Epic Provides a Public Statement About Misinformation and Abuse After Ooblets Exclusive Deal

Recently, the indie title Ooblets became an Epic Games Exclusive. The announcement made by the developer Glumberland regarding this was negatively received. This due to the developer's open statement that resulted in hateful and threatening messages. Epic decided to respond to the abuse and misinformation with a public message.

In the official statement, Epic explains that they're attempting to build a healthy and competitive "multi-store for the future". But with the Ooblets recent decision to become an Epic Games Exclusive has created a disturbing trend of "false information, including fake screenshots, videos, and technical analysis, accompanied by harassment of partners, promotion of hateful themes, and intimidation of those with opposing views" according to Epic.

We at Epic Games have often shared our views about the game business and companies in it, and we support the entire game community’s right to speak freely and critically about these topics, including the topic of Epic, our products, and our store. When everyone shares their earnest views, the best ideas ultimately prevail.

The announcement of Ooblets highlighted a disturbing trend which is growing and undermining healthy public discourse, and that’s the coordinated and deliberate creation and promotion of false information, including fake screenshots, videos, and technical analysis, accompanied by harassment of partners, promotion of hateful themes, and intimidation of those with opposing views.

Epic is working together with many game developers and other partners to build what we believe will be a healthier and more competitive multi-store world for the future. We remain fully committed, and we will steadfastly support our partners throughout these challenges. Many thanks to all of you that continue to promote and advocate for healthy, truthful discussion about the games business and stand up to all manners of abuse.

There's an argument for both sides. Epic's focus on obtaining exclusive deals with AAA and indie titles have many PC gamers vexed but at the same time, developers have expressed annoyance with Valve's Steam. Citing Valve's platform being oversaturated with asset flips and steep revenue splits. With, according to PC Gamer, many indie developers are finding more success on the Nintendo Switch than Steam. Valve does need a competitor but for many, the Epic Games Store is more of a nuisance than an answer. However, harassment is never the way to go but maybe Glumberland could've broken the news in a more humble way.

Adam Siddiqui, NoobFeed
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