When Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout hit the gaming scene back in August 2020, it was an instant phenomenon. With its vibrant visuals, chaotic and hilarious physics-based gameplay, and unique blend of platforming and battle royale elements, the indie title soared to mainstream success. Originally launched on Steam and PlayStation 4, the game quickly amassed a massive player base. But, as of June 21, 2022, players noticed a significant change—Fall Guys was no longer available for download on Steam for new users. So, what happened? Why would such a popular game disappear from one of the largest PC gaming platforms?
To understand why Fall Guys is no longer on Steam for new players, we need to explore the game’s acquisition by a major corporation, shifts in platform strategy, and the broader impact of the free-to-play transition. Here’s everything you need to know.
Contents
The Epic Games Acquisition
In March 2021, Epic Games, the company behind Fortnite and the Unreal Engine, acquired Mediatonic, the British developer of Fall Guys. This acquisition marked a turning point for the game’s future, although Epic reassured fans that the game would remain available on Steam for existing players. Epic’s involvement, however, was a harbinger of more significant changes to come.
This wasn’t Epic’s first foray into purchasing successful franchises and studios. Epic had already shown a pattern of centralizing game distribution through its own ecosystem, the Epic Games Store (EGS), which it had been aggressively promoting since 2018. By acquiring games with established player bases, Epic strove to attract more users to its storefront and compete directly with Steam.
Transition to Free-to-Play
On June 21, 2022, Fall Guys shifted to a free-to-play model—a move that aligned strongly with Epic’s modus operandi. Fortnite, Epic’s flagship title, had great success with this strategy, generating significant revenue through in-game purchases and cosmetics. Applying the same model to Fall Guys made financial sense and opened the door for cross-platform support, extended player reach, and continuous engagement.
Alongside this transition, the game was also officially released on more platforms:
- Nintendo Switch
- Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S
- PlayStation 5 (with enhancements)
- Windows via the Epic Games Store
Notably absent from this list for new installs was Steam. Players who already owned the game on Steam could continue playing, receive updates, and access the same content as everyone else. However, new players were redirected exclusively to the Epic Games Store.
Why Remove It from Steam?
The removal was not technically a “ban” from Steam—it was a deliberate and strategic maneuver. There are several critical reasons behind this decision:
1. Driving Traffic to Epic’s Ecosystem
By making Fall Guys exclusive to the Epic Games Store for new downloads, Epic accomplished a key business goal: drawing players into its own environment. The company has long aimed to erode Steam’s market dominance, offering developers better revenue splits and actively securing exclusives, either temporarily or permanently.
2. Unified Backend Systems
The transition to Epic’s infrastructure allowed Mediatonic to implement features such as:
- Cross-progression: Players could now carry their progress between platforms.
- Cross-play: Users on PS, Xbox, PC, and Switch could all play together.
These features required integration with Epic Online Services, which function natively in the Epic ecosystem. Keeping the game on multiple backends would have created complexities and inefficiencies, especially with account management and matchmaking.
3. Monetization Control
Going free-to-play meant that revenue would primarily be generated through microtransactions like skins, battle passes, and costumes. The Epic Games Store grants more control over how these in-game purchases are handled, whereas Steam has stricter guidelines and takes a 30% cut of most revenue, which may deter larger-scale monetization plans.
What Does This Mean for Steam Users?
If you already own Fall Guys on Steam, there’s no need to worry. According to Mediatonic and Epic:
- The game will remain fully functional on Steam for existing users.
- Updates and new content will roll out on Steam simultaneously with other platforms.
- Cross-platform features will work for Steam users as long as they link to an Epic Games account.
The only limitation is that new users cannot download it via Steam anymore. Instead, they will need to use the Epic Games Store even if they’re playing on PC. This change has not affected gameplay or in-game content for legacy users.
Community Reactions
The removal of Fall Guys from Steam was met with mixed reactions. While many players appreciated the free-to-play model and the influx of new users, others criticized the forced migration to Epic Games’ launcher. Steam loyalists argued that Steam’s interface, library management, and community features like achievements and the Workshop offer a richer experience.
Moreover, some felt that the move signaled a worrying trend toward platform exclusivity, which goes against the broader push in gaming toward openness and accessibility.
The Bigger Picture: Platform Wars and Exclusive Releases
Fall Guys is just one of several games pulled from Steam post-acquisition. Similar phenomena occurred with titles like Rocket League, which also transitioned to free-to-play under Epic’s wing and was eventually removed for new users on Steam. This pattern shows how Epic’s acquisition strategy is not just about content but audience migration.
In some respects, this is mirroring the console wars of old, where exclusiveness was a weapon. Today, digital platforms on PC are playing the same game, and users are caught in the middle.
What’s Next for Fall Guys?
Despite the platform shift, Fall Guys continues to evolve. New seasons, frequent events, and fresh cosmetics help maintain high engagement. The game also benefits from Epic’s massive engineering resources and expertise in building global infrastructure. For example, match servers have improved, and the user interface has seen notable polish since the transition.
Whether players love or loathe the move, there’s no denying that Fall Guys remains relevant, and its future will be closely tied to Epic’s strategic ambitions. If you’re a new player looking to dive into its adorably chaotic obstacle courses, the Epic Games Store awaits.
Conclusion
The removal of Fall Guys from Steam represents more than just a distribution change—it’s a case study in modern digital platform strategy. From a business standpoint, Epic has tightened its grip on a valuable title while expanding its user base. For gamers, the shift may be a minor nuisance or a major deal-breaker, depending on personal preferences for where and how to play.
In the end, Fall Guys remains as fun and frantic as ever. Whether you’re bouncing between giant foam hammers or diving toward the finish line, the game’s whimsical charm endures. The only difference is where you need to go to join the party.