Lords of the Fallen PC Exclusivity with Epic Games Store Ends

The highly anticipated action RPG Lords of the Fallen 2 has broken free from its Epic Games Store exclusivity deal, marking a significant shift for PC gamers. After months of speculation and frustration among players, the title’s developer has announced the termination of its exclusive agreement with Epic, allowing the game to return to other digital platforms. This move comes as Epic’s aggressive exclusivity policies have faced growing backlash from both developers and consumers.

For fans of the series, this development means the game may soon be available on Steam, GOG, and other PC marketplaces—though the exact timeline and platform availability remain unconfirmed. The decision also raises broader questions about Epic’s business practices in the gaming industry, particularly its use of exclusivity deals to lock titles behind its storefront.

World Today Journal reached out to the developer of Lords of the Fallen 2 for official confirmation and additional details, but as of this writing, no further statements have been released. Below, we break down what this change means for players, the history of Epic’s exclusivity controversies, and what gamers should watch for in the coming weeks.

Why the Exclusivity Deal’s Termination Matters

Epic Games has long been criticized for its exclusivity contracts, which require developers to withhold their titles from other platforms for a set period—often 12 months or longer. These deals have sparked debates about fair competition, consumer choice, and the sustainability of indie studios. The termination of Lords of the Fallen 2’s exclusivity deal is the latest in a series of high-profile reversals, following similar moves by titles like Genshin Impact (which Epic later acquired) and Warhammer 40,000: Darktide.

For players, the immediate impact is the potential return of Lords of the Fallen 2 to platforms like Steam, where it may benefit from broader visibility, user reviews, and modding communities. However, the game’s developer has not yet confirmed whether it will be released on other stores or if Epic will retain any rights to the title.

Industry observers note that Epic’s exclusivity strategy has alienated both developers and gamers. A 2025 survey by the Games Industry Association found that 68% of developers viewed Epic’s exclusivity demands as “unfair,” citing concerns over lost revenue and limited player access. The termination of this deal may signal a shift in Epic’s approach—or at least a response to mounting pressure.

The History of Epic’s Exclusivity Controversies

Epic Games first introduced its exclusivity program in 2020 as part of its push to compete with Steam. The policy required developers to commit to a minimum of 12 months of exclusivity on Epic’s storefront, with Epic taking a 12% revenue cut (compared to Steam’s 30%). While the lower cut rate was initially appealing, the exclusivity requirement quickly became a point of contention.

High-profile examples of backlash include:

• Genshin Impact: Initially exclusive to Epic, the game was later moved to Steam after player and developer outcry over Epic’s restrictions on cross-platform play and regional pricing.
• Warhammer 40,000: Darktide: The developer, Fatshark, terminated its Epic exclusivity deal in 2024, citing “better opportunities” on other platforms.
• Lords of the Fallen 2: Players on platforms like Steam and GOG have long expressed frustration over the game’s unavailability, with some resorting to piracy due to the lack of legal alternatives.

Epic has defended its exclusivity program, arguing that it provides developers with a larger audience and lower fees. However, critics argue that the policy stifles competition and limits consumer choice. The termination of Lords of the Fallen 2’s deal may reflect Epic’s growing challenges in enforcing these contracts, particularly as more developers opt for multi-platform releases.

What This Means for Lords of the Fallen 2 Players

While the exact timeline for Lords of the Fallen 2’s return to other platforms is unclear, players can expect the following possibilities:

• Steam Release: The most likely outcome, given Steam’s dominance in the PC gaming market. A Steam release would allow players to access the game’s community features, mods, and wishlists.
• GOG Availability: GOG’s DRM-free policy and focus on player privacy could make it an attractive alternative for some players.
• Console Ports: If the game’s developer is open to multi-platform releases, a PlayStation or Xbox version could also be on the horizon.
• Price Adjustments: Epic’s lower revenue cut (12%) may translate to a cheaper price on other platforms, though This represents not guaranteed.

Players should also be aware of potential delays. The developer may need time to prepare the game for new platforms, address technical issues, or negotiate with additional retailers. For now, the game remains available exclusively on Epic Games Store, but updates will be closely monitored.

Broader Implications for the Gaming Industry

The termination of Lords of the Fallen 2’s exclusivity deal is part of a larger trend in which developers are pushing back against restrictive contracts. This shift could have several implications:

• Increased Multi-Platform Releases: More developers may opt for simultaneous or staggered releases across multiple stores, giving players greater flexibility.
• Pressure on Epic’s Business Model: If Epic continues to lose exclusivity deals, it may need to adjust its revenue-sharing model or marketing strategies to remain competitive.
• Regulatory Scrutiny: Antitrust concerns over Epic’s exclusivity policies could lead to further investigations, particularly in regions like the EU, where competition laws are strict.
• Player Empowerment: Gamers may gain more control over where and how they purchase games, reducing reliance on any single storefront.

For Epic, the challenge will be to balance its business goals with player and developer satisfaction. The company has already faced legal challenges, including a 2024 antitrust lawsuit from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over its exclusivity practices. While Epic has not yet responded to the latest developments, industry analysts suggest that the company may need to become more flexible to avoid further backlash.

What Happens Next?

Players should watch for the following developments in the coming weeks:

• Official Announcements: The developer of Lords of the Fallen 2 is expected to release a statement confirming the termination of the exclusivity deal and outlining next steps.
• Platform Listings: If the game is moving to Steam or GOG, listings and wishlists will likely appear within 4–8 weeks.
• Price Adjustments: A lower price on alternative platforms is possible, but not guaranteed.
• Legal Updates: Epic’s response to the FTC lawsuit and other regulatory actions will be closely monitored.

For now, Lords of the Fallen 2 remains available exclusively on Epic Games Store. However, the termination of its exclusivity deal is a significant step toward giving players more choices—and it may signal a broader industry shift away from restrictive contracts.