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{{Infobox company
| name = Epic Games, Inc.
| logo = Epic Games logo.svg
| image = Epic Games office.jpg
| image_caption = Epic Games' headquarters in [[Cary, North Carolina]], 2016
| former_names = {{Unbulleted list|Potomac Computer Systems {{small|(1991–1992)}}|Epic MegaGames, Inc. {{small|(1992–1999)}}}}
| type = [[Privately held company|Private]]
| industry = [[Video game industry]]
| founded = {{Start date and age|1991}} in [[Potomac, Maryland]], U.S.<ref name="gamasutra">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/132426/from_the_past_to_the_future_tim_.php |title=From The Past To The Future: Tim Sweeney Talks |last=Edwards |first=Benj |date=May 25, 2009 |website=[[Gamasutra]] |accessdate=June 18, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204115638/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/132426/from_the_past_to_the_future_tim_.php |archivedate=February 4, 2017}}</ref>
| founder = [[Tim Sweeney (game developer)|Tim Sweeney]]
| hq_location_city = [[Cary, North Carolina|Cary]], [[North Carolina]]
| hq_location_country = [[United States|U.S.]]
| area_served = Worldwide
| key_people = {{Unbulleted list|Tim Sweeney {{small|([[Chief executive officer|CEO]])}}|Kim Libreri {{small|([[Chief technical officer|CTO]])}}|[[Mark Rein (software executive)|Mark Rein]] {{small|([[Vice president|VP]])}}|Paul Meegan {{small|([[President (corporate title)|President]])}}}}
| products = {{ubl|[[Unreal Engine]]|[[Unreal (video game series)|''Unreal'' series]]|[[Gears of War|''Gears of War'' series]]|''[[Fortnite]]''}}
| owner = [[Tencent]] (40%)<ref name="tencent">{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2013/3/21/4131702/tencents-epic-games-stock-acquisition |title=Tencent's $330M Epic Games investment absorbed 40 percent of developer [Updated] |last=Crecente |first=Brian |date=March 21, 2013 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |accessdate=August 24, 2016 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820045446/http://www.polygon.com/2013/3/21/4131702/tencents-epic-games-stock-acquisition |archivedate=August 20, 2016}}</ref>
| num_employees = 700<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/glixel/features/majority-of-epics-700-staff-working-on-fortnite-w518235 |title=Majority of Epic's 700 Staff Working on 'Fortnite' |first=Brian |last=Crecente |date=March 22, 2018 |accessdate=March 22, 2018 |work=[[Glixel]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322194500/https://www.rollingstone.com/glixel/features/majority-of-epics-700-staff-working-on-fortnite-w518235 |archive-date=March 22, 2018 |dead-url=yes}}</ref>
| num_employees_year = 2018
| divisions =
| subsid = {{Unbulleted list|[[Chair Entertainment]]|[[Cloudgine]]|Epic Games Berlin|Epic Games Japan|Epic Games Korea|Epic Games Seattle|Epic Games Stockholm|Epic Games UK|Kamu}}
| website = {{URL|epicgames.com}}
}}

'''Epic Games, Inc.''' (formerly '''Potomac Computer Systems''' and later '''Epic MegaGames, Inc.''') is an American [[video game developer]] based in [[Cary, North Carolina]]. The company was founded by [[Tim Sweeney (game developer)|Tim Sweeney]] as Potomac Computer Systems in 1991, originally located in his parents' house in [[Potomac, Maryland]]. Following his first commercial video game release, ''[[ZZT]]'' (1991), the company became Epic MegaGames in early 1992, and brought on [[Mark Rein (software executive)|Mark Rein]], who is the company's [[vice president]] to date. Moving their headquarters to Cary in 1999, the studio's name was simplified to Epic Games.

Epic Games develops the [[Unreal Engine]], a commercially available [[game engine]] which also powers their internally developed video games, such as ''[[Fortnite]]'' and the ''[[Unreal (video game series)|Unreal]]'', ''[[Gears of War]]'' and ''[[Infinity Blade]]'' series. In 2014, Unreal Engine was named the "most successful videogame engine" by [[Guinness World Records]].<ref name="guinness">{{cite web |url=http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/most-successful-game-engine |title=Most successful videogame engine |publisher=Guinness World Records |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222151655/http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/most-successful-game-engine |archivedate=December 22, 2015}}</ref>

Epic Games owns video game developer [[Chair Entertainment]] and cloud-based software developer [[Cloudgine]], and operates eponymous sub-studios in [[Seattle]], [[England]], [[Berlin]], [[Yokohama]] and [[Seoul]]. Key personnel at Epic Games include [[chief executive officer]] [[Tim Sweeney (game developer)|Tim Sweeney]], lead programmer [[Steve Polge]] and art director Chris Perna.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/johngaudiosi/2011/09/21/epic-games-founder-tim-sweeney-pushes-unreal-engine-3-technology-forward/ |title=Epic Games Founder Tim Sweeney Pushes Unreal Engine 3 Technology Forward |last=Gaudiosi |first=John |date=September 21, 2011 |website=[[Forbes]] |accessdate=August 2, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141007010938/http://www.forbes.com/sites/johngaudiosi/2011/09/21/epic-games-founder-tim-sweeney-pushes-unreal-engine-3-technology-forward/ |archivedate=October 7, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.technologyreview.com/s/415274/a-turing-test-for-computer-game-bots/ |title=A Turing Test for Computer Game Bots |last=Kushner |first=David |date=September 10, 2009 |website=[[MIT Technology Review]] |accessdate=August 2, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2010/05/26/making-of-the-cover-gears-of-war-3.aspx |title=Making Of The Cover: Gears of War 3 |last=Miller |first=Matt |date=May 26, 2010 |website=[[Game Informer]] |accessdate=August 2, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803055529/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2010/05/26/making-of-the-cover-gears-of-war-3.aspx |archivedate=August 3, 2017}}</ref> [[Tencent]] acquired a 40% stake in the company in 2012, after Epic Games realized that the [[video game industry]] was heavily developing towards the [[games as a service]] model.

== History ==
=== Potomac Computer Systems (1991–1992) ===
Potomac Computer Systems was founded by [[Tim Sweeney (game developer)|Tim Sweeney]] in 1991.<ref name="gamasutra"/> At the time, Sweeney was studying [[mechanical engineering]] at the [[University of Maryland]]. Though he lived in a dorm located in [[Potomac, Maryland]], he frequently visited his parents, who lived in the same town, where his [[personal computer]], used for both work and leisure, was situated.<ref name="gamasutra"/> Out of this location, Sweeney started Potomac Computer Systems as a [[computer consulting]] business, but later figured that it would be too much work he would have to put into keeping the business stable, and scrapped the idea.<ref name="gamasutra"/>

After finishing his game ''[[ZZT]]'' in October 1991, Sweeney opted to re-use the Potomac Computer Systems name to release the game to the public.<ref name="gamasutra"/> It was only with the unexpected success of ''ZZT'', caused in most part by the easy modifiability of the game using Sweeney's custom [[ZZT-oop]] programming language,<ref name="better">{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2012/10/1/3438196/better-with-age-a-history-of-epic-games |title=Better with age: A history of Epic Games |first=Chris |last=Plante |date=October 1, 2012 |website=Polygon |accessdate=January 19, 2018 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171004035609/https://www.polygon.com/2012/10/1/3438196/better-with-age-a-history-of-epic-games |archivedate=October 4, 2017}}</ref> that made Sweeney consider turning Potomac Computer Systems into a video game company.<ref name="gamasutra"/> ''ZZT'' was sold through [[bulletin board system]]s, while all orders were fulfilled by Sweeney's father, Paul Sweeney.<ref name="last">{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2013/11/21/5128872/epic-classics-ships-last-copy-of-zzt |title=Epic Classics ships last copy of ZZT |first=Jenna |last=Pitcher |date=November 21, 2013 |website=Polygon |accessdate=January 19, 2018 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160519184708/http://www.polygon.com/2013/11/21/5128872/epic-classics-ships-last-copy-of-zzt |archivedate=May 19, 2016}}</ref> The game sold several thousand copies as of May 2009, and Paul Sweeney still lived at the former Potomac Computer Systems address at the time, fulfilling all orders that eventually came by mail.<ref name="gamasutra"/><ref name="last" /> The final copy of ''ZZT'' was shipped by Paul Sweeney in November 2013.<ref name="last" />

=== Epic MegaGames (1992–1999) ===
In early 1992, Sweeney found himself and his new-found video game company in a business where larger studios, such as [[3D Realms|Apogee Software]] and [[id Software]], were dominant, and he had to find a more serious name for his.<ref name="gamasutra"/> As such, Sweeney came up with "Epic MegaGames", a name which incorporated "Epic" and "Mega" to make it sound like it represented a fairly large company (such as Apogee Software), although he was its only employee.<ref name="gamasutra"/> Sweeney soon underwent searching for a business partner, and eventually caught up with [[Mark Rein (software executive)|Mark Rein]], who previously quit his job at id Software and moved to [[Toronto]], [[Ontario]].<ref name="better" /><ref name="gamasutra"/> Rein worked remotely from Toronto, and primarily handled sales, marketing and publishing deals; business development that Sweeney found to have significantly contributed to the company's growth.<ref name="gamasutra"/> Some time this season, the company soon had 20 employees consisting of programmers, artists, designers and composers.<ref name="EM-Newsletter">{{cite web |url=https://museumofzzt.com/article/265/epic-megagames-newsletter |title=Epic MegaGames Newsletter – Spring 1992 |last=Sweeney |first=Tim |date=1992 |website=Museum of ZZT |publisher=Epic MegaGames |accessdate=March 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718114944/https://museumofzzt.com/article/265/epic-megagames-newsletter |archive-date=July 18, 2018 |dead-url=no}}</ref> Among them was the 17-year old [[Cliff Bleszinski]], who joined the company after submitting his game ''Dare to Dream'' to Sweeney.<ref name="newyorker">{{cite web |url=http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2008/11/03/the-grammar-of-fun |title=The Grammar of Fun |work=[[The New Yorker]] |publisher=[[Condé Nast]] |date=November 3, 2008 |accessdate=December 24, 2014 |authorlink=Tom Bissell |first=Tom |last=Bissell |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224113522/http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2008/11/03/the-grammar-of-fun |archivedate=December 24, 2014}}</ref> The following year, they had over 30 employees.<ref>Epic MegaGames Catalog – Winter & Spring 1993</ref>

In 1996, Epic MegaGames produced a shareware isometric shooter called ''Fire Fight'', developed by Polish studio Chaos Works. It was published by [[Electronic Arts]].<ref>{{Cite magazine |title=Kicks Arson |url=https://archive.org/stream/nextgen-issue-021/Next_Generation_Issue_021_September_1996#page/n157/mode/2up |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |volume=Two |issue=21 (September 1996) |page=154 |access-date=April 18, 2018}}</ref> A year later, [[Safari Software]] was acquired in whole by Epic MegaGames and some of their titles as well as other pre-1998 games were sold under the Epic Classics brand until late 2012. By 1997, Epic MegaGames had 50 people working for them worldwide.<ref name="Epic-Infopack">{{cite web |url=https://www.slideshare.net/VinceCavin/epic-games-author-info-pack-vince-cavin-web |title=Epic MegaGames Author Info Pack |work=[[SlideShare]] |publisher=[[Epic MegaGames]] |accessdate=March 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180330211237/https://www.slideshare.net/VinceCavin/epic-games-author-info-pack-vince-cavin-web |archive-date=March 30, 2018 |dead-url=no}}</ref> In 1998, Epic MegaGames released ''[[Unreal (1998 video game)|Unreal]]'', a [[3D computer graphics|3D]] [[first-person shooter]] co-developed with [[Digital Extremes]], which expanded into a series of [[Unreal (video game series)|''Unreal'' games]]. The company also began to license the core technology, the [[Unreal Engine]], to other game developers.

=== Epic Games (1999–present) ===
====''Unreal'' and personal computer gaming (1999–2006)====
[[File:Malcolm statue.jpg|thumb|250px|A statue of ''Unreal''{{'s}} Malcolm at Epic Games' headquarters]]
In February 1999, Epic MegaGames announced that they had moved their headquarters to a new location in [[Cary, North Carolina]], and would henceforth be known as simply Epic Games.<ref name="epicshop">{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/02/04/epic-sets-up-shop |title=Epic Sets up Shop |authors=IGN Staff |website=[[IGN]] |publication-date=February 3, 1999 |accessdate=July 13, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170713174455/http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/02/04/epic-sets-up-shop |archivedate=July 13, 2017}}</ref> Rein explained that "''Unreal'' was first created by developers who were scattered across the world, eventually, the team came together to finish the game and that's when the real magic started. The move to North Carolina centralizes Epic, bringing all of the company's talented developers under one roof."<ref name="epicshop"/> Furthermore, Sweeney stated that the "Mega" part of the name was dropped because they no longer wanted to pretend to be a big company, as was the original intention of the name when it was a one-man team.<ref name="gamasutra"/> The follow-up game, ''[[Unreal Tournament]]'', shipped to critical acclaim the same year,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/unreal-tournament-1999 |title=Unreal Tournament |website=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=October 17, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922060742/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/unreal-tournament-1999 |archivedate=September 22, 2017}}</ref> at which point the studio had 13 employees.<ref name="nytimes">{{Cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/12/02/technology/game-theory-for-game-maker-there-s-gold-in-the-code.html |title=GAME THEORY; For Game Maker, There's Gold in the Code |last=Herz |first=J.C. |date=December 2, 1999 |website=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=March 5, 2018 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170919141813/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/12/02/technology/game-theory-for-game-maker-there-s-gold-in-the-code.html |archivedate=September 19, 2017}}</ref>

The company launched the [[Make Something Unreal]] competition in 2004, aiming to reward video game developers who create [[Mod (video games)|mods]] using the [[Unreal Engine|Unreal game engine]]. [[Tripwire Interactive]] won US$80,000 in cash and computer hardware prizes over the course of the contest in the first contest in 2004.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wired.com/wired/archive/14.04/reds.html |title=How the Reds Conquered Unreal |date=April 2006 |accessdate=July 7, 2013 |website=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] |publisher=[[Condé Nast Publications|Condé Nast]] |first=Lucas |last=Graves |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130519111919/http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/14.04/reds.html |archivedate=May 19, 2013}}</ref><ref name="IGNLaunch">{{cite web |url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2008/04/03/intel-and-epic-games-launch-1-million-intel-make-something-unreal-contest |title=Intel and Epic Games Launch '$1 Million Intel Make Something Unreal Contest' |date=April 3, 2008 |author=IGN Staff |accessdate=July 8, 2013 |website=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis Media}}</ref>

====''Gears of War'' and console gaming (2006–2012)====
Around 2006, the personal computer video game market was struggling with [[copyright infringement]] in the form of software piracy, and it became difficult to make single-player games, elements which had been part of Epic's business model to that point. The company decided to shift focus into developing on console systems, a move which Rein called the start of the third major iteration of the company, "Epic 3.0".<ref name="poly v4"/> In 2006, Epic released the [[Xbox 360]] shooter ''[[Gears of War (video game)|Gears of War]]'', which became a commercial success for the company, grossing about {{USD|100 million}} off a {{USD|12 million}} budget.<ref name="polygon gow4 cost">{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2016/5/2/11565868/gears-of-war-4-100-million-budget-epic-games-sale |title=Gears of War 4 would have cost over $100M to make — and could have killed Epic Games |last=Frank |first=Allegra |date=May 2, 2016 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |accessdate=July 29, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729185830/https://www.polygon.com/2016/5/2/11565868/gears-of-war-4-100-million-budget-epic-games-sale |archivedate=July 29, 2017}}</ref><ref name="poly v4"/> A year later, the company released ''[[Unreal Tournament 3]]'' for PC and acquired a majority share in [[People Can Fly]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/unreal-tournament-3-to-blast-in-on-november-23rd |title=Unreal Tournament 3 to blast in on November 23rd |last=Foster |first=Lisa |date=November 7, 2007 |website=[[The Market for Computer & Video Games]] |accessdate=July 28, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2007/08/20/epic-believes-people-can-fly-acquires-majority-stake/ |title=Epic believes People Can Fly, acquires majority stake |last=Rea |first=Jared |date=August 20, 2007 |website=[[Engadget]] |accessdate=July 28, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728205230/https://www.engadget.com/2007/08/20/epic-believes-people-can-fly-acquires-majority-stake/ |archivedate=July 28, 2017}}</ref>

In 2008, Epic Games acquired Utah based [[Chair Entertainment]] and released ''[[Gears of War 2]]'',<ref name="epic_chair">{{cite web |author=Brandon Boyer |publisher=[[GamaSutra]] |date=May 20, 2008 |accessdate=July 29, 2017 |title=Epic Games Acquires Undertow Developer Chair |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=18727 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/66pN6I0wa?url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=18727 |archivedate=April 10, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/news/a132547/epics-gears-of-war-2-goes-gold/ |title=Epic's 'Gears Of War 2' goes gold |last=Laughlin |first=Andrew |date=October 13, 2008 |website=[[Digital Spy]] |accessdate=July 29, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729185803/http://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/news/a132547/epics-gears-of-war-2-goes-gold/ |archivedate=July 29, 2017}}</ref> selling over three million copies within the first month of its release.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/gears-of-war-2-sales-hit-3-million-mark?comment_start=0 |title=Gears of War 2 sales hit 3 million mark |last=Gibson |first=Ellie |date=December 9, 2008 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |accessdate=July 29, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729212945/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/gears-of-war-2-sales-hit-3-million-mark?comment_start=0 |archivedate=July 29, 2017}}</ref> Summer 2009 saw the launch of Chair Entertainment's ''[[Shadow Complex]]'', an adventure game inspired by the ''[[Metroid]]'' series.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5325016/how-shadow-complex-was-inspired-by-super-metroid-and-never-looked-back |title=How Shadow Complex Was Inspired By Super Metroid (And Never Looked Back) |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=July 28, 2009 |website=[[Kotaku]] |accessdate=July 29, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729182951/http://kotaku.com/5325016/how-shadow-complex-was-inspired-by-super-metroid-and-never-looked-back |archivedate=July 29, 2017}}</ref>

Epic Games released on September 1, 2010 [[Epic Citadel]] as a [[Technology demonstration|tech demo]] to demonstrate the [[Unreal Engine 3]] running on [[Apple Inc.|Apple]] [[iOS (Apple)|iOS]], within [[Adobe Flash Player]] [[Stage3D]] and using [[HTML5]] [[WebGL]] technologies. It was also released for [[Android (operating system)|Android]] on January 29, 2013. Epic Games worked on an [[iOS]] game, ''[[Infinity Blade]]'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/11/03/project-sword-becomes-infinity-blade |title=Project Sword Becomes Infinity Blade |last=Buchanan |first=Levi |date=November 2, 2010 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[IGN Entertainment]] |accessdate=August 24, 2016 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919145745/http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/11/03/project-sword-becomes-infinity-blade |archivedate=September 19, 2016}}</ref> which was released on December 9, 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5627701/play-with-the-unreal-engine-on-your-iphone-with-epic-citadel |title=Play With The Unreal Engine On Your iPhone With Epic Citadel |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=September 1, 2010 |website=[[Kotaku]] |publisher=[[Gawker Media]] |accessdate=August 24, 2016 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160824052306/http://kotaku.com/5627701/play-with-the-unreal-engine-on-your-iphone-with-epic-citadel |archivedate=August 24, 2016}}</ref> The third game in the series, ''[[Gears of War 3]]'', came out in 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/10/01/gears-of-war-3-delayed-to-fall-2011 |title=Gears of War 3 Delayed to Fall 2011 |last=Reilly |first=Jim |date=October 1, 2010 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[IGN Entertainment]] |accessdate=August 24, 2016 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627060020/http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/10/01/gears-of-war-3-delayed-to-fall-2011 |archivedate=June 27, 2015}}</ref>

In 2011, Epic's subsidiary [[Titan Studios]] was dissolved.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2011/07/05/carbon-games-formed-by-fat-princess-devs/ |title=Carbon Games formed by Fat Princess devs |last=Sliwinski |first=Alexander |date=July 5, 2011 |website=[[Engadget]] |publisher=[[AOL Tech]] |accessdate=August 24, 2016 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826100426/https://www.engadget.com/2011/07/05/carbon-games-formed-by-fat-princess-devs/ |archivedate=August 26, 2016}}</ref> At the 2011 [[Spike Video Game Awards]], Epic Games announced their new game ''[[Fortnite]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/news/a355417/fortnite-revealed-by-epic-games/ |title='Fortnite' revealed by Epic Games |last=Langshaw |first=Mark |date=December 11, 2011 |website=[[Digital Spy]] |accessdate=July 22, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906232345/http://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/news/a355417/fortnite-revealed-by-epic-games/ |archivedate=September 6, 2017}}</ref>

In June 2012, Epic announced that it is opening up a new studio, Epic Baltimore, made up of members of [[38 Studios]]' [[Big Huge Games]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/06/03/big-huge-games-members-picked-up-for-epic-baltmore/ |title=Big Huge Games members picked up for Epic Baltimore |last=Sliwinski |first=Alexander |date=June 3, 2012 |website=[[Engadget]] |publisher=[[AOL Tech]] |accessdate=August 24, 2016 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817093420/https://www.engadget.com/2012/06/03/big-huge-games-members-picked-up-for-epic-baltmore/ |archivedate=August 17, 2016}}</ref> Epic Baltimore was renamed to Impossible Studios in August 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/08/09/epic-baltimore-now-impossible-studios-working-on-infinity-blade/ |title=Epic Baltimore now Impossible Studios, working on Infinity Blade: Dungeons |last=Sliwinski |first=Alexander |date=August 9, 2012 |website=[[Engadget]] |publisher=[[AOL Tech]] |accessdate=August 24, 2016 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817090902/https://www.engadget.com/2012/08/09/epic-baltimore-now-impossible-studios-working-on-infinity-blade/ |archivedate=August 17, 2016}}</ref> However, the studio ended up closing its doors in February 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2013/2/8/3968500/epic-impossible-studios-closed-infinity-blade-dungeons-delay |title=Epic Games is closing Impossible Studios, Infinity Blade Dungeons on hold |last=Corriea |first=Alexa Ray |date=February 8, 2013 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |accessdate=August 24, 2016 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160424095757/http://www.polygon.com/2013/2/8/3968500/epic-impossible-studios-closed-infinity-blade-dungeons-delay |archivedate=April 24, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/02/08/epic-games-closes-its-newest-studio-impossible-games |title=Epic Games Closes Its Newest Studio, Impossible Games |last=Moriarty |first=Colin |date=February 8, 2013 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[IGN Entertainment]] |accessdate=August 24, 2016 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919145843/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/02/08/epic-games-closes-its-newest-studio-impossible-games |archivedate=September 19, 2016}}</ref>

Epic alongside People Can Fly made one last game in the ''Gears of War'' series that served as a prequel to the other games, ''[[Gears of War: Judgement]]'', which was released in 2013. At this point, Epic had considered developing a fourth main title for ''Gears of War'', but estimated that its budget would be at least {{USD|100 million}}.<ref name="polygon gow4 cost"/> Additionally, they had suggested the idea of a multiplayer-only version of ''Gears of War'' that featured improved versions of maps based on user feedback, similar to the concept behind ''Unreal Tournament'', but Microsoft rejected this idea. Epic recognized the troubles of being held to the business objectives of a publisher, and began to shift the company again.<ref name="poly v4"/>

==== Games as a Service and Tencent acquisition (2012–present) ====
[[File:GitHub OctoTales - Epic Games.webm|thumbtime=46|thumb|right|300px|An inside look at Epic Games, 2015]]
Coupled with their desire to move away from being beholden to a publisher, Epic Games observed that the video game industry was shifting to a [[software as a service|games as a service model]] (GaaS). Sweeney stated "There was an increasing realization that the old model wasn't working anymore and that the new model was looking increasingly like the way to go."<ref name="poly v4"/> In an attempt to gain more GaaS experience, they made an agreement with Chinese [[Tencent]], who had several games under their banner (including [[Riot Games]]' ''[[League of Legends]]'') operating successfully as games as a service.<ref name="pcgamesn jun2017">{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/fortnite/why-has-fortnite-taken-so-long |title=Why has Fortnite taken so long? |first=Jeremey |last=Peel |date=June 8, 2017 |accessdate=November 29, 2017 |website=[[PCGamesN]] |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201030702/https://www.pcgamesn.com/fortnite/why-has-fortnite-taken-so-long |archivedate=December 1, 2017}}</ref> In exchange for Tencent's help, Tencent acquired approximately 48.4% of Epic then issued share capital, equating to 40% of total Epic&nbsp;— inclusive of both stock and employee stock options, for $330 million in June 2012. Tencent Holdings has the right to nominate directors to the board of Epic Games and thus counts as an associate of the Group.<ref name="tencent"/> However, Sweeney stated that Tencent otherwise has very little control on the creative output of Epic Games.<ref name="poly v4"/> Mark Rein considered the partial acquisition by Tencent as the start of "Epic 4.0", the fourth major iteration of the company, allowing the company to be more agile in the gaming marketplace.<ref name="poly v4">{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/a/epic-4-0/the-four-lives-of-epic-games |title=The four lives of Epic Games |first=Brian |last=Crecente |date=May 5, 2016 |accessdate=July 26, 2018 |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171109083043/https://www.polygon.com/a/epic-4-0/the-four-lives-of-epic-games | archive-date = November 9, 2017 | dead-url = no |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="variety fortnite 1b">{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/fortnite-epic-games-billion-dollar-decision-1202884194/ |title=How a 2012 Decision Helped ‘Fortnite’ Make Epic Games a Billion Dollar Company |first=Brian |last=Crecente |date=July 26, 2018 |accessdate=July 26, 2018 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180725233503/https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/fortnite-epic-games-billion-dollar-decision-1202884194/ | archive-date = July 25, 2018 | dead-url = no |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

Around this point, Epic had about 200 employees.<ref name="poly v4"/> A number of high-profile staff left the company months after the Tencent deal was announced for various reasons. Some notable departures included:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/chinese-internet-company-owns-40-percent-of-epic-games/1100-6405749/ |title=Chinese Internet company owns 40 percent of Epic Games |last=Makuch |first=Eddie |date=March 21, 2013 |website=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |accessdate=August 24, 2016 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625024647/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/chinese-internet-company-owns-40-percent-of-epic-games/1100-6405749/ |archivedate=June 25, 2016}}</ref>
* [[Cliff Bleszinski]], then the design director, announced he was leaving Epic Games in October 2012 after 20 years with the company. His official reason was "It's time for a much needed break".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2012/10/3/3451812/gears-of-war-design-director-cliff-bleszinski-leaves-epic-games |title='Gears of War' design director Cliff Bleszinski leaves Epic Games |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=October 3, 2012 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |accessdate=August 24, 2016 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315071640/http://www.polygon.com/2012/10/3/3451812/gears-of-war-design-director-cliff-bleszinski-leaves-epic-games |archivedate=March 15, 2016}}</ref> Bleszinski later stated that he had become "jaded" about the gaming industry in the lead-up to Tencent's involvement. After Tencent's investment, Bleszinski attempted to renegotiate his contract, but failed to come to terms, making him think about retirement instead. He opted to stop coming into work, spending his time at his beach house, eventually leading Sweeney to come down and have a heart-to-heart discussion with Bleszinski on the new direction Epic was going, and asking him to make a firm decision regarding his commitment to Epic. Bleszinski opted to write his resignation letter the next day.<ref name="poly v4 depart">{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/a/epic-4-0/epic-luminaries-on-why-they-left |title=Epic luminaries on why they left |first=Brian |last=Crecente |date=May 5, 2016 |accessdate=July 26, 2018 |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180726201720/https://www.polygon.com/a/epic-4-0/epic-luminaries-on-why-they-left | archive-date = July 26, 2018 | dead-url = no |df=mdy-all}}</ref> After about two years, Bleszinski later started [[Boss Key Productions]] in 2014.
* President [[Mike Capps (executive)|Mike Capps]] announced his retirement in December 2013, and cited the reasons as the arrival of a baby boy he was having with his wife and his plans to be a [[stay-at-home dad]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/epic-games-president-retiring/1100-6401056/ |title=Epic Games president retiring |last=Makuch |first=Eddie |date=December 4, 2012 |website=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |accessdate=August 24, 2016 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140218114047/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/epic-games-president-retiring/1100-6401056/ |archivedate=February 18, 2014}}</ref> He subsequently announced his departure of his advisory role as well as his affiliation with the company in March 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/former-epic-games-president-mike-capps-parts-ways-with-studio/1100-6405042/ |title=Former Epic Games president Mike Capps parts ways with studio |last=Gaston |first=Martin |date=March 8, 2013 |website=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |accessdate=August 24, 2016 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150909080436/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/former-epic-games-president-mike-capps-parts-ways-with-studio/1100-6405042/ |archivedate=September 9, 2015}}</ref>
* [[Rod Fergusson]], who had been a lead developer for the ''Gears of War'' series, left Epic in August 2012. Fergusson stated that he had seen the direction that the Tencent acquisition would have taken the company, and was not interested in the free-to-play style of games but instead wanted to continue developing a "AAA, big-narrative, big-story, big-impact game".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2014/8/1/5958879/gears-of-war-black-tusk-rod-fergusson |title=The fixer: Why Rod Fergusson returned to Gears of War |first=Brian |last=Crecente |date=August 1, 2014 |accessdate=July 26, 2018 |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180726235328/https://www.polygon.com/2014/8/1/5958879/gears-of-war-black-tusk-rod-fergusson | archive-date = July 26, 2018 | dead-url = no |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Fergusson briefly joined [[Irrational Games]], owned by [[2K Games]], to help complete ''[[BioShock Infinite]]''. While there, Fergusson talked with 2K about potentially continuing the ''Gears of War'' series, leading to talks between 2K Games, Epic, and Microsoft.<ref name="poly v4"/> As a result, Microsoft acquired the rights to ''Gears of War'' on January 27, 2014, eventually assigned those to [[Microsoft Game Studios]]; Fergusson moved to Black Tusk Studios, owned by Microsoft Game Studios, to take on lead development for a new ''Gears'' title, with the studio being rebranded as [[The Coalition (video game developer)|The Coalition]]. The first game since the acquisition, ''[[Gears of War 4]]'', was released in October 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2014/1/27/5345342/gears-of-war-xbox-one-microsoft-epic-games-rod-fergusson |title=Microsoft acquires Gears of War from Epic, hires series producer Rod Fergusson |first=Michael |last=McWhertor |date=January 27, 2014 |accessdate=July 26, 2018 |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180612162807/https://www.polygon.com/2014/1/27/5345342/gears-of-war-xbox-one-microsoft-epic-games-rod-fergusson | archive-date = June 12, 2018 | dead-url = no |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/01/microsoft-buys-gears-of-war-franchise-from-epic-games/ |title=Microsoft buys ''Gears of War'' franchise from Epic Games |last=Orland |first=Kyle |date=January 27, 2014 |website=[[Ars Technica]] |publisher=[[Condé Nast]] |accessdate=August 24, 2016 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923104254/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/01/microsoft-buys-gears-of-war-franchise-from-epic-games/ |archivedate=September 23, 2016}}</ref>
* [[Adrian Chmielarz]], the founder of People Can Fly and who joined Epic when his studio was acquired earlier in 2012, decided to leave after Tencent's acquisition, stating that he and other former People Can Fly members did not believe the free-to-play, games as a service direction fit their own personal vision or direction they wanted to go. Chmielarz and these others left Epic in late 2012 to form [[The Astronauts (company)|The Astronauts]].<ref name="poly v4 depart"/>
* Lee Perry, a lead designer on both ''Unreal'' and ''Gears of War'' series, who felt that Epic has started to grow too large to maintain a role as an eccentric game developer. Coupled with the studio's need for more management to support the games as a service model, Perry felt that their creative freedom would become limited. He and five other senior people left Epic to form a new studio, Bitmonster.<ref name="poly v4 depart"/>

Epic continued on its goal to deliver games as a service following these departures. ''Fortnite'' was to serve as their testbed for living games, but with the shifts in staff, as well as shifting its engine from Unreal Engine 3 to 4, its release suffered some setback. Epic started additional projects; the free-to-play and community-developed ''[[Unreal Tournament (upcoming video game)|Unreal Tournament]]'', first announced in 2014,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/05/08/epic-games-reveals-free-to-play-unreal-tournament |title=Epic Games Reveals Free, Crowdsourced Unreal Tournament |last=Dyer |first=Mitch |date=May 8, 2014 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[IGN Entertainment]] |accessdate=August 24, 2016 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821154242/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/05/08/epic-games-reveals-free-to-play-unreal-tournament |archivedate=August 21, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-unreal-tournament-in-development-and-it-ll-be-absolutely-free/1100-6419511/ |title=New Unreal Tournament in development, and it'll be absolutely free |last=Makuch |first=Eddie |date=July 25, 2014 |website=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |accessdate=August 24, 2016 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426030640/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-unreal-tournament-in-development-and-it-ll-be-absolutely-free/1100-6419511/ |archivedate=April 26, 2016}}</ref> and the free-to-play [[multiplayer online battle arena]] game ''[[Paragon (video game)|Paragon]]'', launched in 2016 for [[Microsoft Windows]] and [[PlayStation 4]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://uk.pcmag.com/computer-console-gaming-products/72774/news/epic-games-teases-new-pc-shooter-paragon |title=Epic Games Teases New PC Shooter 'Paragon' |last=Moscaritolo |first=Angela |date=November 4, 2015 |website=[[PCMag UK]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |accessdate=August 24, 2016 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921071711/http://uk.pcmag.com/computer-console-gaming-products/72774/news/epic-games-teases-new-pc-shooter-paragon |archivedate=September 21, 2016}}</ref> Epic also released a remastered version of ''Shadow Complex'' for newer consoles and computers in 2015,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gematsu.com/2015/12/shadow-complex-remastered-announced-ps4-xbox-one-pc |title=Shadow Complex Remastered announced for PS4, Xbox One, and PC |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=December 3, 2015 |website=[[Gematsu]] |accessdate=July 29, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730074923/http://gematsu.com/2015/12/shadow-complex-remastered-announced-ps4-xbox-one-pc |archivedate=July 30, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2016/08/09/shadow-complex-gets-physical-release/220412/ |title=Shadow Complex Gets Physical Release |last=Shive |first=Chris |date=August 9, 2016 |website=[[Hardcore Gamer]] |accessdate=July 29, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729214450/http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2016/08/09/shadow-complex-gets-physical-release/220412/ |archivedate=July 29, 2017}}</ref> and their first foray into [[virtual reality]] with the release of ''[[Robo Recall]]'' for the [[Oculus Rift]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/282863/Born_out_of_Bullet_Train_Epics_first_commercial_VR_game_is_Robo_Recall.php |title=Born out of Bullet Train, Epic's first commercial VR game is Robo Recall |last=Wawro |first=Alex |date=October 6, 2016 |website=[[Gamasutra]] |accessdate=July 22, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809173145/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/282863/Born_out_of_Bullet_Train_Epics_first_commercial_VR_game_is_Robo_Recall.php |archivedate=August 9, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/03/01/robo-recall-review |title=Robo Recall Review |last=Stapleton |first=Dan |date=March 1, 2017 |website=IGN |language=en-US |accessdate=March 17, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317151913/http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/03/01/robo-recall-review |archivedate=March 17, 2017}}</ref>

The investment infusion from Tencent allowed Epic Games to relicense the Unreal Engine 4 engine in March 2015 to be free for all users to develop with, with Epic taking 5% royalties on games developed with the engine.<ref name="fortune ue4 free">{{cite web |url=http://fortune.com/2015/03/03/epic-games-unreal-tech-free/ |title=Why Epic Games is giving away its game technology |work=[[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]] |publisher=[[Time Inc.]] |date=March 3, 2015 |accessdate=March 13, 2015 |first=John |last=Gaudiosi |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150308142904/http://fortune.com/2015/03/03/epic-games-unreal-tech-free/ |archivedate=March 8, 2015}}</ref>

In June 2015, Epic agreed to allow Epic Games Poland depart the company and sold its shares in the studio; the studio reverted to their former name, People Can Fly. The ''[[Bulletstorm]]'' IP was retained by People Can Fly who has since launched a remastered version called ''[[Bulletstorm#Remastered version|Bulletstorm: Full Clip Edition]]'' on April 7, 2017, published by [[Gearbox Software]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2015/6/24/8838307/people-can-fly-returns-no-longer-owned-by-epic-games |title=People Can Fly returns, no longer owned by Epic Games (update) |last=Hall |first=Charlie |date=June 24, 2015 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170318032626/https://www.polygon.com/2015/6/24/8838307/people-can-fly-returns-no-longer-owned-by-epic-games |archivedate=March 18, 2017 |accessdate=August 8, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/12/02/bulletstorm-remastered-edition-revealed-released-date-announced |title=Bulletstorm Remastered Edition Revealed, Release Date Announced |last=Dornbush |first=Jonathon |date=December 1, 2016 |website=[[IGN]] |accessdate=August 8, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808161005/http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/12/02/bulletstorm-remastered-edition-revealed-released-date-announced |archivedate=August 8, 2017}}</ref>

[[File:Fortnite at E3 2018 (42781993231).jpg|thumb|right|270px|Epic's ''Fortnite'' exhibition space at [[Electronic Entertainment Expo 2018|E3 2018]]]]
By July 2017, ''Fortnite'' was finally in a state for public play. Epic launched the title through a paid [[early access]] then, with a full [[free-to-play]] release expected in 2018.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/e3/2017/6/8/15761278/fortnite-early-accessrelease-date-ps4-xbox-one-pc-mac-price-preview |title=Fortnite announces early access release, hands-on the unfinished game |last=Hall |first=Charlie |date=June 8, 2017 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |accessdate=July 24, 2017}}</ref> Following on the popularity of ''[[PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds]]'', a [[battle royale game]] released earlier in 2017, Epic developed a variant of ''Fortnite'' called ''[[Fortnite Battle Royale]]'', which was released in September 2017 as a free-to-play title across computer, console, and mobile platforms. ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' quickly gained an audience, amassing over 125 million players by May 2018 with estimates of having earned over {{USD|1 billion}} by July 2018 through microtransactions. Epic Games, which had been valued at around {{USD|825 million}} at the time of Tencent's acquisition, was estimated to be worth {{USD|4.5 billion}} in July 2018 due to ''Fortnite Battle Royale'', and expected to surpass {{USD|8.5 billion}} by the end of 2018 with projected growth of the game.<ref name="bloomberg value">{{cite web |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2018-07-24/fortnite-phenomenon-turns-epic-game-developer-into-billionaire |title=Fortnite Mania Fuels Epic Growth to $8.5 Billion |first1=Devon |last1=Pendleton |first2=Christopher |last2=Palmeri |date=July 24, 2018 |accessdate=July 24, 2018 |work=[[Bloomberg LP]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180724114421/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2018-07-24/fortnite-phenomenon-turns-epic-game-developer-into-billionaire | archive-date = July 24, 2018 | dead-url = no |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Due to the success of ''Fortnite'', Epic announced it would be ending support for ''Paragon'', its other free-to-play title, to focus on supporting ''Fortnite''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/after-fortnites-massive-success-epic-shuts-down-parago-1822460782 |title=After Fortnite's Massive Success, Epic Shuts Down Paragon |first=Jason |last=Schreier |date=January 26, 2018 |accessdate=January 26, 2018 |work=[[Kotaku]] |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126203649/https://kotaku.com/after-fortnites-massive-success-epic-shuts-down-parago-1822460782 |archivedate=January 26, 2018 |df=}}</ref>

In January 2018, it was announced that Epic had acquired [[Cloudgine]], a developer of cloud-based gaming software.<ref name="cloudengine">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/313429/Epic_Games_acquires_cloud_processing_tech_provider_Cloudgine_.php |title=Epic Games acquires cloud processing tech provider Cloudgine |first=Chris |last=Kerr |date=January 22, 2018 |accessdate=January 22, 2018 |work=[[Gamasutra]] |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180123072411/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/313429/Epic_Games_acquires_cloud_processing_tech_provider_Cloudgine_.php |archivedate=January 23, 2018}}</ref> The company also announced the acquisition of Kamu, a firm that offered anti-cheat software, in October 2018.<ref name="variety kamu"/>

== Products ==
=== Video games ===
{{main|List of games by Epic Games}}

Epic Games is known for games such as ''[[ZZT]]'' developed by founder Tim Sweeney, various shareware titles including ''[[Jazz Jackrabbit]]'' and ''[[Epic Pinball]]'', the ''[[Unreal (video game series)|Unreal]]'' video game series, which is used as a showcase for its [[Unreal Engine]], the ''[[Gears of War]]'' series which is now owned by [[The Coalition (company)|The Coalition]] and [[Microsoft Game Studios]], ''[[Infinity Blade]]'', ''[[Shadow Complex]]'', ''[[Bulletstorm]]'', and ''[[Fortnite]]''.

=== Unreal Engine ===
{{Main|Unreal Engine}}
Epic is the proprietor of four successful [[game engine]]s in the video game industry. Each Unreal Engine has a complete feature set of graphical rendering, sound processing, and physics that can be widely adapted to fit the specific needs of a game developer that does not want to code its own engine from scratch. The four engines Epic has created are the Unreal Engine 1, Unreal Engine 2 (including its 2.5 and 2.X releases), Unreal Engine 3, and Unreal Engine 4.

== Subsidiaries and divisions ==
=== Current ===
[[File:Epic Games Berlin.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Inside Epic Games Berlin, 2017]]
* [[Chair Entertainment]] in [[Salt Lake City]], [[Utah]]; established in 2005, acquired in 2008.<ref name="epic_chair"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/392173/epic-snags-undertow-developer-chair-entertainment-group |title=Epic Snags Undertow Developer Chair Entertainment Group |last=Alexander |first=Leigh |date=May 20, 2008 |website=[[Kotaku]] |publisher=[[Gizmodo Media Group]] |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118162931/http://kotaku.com/392173/epic-snags-undertow-developer-chair-entertainment-group |archivedate=January 18, 2017}}</ref>
* [[Cloudgine]] in [[Edinburgh]], [[Scotland]]; established in 2012, acquired in 2018.<ref name="cloudengine"/>
* Epic Games Germany GmbH ([[doing business as]] Epic Games Berlin) in [[Berlin]], [[Germany]]; established in 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2016-04-12-epic-opens-berlin-outpost |title=Epic opens Berlin outpost |last=Sinclair |first=Brendan |date=April 12, 2016 |website=[[GamesIndustry.biz]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312073030/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2016-04-12-epic-opens-berlin-outpost |archivedate=March 12, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/270226/Epic_expands_European_publishing_operations_with_new_Berlin_office.php |title=Epic expands European publishing operations with new Berlin office |last=Kerr |first=Chris |date=April 12, 2016 |website=[[Gamasutra]] |publisher=[[UBM TechWeb]] |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423103827/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/270226/Epic_expands_European_publishing_operations_with_new_Berlin_office.php |archivedate=April 23, 2016}}</ref>
* Epic Games Korea in [[Seoul]], [[South Korea]]; established in 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/epic-games-opens-korean-shop/1100-6212694/ |title=Epic Games opens Korean shop |last=Sinclair |first=Brendan |date=June 29, 2009 |website=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312075757/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/epic-games-opens-korean-shop/1100-6212694/ |archivedate=March 12, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5304091/epic-games-in-south-korea |title=Epic Games In South Korea |last=Ashcraft |first=Brian |date=June 30, 2009 |website=[[Kotaku]] |publisher=[[Gizmodo Media Group]] |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312053429/http://kotaku.com/5304091/epic-games-in-south-korea |archivedate=March 12, 2017}}</ref>
* Epic Games Japan in [[Yokohama]], [[Japan]]; established in 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2010/04/12/epic-games-planning-gala-celebration-to-open-tokyo-office/ |title=Epic Games planning gala celebration to open Tokyo office |last=Schramm |first=Mike |date=April 12, 2010 |website=[[Engadget]] |publisher=[[AOL Tech]] |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312063743/https://www.engadget.com/2010/04/12/epic-games-planning-gala-celebration-to-open-tokyo-office/ |archivedate=March 12, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/99946-Epic-Games-Opens-Japan-Office |title=Epic Games Opens Japan Office |last=Tito |first=Greg |date=April 13, 2010 |website=[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]] |publisher=[[Defy Media]] |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312061423/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/99946-Epic-Games-Opens-Japan-Office |archivedate=March 12, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.epicgames.com/about |title=Epic Games |accessdate=January 17, 2018 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118011505/https://www.epicgames.com/about |archivedate=January 18, 2018}}</ref>
* Epic Games Seattle in [[Seattle]], [[Washington (state)|Washington]], U.S.; opened in 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2012-09-06-epic-seattle-created-for-unreal-engine-4-development |title=Epic Seattle created for Unreal Engine 4 development |last=Williams |first=Mike |date=September 6, 2012 |website=[[GamesIndustry.biz]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114071222/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2012-09-06-epic-seattle-created-for-unreal-engine-4-development |archivedate=November 14, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/epic-games-launch-new-seattle-studio-hiring-engineers-unreal-engine-4 |title=Epic Games to launch new Seattle studio, hiring engineers for Unreal Engine 4 |last=Peel |first=Jeremy |date=September 6, 2012 |website=[[PCGamesN]] |publisher=[[Network N]] |accessdate=March 11, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312063002/https://www.pcgamesn.com/epic-games-launch-new-seattle-studio-hiring-engineers-unreal-engine-4 |archivedate=March 12, 2017}}</ref>
*Epic Games Stockholm in [[Stockholm]], [[Sweden]]; opened in 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://nordicgame.com/join-epic-games-stockholm/ |title=Join Epic Games Stockholm |last=Riis |first=Jacob |date=May 18, 2018 |website=[[Nordic Game]] |access-date=September 13, 2018}}</ref>
* Epic Games UK in [[Guildford]], [[Sunderland]] and [[Leamington Spa]], [[England]]; formed in 2014 upon the acquisition of [[Pitbull Studio]], which was founded in 2010.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.develop-online.net/news/epic-games-opens-uk-studio/0196087 |title=Epic Games opens UK studio |last=Batchelor |first=James |date=August 5, 2014 |website=[[Develop (magazine)|Develop]] |access-date=January 22, 2018 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160223002003/http://www.develop-online.net/news/epic-games-opens-uk-studio/0196087 |archivedate=February 23, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.develop-online.net/interview/pitbull-bytes-from-humble-beginnings/0186959 |title=Pitbull Bytes: From humble beginnings |website=[[Develop (magazine)|Develop]] |access-date=January 22, 2018 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150622023337/http://www.develop-online.net/interview/pitbull-bytes-from-humble-beginnings/0186959 |archivedate=June 22, 2015}}</ref>
*Kamu in [[Helsinki]], [[Finland]]; established in 2013, acquired in 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-10-08-epic-games-acquires-game-security-and-anti-cheat-firm-kamu |title=Epic Games acquires game security and anti-cheat firm Kamu |last=Batchelor |first=James |date=October 8, 2018 |website=[[Gameindustry.biz]] |access-date=October 8, 2018}}</ref><ref name="variety kamu">{{Cite web |url=https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/epic-games-acquires-kamu-1202971927/ |title=Epic Games Acquires Anti-Cheat Company Kamu |last=Fogel |first=Stefanie |date=October 8, 2018 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |access-date=October 8, 2018}}</ref>

=== Former ===
Epic had acquired Polish studio [[People Can Fly]] in 2012, rebranding them to Epic Games Poland. In 2015, the studio regained its independence from Epic, reverting to the People Can Fly name as well as retaining the IP rights to ''Bulletstorm''.<ref name="gamespot2">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/people-can-fly-turns-independent-buys-bulletstorm-/1100-6428420/ |title=People Can Fly Turns Independent, Buys Bulletstorm IP |first=Tamoor |last=Hussain |work=[[GameSpot]] |date=June 24, 2015 |accessdate=June 24, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627044206/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/people-can-fly-turns-independent-buys-bulletstorm-/1100-6428420/ |archivedate=June 27, 2015 |df=}}</ref>

==Litigation with Silicon Knights==
On July 19, 2007, Canadian game studio [[Silicon Knights]] sued Epic Games for failure to "provide a working game engine", causing the Ontario-based game developer to "experience considerable losses".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/280491/silicon-knights-epic-sabotaged-us |title=Silicon Knights: Epic Sabotaged Us |last=Crecente |first=Brian |date=July 19, 2007 |website=[[Kotaku]] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090916170528/http://kotaku.com/280491/silicon-knights-epic-sabotaged-us |archivedate=September 16, 2009 |deadurl=yes |accessdate=November 15, 2017}}</ref> The suit alleged that Epic Games was "sabotaging" Unreal Engine 3 licensees. Epic's licensing document stated that a working version of the engine would be available within six months of the Xbox 360 developer kits being released. Silicon Knights claimed that Epic not only missed this deadline, but that when a working version of the engine was eventually released, the documentation was insufficient. The game studio also claimed Epic had withheld vital improvements to the game engine, claiming they were "game specific", while also using licensing fees to fund development of its own titles rather than the engine itself.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/105711/Breaking_Silicon_Knights_Files_Lawsuit_Against_Epic.php |title=Breaking: Silicon Knights Files Lawsuit Against Epic |last=Carless |first=Simon |date=July 19, 2007 |website=[[Gamasutra]] |publisher=[[UBM TechWeb]] |accessdate=August 24, 2016 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924053524/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/105711/Breaking_Silicon_Knights_Files_Lawsuit_Against_Epic.php |archivedate=September 24, 2016}}</ref>

In August 2007, Epic Games [[Counterclaim|counter-sued]] Silicon Knights, alleging the studio was aware when it signed on that certain features of Unreal Engine 3 were still in development and that components would continue to be developed and added as Epic completed work on ''[[Gears of War (video game)|Gears of War]]''. Therefore, in a statement, Epic said that "SK knew when it committed to the licensing agreement that Unreal Engine 3 may not meet its requirements and may not be modified to meet them".<ref name="gamedaily">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/features/mark-rein-epic-games-did-nothing-wrong-silicon-knights-is-stealing/70780/ |title=Mark Rein: Epic Games Did Nothing Wrong; Silicon Knights is Stealing |last=Brightman |first=James |date=August 9, 2007 |website=[[GameDaily]] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071122011316/http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/features/mark-rein-epic-games-did-nothing-wrong-silicon-knights-is-stealing/70780/ |archivedate=November 22, 2007 |deadurl=yes |accessdate=November 9, 2017}}</ref> Additionally, the counter-suit claimed that Silicon Knights had "made unauthorized use of Epic's Licensed Technology" and had "infringed and otherwise violated Epic's intellectual property rights, including Epic's copyrighted works, trade secrets, know how and confidential information" by incorporating Unreal Engine 3 code into its own engine, the Silicon Knights Engine.<ref name="gamedaily"/> Furthermore, Epic asserted the Canadian developer broke the contract when it employed this derivative work in an internal title and a second game with [[Sega]],<ref name="gamesp">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/epic-games-countersues-silicon-knights/1100-6176435/ |title=Epic Games countersues Silicon Knights |last=Sinclair |first=Brendan |date=August 9, 2007 |website=[[GameSpot]] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928180703/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/epic-games-countersues-silicon-knights/1100-6176435/ |archivedate=September 28, 2017 |deadurl=no |accessdate=September 28, 2017}}</ref> a partnership for which it never received a license fee.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7750&Itemid=2 |title=Epic's Motion to Dismiss UE3 Case Denied |last=Graft |first=Kris |date=October 31, 2007 |website=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071103033242/http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7750&Itemid=2 |archivedate=November 3, 2007 |deadurl=yes |accessdate=December 20, 2017}}</ref>

On May 30, 2012, Epic Games defeated Silicon Knights' lawsuit, and won its counter-suit for $4.45 million on grounds of copyright infringement, misappropriation of trade secrets, and breach of contract,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5914326/epic-says-epic-wins-lawsuit-battle-with-silicon-knights |title=Epic Says Epic Has Won Lawsuit Battle With Silicon Knights [UPDATE: Epic Awarded $4.45 Million] |last=Totilo |first=Stephen |date=May 30, 2012 |website=[[Kotaku]] |publisher=[[Gawker Media]] |accessdate=August 24, 2016 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160824092208/http://kotaku.com/5914326/epic-says-epic-wins-lawsuit-battle-with-silicon-knights |archivedate=August 24, 2016}}</ref> an injury award that was later doubled due to prejudgment interest, attorneys' fees and costs.<ref name="vg247"/> Consistent with Epic's counterclaims, the presiding judge, [[James C. Dever III]], stated that Silicon Knights had "deliberately and repeatedly copied thousands of lines of Epic Games' copyrighted code, and then attempted to conceal its wrongdoing by removing Epic Games' copyright notices and by disguising Epic Games' copyrighted code as Silicon Knights' own".<ref name="vg247">{{cite web |url=https://www.vg247.com/2012/11/09/epic-judgment-doubled-silicon-knights-ordered-to-pay-over-9-million/ |title=Epic judgment doubled, Silicon Knights ordered to pay over $9 million |last=Nunneley |first=Stephany |date=November 9, 2012 |website=[[VG247]] |publisher=[[Videogaming247]] |accessdate=August 24, 2016 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808040934/http://www.vg247.com/2012/11/09/epic-judgment-doubled-silicon-knights-ordered-to-pay-over-9-million/ |archivedate=August 8, 2016}}</ref> Dever stated that evidence against Silicon Knights was "overwhelming", as it not only copied functional code but also "non-functional, internal comments Epic Games' programmers had left for themselves".<ref name="vg247"/>

As a result, on November 7, 2012, Silicon Knights was directed by the court to destroy all game code derived from Unreal Engine 3, all information from licensee-restricted areas of Epic's Unreal Engine documentation website, and to permit Epic Games access to the company's servers and other devices to ensure these items have been removed. In addition, the studio was instructed to recall and destroy all unsold retail copies of games built with Unreal Engine 3 code, including ''[[Too Human]]'', ''[[X-Men Destiny]]'', ''The Sandman'', ''The Box''/''Ritualyst'', and ''Siren in the Maelstrom'' (the latter three titles were projects never released, or even officially announced).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://docs.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/north-carolina/ncedce/5:2007cv00275/89570/862 |title=Silicon Knights, Inc. v. Epic Games, Inc. |last=Sawyer |first=D. |date=November 7, 2012 |website=[[Justia]] |accessdate=August 24, 2016 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160904072807/https://docs.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/north-carolina/ncedce/5%3A2007cv00275/89570/862 |archivedate=September 4, 2016}}</ref>

On May 16, 2014, Silicon Knights filed for bankruptcy and a Certificate of Appointment was issued by the office of the [[Superintendent of Bankruptcy]], with Collins Barrow Toronto Limited being appointed as [[trustee in bankruptcy]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.collinsbarrow.com/en/toronto-ontario/silicon-knights-inc |title=Silicon Knights Inc. |last=Wong |first=Brenda |date=May 16, 2014 |website=Collins Barrow |accessdate=August 24, 2016 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410143740/http://www.collinsbarrow.com/en/toronto-ontario/silicon-knights-inc |archivedate=April 10, 2016}}</ref>

== Further reading ==
* {{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/makeunreal/ |title=Blinded By Reality: The True Story Behind the Creation of Unreal |authorlink=Geoff Keighley |last=Keighley |first=Geoffrey |website=[[GameSpot]] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20010519154729/http://www.gamespot.com/features/makeunreal/ |archivedate=May 19, 2001 |deadurl=yes}}
* {{cite web |url=http://features.teamxbox.com/xbox/1199/Everything-You-Wanted-to-Know-About-Unreal/p1/ |title=Everything You Wanted to Know About Unreal |last=Berardini |first=César A. |date=June 30, 2005 |website=[[TeamXbox]] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050703012449/http://features.teamxbox.com/xbox/1199/Everything-You-Wanted-to-Know-About-Unreal/p1/ |archivedate=July 3, 2005 |deadurl=yes}}
* {{cite web |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/the-epic-tradition/ |title=The Epic tradition |last=Porter |first=Will |date=October 26, 2007 |website=[[GamesRadar]]}}
* {{cite web |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/issues/issue_149/4896-Epic-s-Rainmakers |title=Epic's Rainmakers |last=Blancato |first=Joe |date=May 13, 2008 |website=[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]}}
* {{cite web |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/132426/from_the_past_to_the_future_tim_.php |title=From The Past To The Future: Tim Sweeney Talks |last=Edwards |first=Benj |date=May 25, 2009 |website=[[Gamasutra]]}}
* {{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5865951/the-quiet-tinkerer-who-makes-games-beautiful-finally-gets-his-due |title=The Quiet Tinkerer Who Makes Games Beautiful Finally Gets His Due |last=Totilo |first=Stephen |date=December 7, 2011 |website=[[Kotaku]]}}
* {{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2012/10/1/3438196/better-with-age-a-history-of-epic-games |title=Better with age: A history of Epic Games |last=Plante |first=Chris |date=April 2, 2012 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]}}
* {{cite web |url=http://www.develop-online.net/analysis/development-legends-an-unreal-tale/0117701 |title=Development Legends: An Unreal tale |last=Freeman |first=Will |date=August 12, 2013 |website=[[Develop (magazine)|Develop]]}}
* {{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/a/epic-4-0 |title=Their future is Epic: The evolution of a gaming giant |authorlink=Brian Crecente |last=Crecente |first=Brian |date=May 1, 2016 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]}}
* {{cite web |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/06/12/epic-games-company-behind-fortnite-was-founded-by-a-college-kid.html |title='Fortnite' launched battle royale a year ago today — here's how the company behind the billion-dollar game was founded by a college kid|last=Huddleston Jr. |first=Tom |date=August 9, 2018 |website=[[CNBC]]}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Epic Games}}
* {{Official website|https://www.epicgames.com/}}

{{Epic}}
{{Major video game companies}}

[[Category:Epic Games| ]]
[[Category:1991 establishments in Maryland]]
[[Category:American companies established in 1991]]
[[Category:Companies based in Cary, North Carolina]]
[[Category:Potomac, Maryland]]
[[Category:Tencent]]
[[Category:Video game companies established in 1991]]
[[Category:Video game companies of the United States]]
[[Category:Video game development companies]]

Revision as of 23:35, 15 October 2018

Where games are epic

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