Metro: Exodus & The Epic Store

Okay, so let’s break this down and try to keep it simple. Metro: Exodus, the third game in the Metro series was, until a few days ago, available to pre-purchase upon Steam and at least three other PC digital distributors. But now, within only a few weeks to go until release, the game has been pulled from these stores to become a timed, Epic Store exclusive.

Steam released a statement upon its store page for the game describing this move as ‘unfair’ and it’s been strange to see many people – including game media sites – suggesting this is just ‘sour grapes’ from Steam. But Steam are entirely correct. This move is unfair to consumers and the timing is no coincidence.

The exclusivity deal between Epic and Deep Silver (the publishers of Exodus) did not happen overnight. Pulling the game from rival stores mere weeks prior to release is a cynical ploy to drive desperate, last minute pre-purchases (good for Deep Silver) and to generate publicity for Epic’s growing store.

Epic and Deep Silver claim this move is good for consumers as the increased profit margin of the Epic Store can be passed directly onto consumers in the form of lower prices – $10 lower than Steam. But this only applies if you’re living in the United States. If you’re not, then the price of Exodus on the Epic Store remains the same as it was on Steam or, in some regions – because the Epic Store does not match Steam for regional pricing – more expensive.

How anyone can see this as a good move for consumers absolutely boggles my mind. I don’t expect much from game media these days, but their reporting on this situation is an absolute shambles. They seem to be missing the most important point – this isn’t just about Steam, but the removal of Exodus from all rival stores.

I’ve also seen some people equate this situation to console exclusives, but they’re also missing the point. It’s not about platform exclusivity. It’s about store exclusivity. Console exclusives may be locked to a platform, but the consumer still has a choice from which store to purchase the game. With Exodus, that choice has now gone – you pay what Epic charge or you don’t get the game.

This isn’t competition – it’s a monopoly. At least one of the other distributors was offering Exodus at a lower price than the now ‘consumer friendly’ Epic Store. Consumers can no longer shop around, seeking out more competitive prices or discounts. Trying to spin this situation as being purely about Epic vs Steam is lazy and disingenuous.

If Epic want to compete with other distributors they should try offering not only lower prices but a better service. Instead, they’re using their financial clout to try to force people to use their platform. And let’s not forget Deep Silver, who likely timed this announcement to maximise sales prior to the game being pulled from rival stores.

This move isn’t good for consumers. It’s only good for Epic and Deep Silver and that’s why it sucks balls.