play Genshin Impact on Steam?
Genshin Impact Availability on Steam:
Genshin Impact is not officially available on Steam. It can only be acquired via miHoYo’s own publishing site, requiring s to their client for installation. Moreover, Genshin Impact cannot be ed from Steam or any other distribution software like GoG, Epic Game Store, or Uplay.
Playing Genshin Impact on Steam:
While you cannot Genshin Impact directly from Steam, you can still connect your with Steam by following these steps:
- Launch Steam and click on the top-left corner.
- Choose the option to add Genshin Impact from the browse window.
- Once done, you will be able to launch Genshin Impact from Steam.
However, this method might not work for the Epic Games version.
Playing Genshin Impact on Steam Deck:
Yes, you can play Genshin Impact on the Steam Deck, but it will require a few extra steps. Keep in mind that the game is not officially available on Steam, and the only way to install it on a PC is through miHoYo’s client.
What Are the Security Concerns with Genshin Impact on Different Platforms?
When discussing the security concerns with Genshin Impact across different platforms, several critical issues arise:
- Kernel-Level Anti-Cheat: One of the main concerns is the game’s anti-cheat which runs on Kernel level. This type of anti-cheat is invasive but more effective when catching cheaters. It operates in Ring 0 of the protection rings on devices, making it intrusive. Previously, similar to the controversy with Valorant’s anti-cheat system, Genshin Impact ran the software continuously while the machine was on. This anti-cheat persisted even after uninstallation, leading to suspicions of malicious spyware use. However, the developers changed its operation on September 28, 2020. Now, it should properly terminate when not in the game, and uninstalling it removes the anti-cheat.
- Comparison with Other Games: It is not considered riskier than running games like Fortnite, Rainbow Six Siege, or Valorant, which also have massive player bases. Players who do not trust software operating in Ring 0 may implement additional security measures or avoid Genshin Impact entirely. Furthermore, Genshin Impact’s of Service indicate that certain data will be collected.
- Data Collection and FTC Penalties: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has imposed a $20 million fine on Cognosphere, the U.S. subsidiary of Chinese gaming developer miHoYo, for deceptive marketing practices and violations of child privacy laws. This penalty is part of a settlement addressing concerns over Genshin Impact’s controversial Loot Box (gacha) mechanics and data collection policies. The FTC accused Cognosphere of misleading players through predatory gacha mechanics that involve purchasing randomized in-game rewards using virtual currency bought with real money. The company violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) by collecting personal information from children under 13 without parental consent. Data such as IDs and device identifiers were shared with third-party rs and analytics firms, breaching privacy regulations. Under the settlement, Genshin Impact is prohibited from offering gacha content to players under 16 without parental consent. The company must delete data collected from children under 13 without proper authorization and ensure compliance with COPPA. Additionally, transparency measures will mandate clear disclosure of gacha pricing, odds, and features to prevent future exploitation.
- Ongoing Security Issues: Security issues have troubled Genshin Impact since its release. For instance, player phone numbers leaked in November due to a security exploit, and email addresses reportedly leaked through gaps in the game’s forums as recently as this month. Whether s are comfortable with Genshin Impact collecting data is a personal decision.
- Security Practices: Unfortunately, a large number of Genshin Impact s do not adhere to best practices. This poor practice is likely the overwhelming cause for breaches, similar to issues observed in other online games.
