History of Epic Games in Timeline
Epic Games, founded by Tim Sweeney as Potomac Computer Systems in 1991 and later renamed Epic MegaGames, is an American video game and software developer and publisher based in Cary, North Carolina. The company released its first commercial game, ZZT, in 1991. Mark Rein joined in 1992 as vice president. Epic Games relocated its headquarters to Cary in 1999.
January 1991: ZZT Released Under Potomac Computer Systems
In January 1991, Tim Sweeney released his game ZZT to the public under the name Potomac Computer Systems. The game's success, driven by its easy modifiability using Sweeney's custom ZZT-oop programming language, led Sweeney to consider turning Potomac Computer Systems into a video game company.
1991: Potomac Computer Systems Founded
In 1991, Tim Sweeney founded Potomac Computer Systems as a computer consulting business while studying at the University of Maryland. However, he later abandoned the consulting idea.
1991: Potomac Computer Systems Founded; ZZT Released
In 1991, Tim Sweeney founded Potomac Computer Systems in his parents' house. The company also released its first commercial video game, ZZT, in 1991.
1992: Rename to Epic MegaGames
In early 1992, Potomac Computer Systems was renamed to Epic MegaGames. Mark Rein joined the company to handle sales, marketing, and publishing deals. Cliff Bleszinski also joined the company.
1996: Released Fire Fight
In 1996, Epic MegaGames produced Fire Fight, a shareware isometric shooter developed by Chaos Works and published by Electronic Arts.
1997: 50 Employees Worldwide
By 1997, Epic MegaGames had 50 employees working for them worldwide.
1998: Released Unreal
In 1998, Epic MegaGames released Unreal, a 3D first-person shooter co-developed with Digital Extremes, and began licensing the Unreal Engine.
February 1999: Headquarters Moved and Renamed Epic Games
In February 1999, Epic MegaGames announced its headquarters move to Cary, North Carolina, and its renaming to Epic Games. They dropped "Mega" from the name because they no longer wanted to pretend to be a big company.
1999: Headquarters Moved to Cary and Renamed to Epic Games
In 1999, Epic MegaGames moved its headquarters to Cary, North Carolina, and changed its name to Epic Games.
2004: Launched Make Something Unreal Competition
In 2004, Epic Games launched the Make Something Unreal competition, rewarding video game developers who created mods using the Unreal game engine. Tripwire Interactive won US$80,000 in cash and computer hardware prizes.
July 19, 2007: Silicon Knights Sues Epic Games
On July 19, 2007, Silicon Knights sued Epic Games, alleging failure to provide a working game engine, causing significant losses. The suit claimed Epic was sabotaging Unreal Engine 3 licensees and withholding vital improvements.
August 2007: Epic Games Counter-Sues Silicon Knights
In August 2007, Epic Games counter-sued Silicon Knights, claiming the studio was aware of the Unreal Engine 3's development status and that Silicon Knights made unauthorized use of Epic's technology by incorporating Unreal Engine 3 code into its own engine.
2008: Gears of War 2 Released
In 2008, Epic Games released Gears of War 2, which sold over three million copies within the first month of its release.
May 2009: ZZT Sales Update
As of May 2009, ZZT had sold several thousand copies. Sweeney's father, Paul Sweeney, continued to fulfill orders from the former Potomac Computer Systems address.
December 9, 2010: Released Infinity Blade
On December 9, 2010, Epic Games released Infinity Blade, an iOS game.
2011: Gears of War 3 Released
In 2011, Epic Games released Gears of War 3.
2011: Titan Studios Dissolved; Fortnite Announced
In 2011, Epic's subsidiary Titan Studios was dissolved. Also in 2011, Epic Games announced their new game, Fortnite.
March 2012: Epic Games China Became Independent
In March 2012, Epic Games China became independent from Epic as Ying Pei Games, developing Mercenary Ops, with Epic retaining a minority stake.
May 30, 2012: Epic Games Wins Lawsuit Against Silicon Knights
On May 30, 2012, Epic Games won its counter-suit against Silicon Knights, being awarded $4.45 million due to copyright infringement, misappropriation of trade secrets, and breach of contract. The judge stated that Silicon Knights deliberately copied Epic's code and attempted to conceal the wrongdoing.
June 2012: Announced New Studio Epic Baltimore
In June 2012, Epic announced the opening of a new studio, Epic Baltimore, composed of members from 38 Studios' Big Huge Games.
June 2012: Tencent Acquired Stake in Epic Games
In June 2012, Tencent acquired approximately 48.4% of Epic's then-issued share capital (equating to 40% of total Epic) for $330 million. This agreement allowed Epic Games to gain more experience with the games-as-a-service model.
August 2012: Epic Baltimore Renamed Impossible Studios
In August 2012, Epic Baltimore was renamed Impossible Studios.
August 2012: Epic Fully Acquired People Can Fly
In August 2012, Epic fully acquired People Can Fly.
November 7, 2012: Silicon Knights Ordered to Destroy Unreal Engine 3 Derived Code
On November 7, 2012, the court directed Silicon Knights to destroy all game code derived from Unreal Engine 3, along with related documentation, and to recall and destroy unsold retail copies of games built with Unreal Engine 3 code, including titles like Too Human and X-Men Destiny.
2012: Tencent Acquired Stake in Epic Games
In 2012, Tencent acquired a 48.4% outstanding stake (40% of total Epic) in Epic Games as part of an agreement to shift towards a games as a service model.
January 29, 2013: Epic Citadel Released for Android
On January 29, 2013, Epic Games released Epic Citadel for Android.
February 2013: Impossible Studios Closed
In February 2013, Impossible Studios closed its doors.
November 2013: Final Copy of ZZT Shipped
In November 2013, the final copy of ZZT was shipped by Paul Sweeney.
May 16, 2014: Silicon Knights Files for Bankruptcy
On May 16, 2014, Silicon Knights filed for bankruptcy, marking the end of the studio following the legal battle with Epic Games.
2014: Announced Community Developed Unreal Tournament
In 2014, Epic Games announced the community-developed Unreal Tournament.
2014: Unreal Engine Named "Most Successful Videogame Engine"
In 2014, the Unreal Engine was named the "most successful videogame engine" by Guinness World Records.
March 2015: Unreal Engine 4 Relicensed as Free
In March 2015, Epic Games relicensed the Unreal Engine 4 engine to be free for all users, with Epic taking 5% royalties on games developed with the engine.
June 2015: Epic Games Poland Departure
In June 2015, Epic agreed to allow Epic Games Poland to depart from the company and sold its shares in the studio, with the studio reverting to its former name, People Can Fly.
2015: Shadow Complex Remastered; Robo Recall Released
In 2015, Epic Games released a remastered version of Shadow Complex for newer consoles and computers. They also released Robo Recall for the Oculus Rift, marking their first venture into virtual reality.
2016: Paragon Launched
In 2016, Epic Games launched Paragon, a free-to-play multiplayer online battle arena game, for Microsoft Windows and PlayStation 4.
April 7, 2017: Bulletstorm: Full Clip Edition Launched
On April 7, 2017, People Can Fly launched a remastered version of Bulletstorm called Bulletstorm: Full Clip Edition, published by Gearbox Software.
July 2017: Fortnite Early Access Launch
In July 2017, Epic launched Fortnite through a paid early access, with a full free-to-play release expected in 2018.
September 2017: Fortnite Battle Royale Released
In September 2017, Epic developed and released Fortnite Battle Royale as a free-to-play title across computer, console, and mobile platforms.
2017: Release of Fortnite Battle Royale
Following the release of the popular Fortnite Battle Royale in 2017, Epic Games received additional investments, allowing them to expand Unreal Engine, establish esports events around Fortnite, and launch the Epic Games Store.
2017: Epic Games joins Disney Accelerator program
In 2017, Epic Games was selected as one of eleven companies to be part of the Disney Accelerator program, providing Epic with equity investment, access to Disney executives, and potential future collaboration opportunities.
2017: Tim Sweeney Criticizes 30% Revenue Sharing Cut by Digital Storefronts
In 2017, Tim Sweeney questioned the 30% revenue sharing cut taken by digital storefronts like Steam, iOS App Store, and Google Play, suggesting that 8% should be sufficient. When Epic released Fortnite Battle Royale on mobile, they initially offered a sideloaded package for Android.
January 2018: Epic Games acquires Cloudgine
In January 2018, Epic Games acquired Cloudgine, a developer of cloud-based gaming software.
May 2018: Fortnite Battle Royale Player Count Exceeds 125 Million
By May 2018, Fortnite Battle Royale had amassed over 125 million players.
July 2018: Fortnite Battle Royale Estimated Earnings Over $1 Billion
By July 2018, Fortnite Battle Royale was estimated to have earned over $1 billion through microtransactions. Epic Games was estimated to be worth $4.5 billion.
July 2018: Unreal Engine Marketplace revenue cut reduced
In July 2018, Epic Games reduced the revenue cut for assets sold on the Unreal Engine Marketplace from 30% to 12% following Fortnite's success.
October 2018: Epic Games receives $1.25 billion in investment
In October 2018, Epic Games acquired $1.25 billion in investment from seven firms, including KKR and ICONIQ Capital. This brought Epic's valuation to nearly $15 billion.
October 2018: Epic Games acquires Kamu
In October 2018, Epic Games acquired Kamu, a firm that offered anti-cheat software called Easy Anti-Cheat.
December 4, 2018: Epic Games Store Announced
On December 4, 2018, Epic Games announced its own Epic Games Store, an open digital storefront for games on Windows, launching a few days later during The Game Awards 2018 presentation. Epic aims to draw developers in with a lower revenue share model.
January 2019: Epic Games acquires 3Lateral and Agog Labs
In January 2019, Epic Games acquired 3Lateral, known for its "digital human" creations, and Agog Labs, developer of SkookumScript.
January 2019: Epic Games partners with Improbable to launch a $25 million fund
In January 2019, Epic Games partnered with Improbable to launch a $25 million fund to support developers affected by Unity Technologies' changes to the Unity game engine.
February 2019: $100 million prize pool for Fortnite esports
In February 2019, Epic Games launched a $100 million prize pool for Fortnite-related esports activities planned from 2019 onward, showing Epic's investment in growing esports.
March 2019: Fortnite Reaches 250 Million Players
As of March 2019, Fortnite had drawn nearly 250 million players.
May 2019: Epic Games acquires Psyonix
In May 2019, Epic Games acquired Psyonix, the developer of Rocket League.
May 2019: Epic Games hires Nate Nanzer for esports initiatives
In May 2019, Epic Games expanded its esports initiatives by hiring Nate Nanzer from Blizzard Entertainment, who was the commissioner of the Overwatch League.
June 2019: Epic Games acquires Life on Air (Houseparty)
In June 2019, Epic Games acquired Life on Air, the developers behind Houseparty, a social networking service. The monetary terms were not disclosed.
June 2019: Epic Games receives BAFTA Special Award
In June 2019, Epic Games received the British Academy of Film and Television Arts Special Award for its development of the Unreal Engine.
July 2019: Epic Games funds Blender Foundation
In July 2019, The Blender Foundation received $1.2 million from Epic Games' MegaGrants funding to improve and professionalize their Blender tools for 3D art creation.
November 2019: Epic Games acquires Quixel
In November 2019, Epic Games acquired Quixel, a photogrammetry asset library, planning to open Quixel's existing library of models to Unreal Engine users.
2019: Epic Games Supports Filmmakers Using Unreal Engine
Since 2019, Epic Games has been supporting filmmakers utilizing the Unreal Engine to create virtual sets for productions, such as The Mandalorian. Epic is also backing major animated feature film production using Unreal, starting with Gilgamesh.
January 1, 2020: Unreal Engine license fees waived for first $1 million in revenue
Starting January 1, 2020, Epic waived all Unreal license fees retroactively for games up through the first $1 million in revenue, regardless of how they were published.
March 2020: Epic Games acquires Cubic Motion
In March 2020, Epic Games acquired Cubic Motion, a studio that provides digital facial animations for films and video games.
March 2020: Epic Games launches Epic Games Publishing
In March 2020, Epic Games established a new multi-platform publishing label, Epic Games Publishing, announcing deals with Remedy Entertainment, Playdead, and GenDesign to fully fund and publish their games while sharing profits 50/50 after recouping investment.
March 2020: Accusations of Hacking via Houseparty App Surface
In March 2020, accusations circulated on social media that the Epic Games social networking app Houseparty led to the hacking of other services such as Netflix and Spotify. Epic offered a $1 million bounty for substantiated claims.
May 13, 2020: Unreal Engine 5 announced and Epic Online Services released
On May 13, 2020, Unreal Engine 5 was announced with plans for an early 2022 release. Additionally, Epic released its Epic Online Services, a free SDK toolset for online matchmaking and cross-platform play support.
May 2020: Sony discusses investment with Epic after Unreal Engine 5 demo
Following the Unreal Engine 5 demonstration in May 2020, Sony initiated talks with Epic Games about investing in the company, eventually investing $250 million.
May 2020: Epic Online Services Released
In May 2020, Epic Online Services, a free SDK based on Epic's Fortnite code, was first released for all developers. It allows them to implement cross-platform play features in their games.
June 2020: Epic Games nears $17 billion valuation and hosts "Movie Nite" in Fortnite
In June 2020, Bloomberg reported that Epic Games was nearing a $17 billion valuation after a $750 million investing round. Epic also partnered with Christopher Nolan and Warner Bros. to acquire distribution rights for films like Inception, Batman Begins and The Prestige as part of "Movie Nite" on Fortnite's "Party Royale" island.
August 13, 2020: Epic Games Updates Fortnite, Leading to Removal from Apple and Google Storefronts
On August 13, 2020, Epic Games updated Fortnite to offer a 20% discount on "V-Bucks" if purchased directly from Epic, bypassing the Apple and Google storefronts. Consequently, Apple and Google removed Fortnite from their stores, and Epic filed lawsuits against both companies for antitrust and anticompetitive behavior.
August 28, 2020: Apple Threatens to Terminate Epic's Developer Accounts
On August 28, 2020, Apple threatened to terminate Epic's developer accounts, prompting Epic to file for a preliminary injunction to reinstate Fortnite and prevent the termination, fearing it would impact Unreal Engine development. The court granted the injunction concerning Unreal Engine but not for Fortnite.
September 2020: Epic Games Acquires SuperAwesome
In September 2020, Epic Games acquired SuperAwesome, a company specializing in creating services for games and game-related services that are safe for children. Epic intended to integrate SuperAwesome's technology into its portfolio and offer it to other developers, aligning with Epic's vision for metaverse games.
September 2020: Coalition for App Fairness Launched
In September 2020, Epic Games, along with thirteen other companies, launched the Coalition for App Fairness, advocating for better conditions for app inclusion in app stores.
November 2020: Epic Games Acquires Hyprsense
In November 2020, Epic Games acquired Hyprsense, a digital facial animation firm, to enhance its capabilities in that area.
2020: Fall Guys becomes a major success
In 2020, Fall Guys, developed by Mediatonic (part of Tonic Games Group), achieved significant success, prior to Tonic Games Group's acquisition by Epic Games in March 2021.
January 2021: Epic Games Acquires RAD Game Tools
In January 2021, Epic Games acquired RAD Game Tools, a company that develops middleware solutions for video game development. Epic planned to integrate RAD's tools into the Unreal Engine, while still making them available outside of Unreal. RAD's tools will remain available outside of Unreal as well.
January 2021: Epic Games purchases Cary Towne Center for new headquarters
In January 2021, Epic Games purchased Cary Towne Center in Cary, North Carolina, with plans to convert it into their new headquarters and campus.
February 2021: Epic unveils MetaHuman Creator project
In February 2021, Epic Games unveiled its MetaHuman Creator project, a browser-based application that allows game developers to create realistic human characters quickly for use in Unreal Engine.
March 2021: Epic partners with Cesium to bring 3D geospatial data to Unreal Engine
In March 2021, Epic Games announced a partnership with Cesium to bring its 3D geospatial data as a free add-on into the Unreal Engine.
March 2021: Epic Games Acquires Tonic Games Group and Capturing Reality
In March 2021, Epic announced its acquisition of Tonic Games Group, which includes developers Mediatonic and Fortitude Games. Also in March 2021, Epic acquired Capturing Reality, developers of RealityCapture, a photogrammetry suite. Epic intends to integrate RealityCapture into the Unreal Engine, furthering its metaverse plans.
April 2021: Epic Games Acquires ArtStation
In April 2021, Epic Games acquired ArtStation, a marketplace for professional artists. As part of the acquisition, ArtStation members gained access to Epic's tools, including the Unreal Engine, while the ArtStation marketplace reduced its commission on purchases from 30% to 12%.
April 2021: Epic Games completes $1 billion funding round for metaverse vision
In April 2021, Epic Games completed another $1 billion round of funding to support the company's "long-term vision for the metaverse", putting the company's valuation at $28.7 billion, which included another $200 million strategic investment from Sony.
June 2021: Epic Online Services Adds Anti-Cheat and Voice Chat Support
In June 2021, Epic Online Services added support for anti-cheat and voice chat functionalities, enhancing its capabilities for game developers.
July 2021: Epic Games Acquires Sketchfab
In July 2021, Epic Games acquired Sketchfab, a marketplace for 3D models. Similar to the ArtStation acquisition, Sketchfab lowered its pricing structure, reducing its revenue cut on purchases to 12% and making the Sketchfab Plus membership free.
September 10, 2021: First Ruling in Epic Games v. Apple
On September 10, 2021, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers issued her first ruling in Epic Games v. Apple, finding in favor of Apple on most counts but ruling against them on anti-steering provisions, issuing an injunction that blocked Apple from preventing developers from linking app users to other storefronts. This ruling was later upheld.
October 2021: Epic Games Publishing expands with Spry Fox and Eyes Out
In October 2021, Epic Games expanded their publishing options under Epic Games Publishing with Spry Fox and Eyes Out.
October 2021: Epic Games shuts down Houseparty app
In October 2021, Epic Games shuttered Houseparty's app, although the team continued to develop social apps for Epic's platforms.
October 2021: Epic Games launches scripted entertainment division
In October 2021, The Information reported that Epic Games was launching a new scripted entertainment division managed by former Lucasfilm executives, with initial plans for a Fortnite film.
November 2021: Epic Games Acquires Harmonix
In November 2021, Epic Games acquired Harmonix, a music game developer, for undisclosed terms. Harmonix continued to support existing games like Rock Band 4 and Fuser, while working on integrating music experiences into Fortnite, furthering Epic's metaverse ambitions.
February 2022: Epic Games platform reaches half a billion accounts
In February 2022, Epic Games announced that at least half a billion accounts have been created on its platform, marking a major milestone.
March 2022: Epic Games Acquires Bandcamp
In March 2022, Epic acquired the indie music platform Bandcamp. Bandcamp continued to operate independently under Epic, benefiting from Epic's backend services.
April 2022: Equity Valuation of US$32 Billion
As of April 2022, Epic Games has an equity valuation of US$32 billion.
April 2022: Sony and Kirkbi invest $1 billion each in Epic Games for metaverse
In April 2022, Epic Games received another $1 billion each from Sony and from Kirkbi, the parent company of The Lego Group, for continued support of building out Epic's metaverse, valuing the company at $32 billion. Epic and Lego also announced their partnership to build a child-friendly space in the metaverse that same month.
April 2022: Epic releases RealityScan beta
In April 2022, Epic released the initial beta version of RealityScan, a mobile app that uses the tools from Capturing Reality and Quixel, allowing users to create 3D models from photos.
September 2022: Epic and Autodesk Partner, Twinmotion Available to Revit Subscribers
In September 2022, Epic and Autodesk formed a partnership, making Twinmotion available to subscribers of Revit, enhancing the accessibility of the software for users.
December 2022: Epic Games Fined $520 Million by FTC
In December 2022, Epic Games was fined a combined $520 million after the Federal Trade Commission accused the company of violating COPPA related to children's privacy and misleading users into making unwanted purchases within Fortnite.
April 2023: Epic Games Acquires Aquiris Game Studio
In April 2023, Epic acquired Brazilian developer Aquiris Game Studio, known for Horizon Chase. Epic renamed the studio to Epic Games Brasil, planning to integrate it into Fortnite.
September 2023: Epic Games lays off 870 employees
In September 2023, Epic Games laid off 870 employees, divested in Bandcamp to Songtradr, and spun off SuperAwesome into its own company to rein in spending.
September 2023: Epic Games Sells Bandcamp to Songtradr
In September 2023, Epic Games sold Bandcamp to the music licensing company Songtradr, reversing its acquisition from the previous year.
December 2023: Fortnite Festival Mode Released
In December 2023, Fortnite introduced the Fortnite Festival mode, inspired by Rock Band's gameplay, which involves matching notes to play songs. This addition aligns with Epic's broader metaverse plans.
December 2023: Psyonix develops Rocket Racing inside of Fortnite
In December 2023, Psyonix developed an arcade-style car racing game inside of Fortnite, named Rocket Racing, which was added to the game.
December 2023: Jury Finds Google Maintained Monopoly on Android Marketplace
In December 2023, a jury found for Epic in their case against Google, determining that Google maintained a monopoly on the Android marketplace through its management of the Play Store and leveraging its position to make deals with partners.
December 2023: Jury Finds Google's Actions Monopolistic
In December 2023, a jury trial found Google's actions to be monopolistic in its dealings with Epic Games, after Epic released a version of Fortnite with a direct payment option. Apple was ultimately victorious in a bench trial in September 2021 and upheld through appeals.
January 2024: Second phase of Google trial scheduled
In January 2024, a second phase of the trial between Epic Games and Google is scheduled to occur to determine remedies after the jury found Google's actions monopolistic in December 2023.
February 7, 2024: Walt Disney Company invests $1.5 billion in Epic Games
On February 7, 2024, Epic Games received a $1.5 billion investment from the Walt Disney Company for a 9% stake, pending regulatory approval. Disney plans to co-develop new games and an "entertainment universe" with Epic, including bringing more Disney properties to Fortnite.
July 2024: SAG-AFTRA initiates labor strike against Epic Games
In July 2024, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) initiated a labor strike against Epic Games, among other video publishers, over concerns about A.I. protections for video game actors.
October 22, 2024: Epic launches Fab marketplace
On October 22, 2024, Epic launched Fab, a unified marketplace for Unreal Engine Marketplace, Sketchfab, ArtStation Marketplace, and Quixel assets.
December 6, 2024: Town of Cary revokes Epic's zoning application
On December 6, 2024, the Town of Cary revoked Epic's zoning application for the Cary Towne Center property, declaring it inactive after no further actions were taken.
December 2024: Epic Settles with FTC for $245 Million
In December 2024, Epic settled with the FTC, agreeing to pay $245 million in relation to the use of dark patterns to drive users to buy V-bucks. $72 million will be issued as refunds by the FTC.
January 2025: Epic Games Store Launches on Android and iOS in Europe
In January 2025, Epic opened a version of the Epic Games Store for Android devices worldwide and for iOS devices in Europe following legal victories, one stemming from a suit against Google and the other from the European Union's Digital Markets Act enforcement against Apple.
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