EVERYTHING
According to Pcgamer, Epic Games is planning a massive overhaul of its launcher software to rectify performance bottlenecks that have frustrated users for years. The initiative appears to be a direct response to the platform's perceived lack of polish compared to industry leaders like Steam.
Significant performance benchmarks
The upcoming update promises drastic improvements in how the application handles initial launches and system tray interactions. Data revealed during an Unreal Fest presentation suggests that the new architecture will provide a 5x faster average cold start for the software. Additionally, users can expect the transition from the system tray back to the main library to become approximately 6.5x faster on average.
These technical improvements are intended to solve specific pain points for power users who maintain extensive game collections. Currently, many users report significant lag when navigating large libraries, a problem that the new ground-up rebuild aims to eliminate by optimizing how the launcher handles data requests and UI rendering.
New features and community integration
Beyond raw speed, the redesign introduces several quality-of-life features designed to mirror the successful layout of Steam. The goal is to create a more cohesive environment where players can find information without leaving the primary interface. Key additions include:
- Personalized game recommendations on the home page based on user behavior.
- Quick-access categories to facilitate easier single-page browsing.
- Tailored product detail pages featuring community stories and player progression.
- Integrated patch notes directly on the storefront for every title.
- Written player reviews and customizable profiles with unique avatars.
- Support for Xbox and PlayStation controllers across the platform.
A shift toward a user-centric design
The overhaul also includes logistical updates such as cross-region game gifting, publisher-funded coupons, and a dedicated tool to check hardware compatibility before purchase. By incorporating these elements, Epic Games is attempting to transition the launcher from a simple distribution tool into a comprehensive gaming hub. While the platform still has a significant gap to close to reach Steam's level of dominance, these changes indicate a serious commitment to improving the daily experience for PC gamers.