Tim Sweeney says new multiplayer games fail because players stick with friends

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney argues many new multiplayer titles struggle because players have already formed networks in established live‑service games. "Users have already formed solid human networks in Fortnite, Call of Duty, Counter-Strike, and Apex Legends; there is no reason to leave friends behind and go to a new game alone," he said.

He added that "users tend to enjoy games with their actual friend groups, and it is nearly impossible to move that entire group of friends from an existing game to a completely new one." "Only the massive mega-hits that appear once every few years succeed in this community migration," Sweeney continued.

Sweeney acknowledged there are "many complex factors" behind game failures, citing exorbitant budgets and development cycles that have become "too long." The article also notes that seasons, paid battle passes, and microtransactions can make players feel invested in a particular live‑service title and less willing to switch.

tim sweeney, epic games, multiplayer, live service, fortnite, counter-strike, apex legends, friend networks, battle passes, microtransactions