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. Originating in Potomac, Maryland, the company gained recognition with its first commercial game, ZZT. Mark Rein joined as vice president in 1992. In 1999, Epic Games relocated its headquarters to Cary, North Carolina, marking a significant transition for the studio.
January 1991: ZZT Game Release
In January 1991, Tim Sweeney released his game ZZT to the public under the Potomac Computer Systems name.
1991: Tim Sweeney founds Potomac Computer Systems
In 1991, Tim Sweeney founded Potomac Computer Systems as a computer consulting business, though he later scrapped the idea of keeping it as such.
1991: Potomac Computer Systems Founded and ZZT Release
In 1991, Tim Sweeney founded Potomac Computer Systems, which was the original name for Epic Games. Also in 1991, the company released its first commercial video game, ZZT.
1992: Company Name Change and Expansion
In 1992, the company was renamed "Epic MegaGames". Mark Rein joined the company, and it grew to 20 employees, including Cliff Bleszinski.
1992: Epic MegaGames, Inc. formed
In early 1992, Potomac Computer Systems was renamed Epic MegaGames, Inc. Mark Rein joined the company as vice president.
1996: Fire Fight Release
In 1996, Epic MegaGames produced Fire Fight, a shareware isometric shooter developed by Chaos Works and published by Electronic Arts.
1997: Epic MegaGames Employee Count
By 1997, Epic MegaGames had 50 employees worldwide.
1998: Unreal Release and Unreal Engine Licensing
In 1998, Epic MegaGames released Unreal, a 3D first-person shooter co-developed with Digital Extremes. The company also began to license the Unreal Engine.
February 1999: Headquarters Relocation and Name Change
In February 1999, Epic MegaGames announced the move of their headquarters to Cary, North Carolina and that they would be known as Epic Games.
1999: Headquarters Move and Name Change to Epic Games
In 1999, Epic MegaGames moved its headquarters to Cary, North Carolina, and changed its name to Epic Games.
2004: Make Something Unreal Competition Launched
In 2004, Epic Games launched the Make Something Unreal competition to reward video game developers who create 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 for failing to provide a working game engine, alleging that Epic "sabotaged" Unreal Engine 3 licensees.
August 2007: Epic Games Counter-Sues Silicon Knights
In August 2007, Epic Games counter-sued Silicon Knights, claiming that they made unauthorized use of Epic's technology and breached the licensing agreement.
2008: Gears of War 2 Release
In 2008, Epic Games released Gears of War 2, which sold over three million copies within the first month.
May 2009: ZZT Sales Update
As of May 2009, ZZT had sold several thousand copies, with orders still being fulfilled by Paul Sweeney.
December 9, 2010: Infinity Blade Release
On December 9, 2010, Epic Games released Infinity Blade for iOS.
2011: Gears of War 3 Release
In 2011, Epic Games released Gears of War 3.
2011: Titan Studios Dissolved and Fortnite Announced
In 2011, Epic's subsidiary Titan Studios was dissolved. Epic Games also announced their new game Fortnite at the Spike Video Game Awards in 2011.
March 2012: Epic Games China Becomes Independent
In March 2012, Epic Games China became independent from Epic as Ying Pei Games, while Epic still retained a minority stake.
May 30, 2012: Epic Games Wins Lawsuit Against Silicon Knights
On May 30, 2012, Epic Games defeated Silicon Knights' lawsuit and won its counter-suit for $4.45 million due to copyright infringement and breach of contract.
June 2012: Epic Baltimore Studio Opening
In June 2012, Epic Games announced the opening of Epic Baltimore, a new studio made up of members of 38 Studios' Big Huge Games.
June 2012: Tencent Acquisition Agreement
In June 2012, Tencent acquired approximately 48.4% of Epic's then issued share capital, equating to 40% of total Epic for $330 million.
August 2012: Epic Baltimore Renamed Impossible Studios
In August 2012, Epic Baltimore was renamed to Impossible Studios.
August 2012: Epic Games Fully Acquires People Can Fly
In August 2012, Epic Games fully acquired People Can Fly.
November 7, 2012: Silicon Knights Ordered to Destroy Unreal Engine Code
On November 7, 2012, Silicon Knights was ordered to destroy all game code derived from Unreal Engine 3 and recall unsold retail copies of related games.
2012: Tencent Acquires Stake in Epic Games
In 2012, Tencent acquired a 48.4% outstanding stake in Epic Games, equating to 40% of the total company. The agreement was aimed at moving Epic towards a games-as-a-service model.
January 29, 2013: Epic Citadel Released for Android
On January 29, 2013, Epic Citadel was released for Android.
February 2013: Impossible Studios Closure
In February 2013, Impossible Studios closed its doors.
November 2013: People Can Fly Rebranded as Epic Games Poland
In November 2013, People Can Fly was rebranded as Epic Games Poland.
November 2013: Final ZZT Copy 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 legal battle with Epic Games.
2014: Unreal Tournament Announcement
In 2014, Epic Games first announced the free-to-play and community-developed Unreal Tournament.
2014: Unreal Engine Named "Most Successful Videogame Engine"
In 2014, Unreal Engine was named the "most successful videogame engine" by Guinness World Records.
March 2015: Unreal Engine 4 Relicensing
In March 2015, Epic Games relicensed the Unreal Engine 4 to be free for all users to develop with, with Epic taking 5% royalties on games developed with the engine.
June 2015: Epic Games Poland's Departure
In June 2015, Epic Games agreed to allow Epic Games Poland's departure from the company and sold its shares in the studio; the studio reverted to their former name, People Can Fly.
2015: Shadow Complex Remastered Release
In 2015, Epic Games released a remastered version of Shadow Complex for newer consoles and computers.
2016: Paragon Launch
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 Release
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, Fortnite was launched through a paid early access.
September 2017: Fortnite Battle Royale Release
In September 2017, Epic released Fortnite Battle Royale as a free-to-play title across multiple platforms.
2017: Fortnite Battle Royale Release
In 2017, Epic Games released Fortnite Battle Royale, which led to significant investments and expansion for the company.
2017: Disney Accelerator Program
In 2017, Epic Games was selected to be part of the Disney Accelerator program.
2017: Tim Sweeney Questions Digital Storefront Revenue Cuts
Since 2017, Tim Sweeney had questioned the 30% revenue sharing cut of digital storefronts like Steam, arguing that 8% should be sufficient.
January 2018: Acquired Cloudgine
In January 2018, Epic acquired Cloudgine, a developer of cloud-based gaming software.
May 2018: Fortnite Battle Royale Player Count
By May 2018, Fortnite Battle Royale amassed over 125 million players.
July 2018: Fortnite Revenue and Valuation Estimates
By July 2018, Fortnite Battle Royale was estimated to have earned over $1 billion through microtransactions. Epic Games' valuation was estimated to be worth $4.5 billion.
July 2018: Unreal Engine Marketplace Revenue Cut Reduction and Epic Games Store Launch
In July 2018, Epic reduced the revenue cut for assets sold on the Unreal Engine Marketplace and launched the Epic Games Store.
October 2018: Acquired $1.25 billion in investment
In October 2018, Epic acquired $1.25 billion in investment from seven firms, estimating Epic Games at a nearly $15 billion valuation.
October 2018: Acquired Kamu
In October 2018, Epic acquired Kamu, a firm that offered anti-cheat software called Easy Anti-Cheat.
December 4, 2018: Epic Games Store Announcement
On December 4, 2018, Epic Games announced its own digital storefront for games on Windows, the Epic Games Store, which launched a few days later.
January 2019: Acquired 3Lateral and Agog Labs
In January 2019, Epic acquired 3Lateral, known for "digital human" creations, and Agog Labs, developers of SkookumScript.
January 2019: Partnering with Improbable to launch a $25 million fund
In January 2019, Epic partnered with Improbable and launched a $25 million fund to aid developers affected by changes to the Unity game engine's acceptable uses, aiming for more open solutions.
February 2019: Launched a $100 million prize pool for Fortnite esports
In February 2019, Epic launched a $100 million prize pool dedicated to Fortnite-related esports activities planned for 2019 and beyond.
March 2019: Fortnite Player Count
As of March 2019, Fortnite has drawn nearly 250 million players.
May 2019: Hired Nate Nanzer from Blizzard Entertainment
In May 2019, Epic Games hired Nate Nanzer, former commissioner of the Overwatch League at Blizzard Entertainment, to expand its esports initiatives.
May 2019: Acquired Psyonix, the developer of Rocket League
In May 2019, Epic acquired Psyonix, the developer of Rocket League, continuing a relationship from the original Unreal Tournament.
May 2019: Acquired Twinmotion visualization tool
In May 2019, Epic acquired Twinmotion, a visualization tool used in architectural design, with plans to integrate it into Unreal Engine.
June 2019: Received British Academy of Film and Television Arts Special Award
In June 2019, Epic Games received the British Academy of Film and Television Arts Special Award for its ongoing developments to the Unreal Engine.
June 2019: Acquired Life on Air, developers of Houseparty
In June 2019, Epic acquired Life on Air, the developers behind Houseparty, a social networking service.
July 2019: Blender Foundation received $1.2 million from MegaGrants
In July 2019, the Blender Foundation was one of the first major entities funded under the MegaGrants initiative, receiving $1.2 million to improve Blender tools for 3D art creation.
November 2019: Acquired Quixel
In November 2019, Epic acquired Quixel, the world's largest photogrammetry asset library, planning to open its library to Unreal Engine users.
2019: Unreal Engine Support for Filmmakers
Starting in 2019, Epic began supporting filmmakers using Unreal Engine for virtual sets and animated film production, including projects like Gilgamesh.
January 1, 2020: Waived Unreal Engine license fees for first $1 million in revenue
Starting January 1, 2020, Epic retroactively waived all Unreal Engine license fees for games up through the first $1 million in revenue.
March 2020: Acquired Cubic Motion
In March 2020, Epic acquired Cubic Motion, a studio providing detailed digital facial animations for films and video games.
March 2020: Established Epic Games Publishing
In March 2020, Epic announced the establishment of Epic Games Publishing, a new multi-platform publishing label, alongside deals with Remedy, Playdead, and GenDesign.
March 2020: Houseparty Hacking Accusations
In March 2020, accusations surfaced on social media claiming that the Epic Games' Houseparty app led to other services like Netflix and Spotify being hacked. Epic denied these claims and offered a $1 million bounty for anyone who could substantiate them.
May 13, 2020: Unreal Engine 5 Announced
On May 13, 2020, Unreal Engine 5 was announced with plans for an early 2022 release, alongside the release of Epic Online Services.
May 2020: Sony Started Talking with Epic about investment
Following the demonstration of Unreal Engine 5 in May 2020, Sony began discussions with Epic Games about investing in the company.
May 2020: Release of Epic Online Services
In May 2020, Epic Online Services, a free SDK based on Fortnite, was released, allowing developers to implement cross-platform play features in their games.
June 2020: Nearing $17 billion valuation with new investment round
In June 2020, Bloomberg reported that Epic was nearing a $17 billion valuation after completing a new $750 million investing round.
September 2020: Coalition for App Fairness Launched
In September 2020, Epic Games, along with other companies, launched the Coalition for App Fairness to advocate for better app store conditions.
September 2020: Acquired SuperAwesome
In September 2020, Epic acquired SuperAwesome, a firm focused on child-safe games and services, aiming to integrate these elements into Epic's portfolio.
November 2020: Acquired Hyprsense
In November 2020, Epic acquired the digital facial animation firm Hyprsense.
2020: Mediatonic's Fall Guys Major Success
During 2020, Mediatonic's Fall Guys became a major success before being acquired by Epic in March 2021.
2020: Cary Towne Center Scheduled Closure and Demolition
In 2020, the Cary Towne Center was scheduled to be closed and demolished before being purchased by Epic in January 2021.
January 2021: Acquired RAD Game Tools
In January 2021, Epic acquired RAD Game Tools, a company making middleware solutions for video game development, planning to incorporate them into Unreal Engine.
January 2021: Purchased Cary Towne Center for new headquarters
In January 2021, Epic purchased the Cary Towne Center in Cary, North Carolina, planning to convert it into their new headquarters and campus by 2024.
February 2021: Unveiled MetaHuman Creator project
In February 2021, Epic unveiled its MetaHuman Creator project, a browser-based application allowing game developers to create realistic human characters.
March 2021: Acquired Capturing Reality
Also in March 2021, Epic acquired Capturing Reality, the developers of RealityCapture, a photogrammetry suite for creating 3D models from photographs.
March 2021: Acquired Tonic Games Group including Mediatonic
In March 2021, Epic acquired Tonic Games Group, which includes developers Mediatonic, known for Fall Guys, and Fortitude Games.
March 2021: Partnership with Cesium to bring 3D geospatial data
In March 2021, Epic announced a partnership with Cesium to integrate its 3D geospatial data as a free add-on into the Unreal Engine.
April 2021: Epic Games Acquires ArtStation
In April 2021, Epic Games acquired ArtStation, a marketplace for artists. ArtStation members gained access to Epic's tools like Unreal Engine, and the marketplace reduced its purchase fees from 30% to 12%.
April 2021: Completed $1 billion funding round for metaverse vision
In April 2021, Epic completed another $1 billion funding round to support its "long-term vision for the metaverse," valuing the company at $28.7 billion.
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 cross-platform capabilities.
July 2021: Epic Games Acquires Sketchfab
In July 2021, Epic acquired Sketchfab, a marketplace for 3D models, lowering purchase fees to 12% and making Sketchfab Plus membership free, similar to the ArtStation acquisition.
September 10, 2021: First Ruling in Epic Games v. Apple Case
On September 10, 2021, Judge Rogers ruled in favor of Apple on most counts but issued an injunction against anti-steering provisions, allowing developers to link to other storefronts.
October 2021: Expanded publishing options with Spry Fox and Eyes Out
In October 2021, Epic Games expanded their publishing options with Spry Fox and Eyes Out.
October 2021: Houseparty app shuttered
In October 2021, Epic shut down Houseparty's app, though the team behind it continued to develop social apps for Epic's platforms after Epic acquired the app in June 2019.
October 2021: Launched new scripted entertainment division
In October 2021, The Information reported that Epic Games was launching a new scripted entertainment division, with initial plans for a Fortnite film.
November 2021: Epic Games Acquires Harmonix
In November 2021, Epic Games acquired Harmonix, the developer of music games. Harmonix continued to support existing games while developing Fortnite's musical experiences.
February 2022: Over Half a Billion Accounts Created on Epic's Platform
In February 2022, Epic Games announced that at least half a billion accounts had been created on its platform.
March 2022: Epic Games Acquires Bandcamp
In March 2022, Epic acquired the indie music platform Bandcamp, which was intended to remain independently operated while benefiting from Epic's services.
April 2022: Equity Valuation of US$32 Billion
As of April 2022, Epic Games has a US$32 billion equity valuation.
April 2022: Received $1 Billion Investment Each from Sony and Kirkbi
In April 2022, Epic received $1 billion each from Sony and Kirkbi for continued support of building out Epic's metaverse, valuing the company at $32 billion.
April 2022: Released RealityScan initial beta version
In April 2022, Epic released the initial beta version of RealityScan, a mobile app for creating 3D models from user photos.
September 2022: Epic Games and Autodesk Partner on Twinmotion
In September 2022, Epic and Autodesk partnered to make Twinmotion available to Revit subscribers, enhancing productivity for users.
December 2022: FTC Fines Epic Games $520 Million
In December 2022, Epic Games was fined a combined $520 million by the Federal Trade Commission for violating children's privacy laws related to Fortnite and misleading users into making unwanted purchases.
2022: Unreal Engine 5 Planned Release
In 2020, Epic Games announced the release of Unreal Engine 5 with a planned release in early 2022.
April 2023: Epic Games Acquires Aquiris Game Studio
In April 2023, Epic acquired Aquiris Game Studio, a Brazilian developer, and renamed it Epic Games Brasil, with the goal of integrating it into Fortnite.
September 2023: Laid off 870 employees and divested in Bandcamp
In September 2023, Epic Games laid off 870 employees, divested in Bandcamp to Songtradr, and spun off SuperAwesome into its own company to reduce spending.
September 2023: Epic Sells Bandcamp
In September 2023, Epic sold Bandcamp to the music licensing company Songtradr, reversing their acquisition from the previous year.
December 2023: Fortnite Festival Mode Launch
In December 2023, Epic added a Fortnite Festival mode, mimicking Rock Band's note-matching gameplay, to Fortnite, building on Epic's metaverse plans after acquiring Harmonix.
December 2023: Psyonix developed Rocket Racing in Fortnite
In December 2023, Psyonix, which was acquired by Epic Games in May 2019, developed an arcade-style car racing game inside of Fortnite, named Rocket Racing.
December 2023: Epic Games Wins Antitrust Case Against Google
In December 2023, the jury found that Google maintained a monopoly on the Android marketplace, siding with Epic on all claims.
January 2024: Second Phase of Epic vs. Google Trial Scheduled
In January 2024, the second phase of the Epic vs. Google trial is scheduled to determine remedies for Google's antitrust practices.
February 7, 2024: Received $1.5 billion investment from The Walt Disney Company
On February 7, 2024, Epic Games received a $1.5 billion investment from The Walt Disney Company, with Disney acquiring a 9% stake and planning to co-develop new games and an "entertainment universe".
July 2024: SAG-AFTRA Initiated 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 game publishers, due to concerns about A.I. protections for voice actors and digital replicas.
October 22, 2024: Launched Fab, a unified marketplace for assets
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 revoked Epic's zoning application
On December 6, 2024, the Town of Cary revoked Epic's zoning application for the Cary Towne Center, declaring it "inactive".
December 2024: Epic Settles with FTC, Agrees to Pay $245 Million
In December 2024, Epic Games settled with the FTC, agreeing to pay $245 million due to the use of dark patterns to drive users to buy V-bucks. $72 million of the settlement was issued as refunds by the FTC to over 600,000 users that had filed claims.
January 2025: Epic Games Store Launches on Android and iOS (Europe)
In January 2025, Epic opened the Epic Games Store for Android devices worldwide and for iOS devices in Europe, following legal victories.
Mentioned in this timeline
Tencent Holdings Ltd headquartered in Shenzhen is a Chinese multinational...
Rocket League released in by Psyonix is a vehicular soccer...
Xbox is a video gaming brand by Microsoft Gaming encompassing...
PlayStation is a video game brand owned by Sony Interactive...
Google LLC is a multinational technology corporation specializing in online...
Sony Group Corporation is a Japanese multinational conglomerate based in...
Trending
32 minutes ago Teoscar Hernández hits impressive home run during spring training, impressing Dodgers coach.
33 minutes ago Grant Nelson injury update before Sweet 16 game versus Duke, Alabama coaches reveal.
Jeff Bezos is an American businessman renowned as the founder and former CEO of Amazon a global leader in e-commerce...
33 minutes ago Will Arnett sells Beverly Hills mansion for $20.2 million to Paris Hilton's relative.
2 hours ago Elon Musk Discusses Waste Reduction with Bret Baier, DOGE's $1 Trillion Aim
2 hours ago Alexis Diaz Injured: Reds' Closer Role Uncertain as Season Starts Without Him.
Popular
LeBron James nicknamed King James is a highly decorated American...
Jasmine Crockett is an American lawyer and politician currently serving...
Cristiano Ronaldo nicknamed CR is a Portuguese professional footballer widely...
Michael Jordan also known as MJ is a celebrated American...
Pamela Jo Bondi is an American attorney lobbyist and politician...
Simone Biles is an American artistic gymnast renowned as the...