The “30% is the industry standard” claim is not even true anymore. Epic currently takes 0% to expand its catalog, though from what I remember, it estimated that it needs to take 7% or so to be profitable. Microsoft takes 12%. Itch allows to adjust. GOG’s fee varies from deal to deal. Ubisoft (and EA) no longer sell third-party games, so they’re out of scope here.

The only way I’ve seen people try to counter this is by referring to the mobile and console store fees, but going by the Epic v. Google trial where the jury was asked to define the market and defined it as Android, there’s just no way that argument would hold water. Still, console manufacturers produce at a loss, so they need to make up for that. In the mobile market, Google is already changing its fee to be 20% or less.

Edit: lawsuit->trial

GOG’s fee is flexible, as are publisher contracts, which have no relevance to the discussion, as it’s in addition to store fees and involves major investments. Google is changing its fee to 20%. Epic’s is currently 0%. Microsoft Store’s is 12%, itch’s is adjustable. In the PC market, Valve is pretty much the main outlier at this point.

Still a win for everyone on Android, as Google would have to keep the platform open until 2032.

Epic used Gemini to power its Darth Vader, so it might be related to AI indeed. To add to that, Epic has introduced an AI chat for Unreal Engine developers, acquired the AI asset tagging tool Loci, and enabled AI for its support system to handle requests before a human operator steps in. I also believe they use AI as a screening tool for its new text chat feature (and maybe its new forums), but I have no proof for this part.

He was on the list, but I couldn’t find him in any of the photos or videos from the event. The CEOs of Nvidia and OpenAI were indeed present and shaking hands though.

Commenting on the very article from the OP, he called the content disgusting.