Epic Games launches Core, a Roblox-like gaming platform

The Core gaming platform arrived today (15) on the Epic Games Store. With a proposal similar to Roblox, the application is free and works as a virtual world in which it is possible to develop, share and play online games with other people. In addition, creators can include microtransactions in published titles and earn money. For now, Core is in the early access phase on PCs and still doesn't have a release date for the final version.

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Core is a gaming platform from Epic Games (Image: Handout/Epic Games)

Developed by Manticore Games, Core allows anyone to create their own games on the platform using Epic Games' Unreal Engine — the same engine as Fortnite. Once created, the game can be shared and accessed by other users freely within a shared virtual world.

The platform has been in alpha testing since March 2020, but was released to everyone on Thursday (15). Core already has more than 20 games created, including team shooters, platformers, puzzles, RPGs, among others.

The idea of ​​Manticore Games is to facilitate not only the development of games, but also their monetization. In addition to making several pre-programmed Unreal Engine elements available on the platform, such as buildings, objects, sounds and animations, the company promises that you don't need to know how to program to produce a game in Core.

Creators can use these features of the graphics engine as they wish. During development, it will be possible to create cosmetic items or even monthly subscription systems for the games, which can be sold in microtransactions for real money. According to Manticore Games, game owners will receive 50% of the amount raised in Core.

Core game development (Image: Disclosure/Epic Games)

Core game creators will be able to earn money
Core works very similarly to Dreams, another game development platform available on PS4. However, the Epic Games app allows creators to earn money from their titles. This strategy is more similar to the one seen in Roblox, in which it is also possible to profit from the games created.

In the case of Roblox, the developer does not pay the creators directly. To earn money, producers must include microtransactions within their games for Robux, the platform's virtual currency. When a user buys an item, the amount of Robux is transferred to the game owner, who can exchange the resource for real money.

It is important to say that it is not so simple to make money with Roblox. Only members of the DevEx program can include microtransactions in games. In addition, you must comply with various tax obligations to exchange Robux. The rules and requirements to become a DevEx are on the platform's official website.

Epic Games has yet to detail the monetization processes for games published on Core. The company, however, has already said that creators will receive half of the profit they make from microtransactions. The rest of the money will be split between Epic and Manticore Games.

Roblox (Image: Disclosure / Roblox)

Epic Games will compete with Roblox in the market
Core's strategy is to participate in a market that currently has no competition. The Roblox company debuted on the New York Stock Exchange in March this year and surpassed US$45 billion in market value on the same day. By comparison, Epic Games is valued at “only” $253 billion.

With the arrival of Core, it is possible that some independent developers will migrate platforms due to the Unreal Engine. The graphics engine is used by major studios and is present in several recent games, such as Fortnite, Final Fantasy VII Remake, Gears 5 and Valorant.

The advantage of Roblox, however, is its availability on platforms other than PCs, such as Android and iPhone (iOS) phones and Xbox consoles. For now, Core is only on the Epic Games Store on computers.