Why is epic games launcher so bad

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: The Epic Games Launcher has faced criticism for performance issues, with users reporting high CPU usage up to 30-40% during idle periods in 2020-2021, and slower download speeds compared to competitors like Steam. It launched in December 2018 with a limited feature set, lacking basic functionalities such as user reviews and forums initially. Security concerns arose in 2019 when a vulnerability allowed attackers to hijack accounts via malicious links, though Epic patched it promptly.

Key Facts

Launched in December 2018 as a digital storefront for games like Fortnite
Reported high CPU usage of 30-40% during idle in 2020-2021 updates
Lacked user reviews and forums at launch, adding them gradually by 2020
Security vulnerability in 2019 allowed account hijacking via malicious links
Offers free weekly games, giving away over 350 titles as of 2023

Overview

The Epic Games Launcher is a digital distribution platform developed by Epic Games, primarily known for games like Fortnite. It was released in December 2018 as part of Epic's strategy to compete with established platforms like Steam, offering developers a more favorable revenue split of 88/12 compared to Steam's 70/30. Initially, the launcher focused on exclusivity deals, securing titles such as Borderlands 3 and Metro Exodus to attract users. However, it launched with a minimalist interface and limited features, omitting community elements like user reviews and forums, which were added later in updates. By 2023, it had grown to over 230 million users, driven largely by Fortnite's popularity and free game giveaways, but it has consistently faced user complaints about performance and usability issues since its inception.

How It Works

The Epic Games Launcher operates as a client application for Windows and macOS, allowing users to browse, purchase, and play games. It uses a backend infrastructure built on Epic's Unreal Engine technology, integrating with the Epic Online Services for features like friends lists and achievements. The launcher manages game installations through a download manager that has been criticized for slower speeds and inefficient resource usage, such as high CPU consumption during idle states. Updates are delivered via a patching system that sometimes requires full re-downloads of games, unlike Steam's delta updates. Security mechanisms include two-factor authentication, but vulnerabilities in the past have exposed accounts to risks like phishing attacks. The platform also supports cross-play for titles like Fortnite, enabling multiplayer across different devices.

Why It Matters

The Epic Games Launcher matters because it challenges industry norms by offering developers better revenue shares, which can influence game pricing and availability. Its exclusivity deals have sparked debates about consumer choice and market competition, affecting how players access new releases. Performance issues impact daily life for gamers, causing frustration with slow downloads and system resource drains, which can hinder gaming experiences on lower-end PCs. The launcher's free game promotions, giving away over 350 titles as of 2023, provide significant value to users but also drive platform adoption. Overall, it represents a shift in digital distribution, balancing innovation with user-centric flaws that highlight the trade-offs in tech development.