Epic MegaGames
From shareware to Unreal
Tim Sweeney's company that started with shareware games like ZZT and Jazz Jackrabbit, evolved into Epic Games, and created Unreal Engine - one of gaming's biggest success stories.
Overview
Epic MegaGames (now Epic Games) began as Tim Sweeney’s shareware company in 1991, publishing games like ZZT and Jazz Jackrabbit. The company evolved from shareware publisher to engine licensor with Unreal, eventually becoming one of gaming’s largest companies through Unreal Engine licensing and Fortnite. It’s the ultimate shareware-to-AAA success story.
Fast Facts
- Founded: 1991
- Founder: Tim Sweeney
- Location: Maryland → North Carolina
- Original model: Shareware
- Evolution: Engine licensing
- Current: AAA publisher, engine provider
The Shareware Era
Early Epic titles:
| Game | Year | Type |
|---|---|---|
| ZZT | 1991 | Adventure/creator |
| Jill of the Jungle | 1992 | Platformer |
| Epic Pinball | 1993 | Pinball |
| Jazz Jackrabbit | 1994 | Platformer |
| One Must Fall: 2097 | 1994 | Fighting |
ZZT’s Significance
Sweeney’s first game was special:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Game creator | Built-in level editor |
| Community | Thousands of user levels |
| Learning | Taught Sweeney about tools |
| Philosophy | User creation = engagement |
This philosophy would influence Unreal and Fortnite.
The Unreal Transition
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1998 | Unreal released |
| 1999 | Unreal Tournament |
| 1998+ | Unreal Engine licensing begins |
Engine Licensing Model
The new business:
- License Unreal Engine to other developers
- Royalty-based revenue
- Tools as product
- Platform strategy
From MegaGames to Games
Name evolution:
| Era | Name |
|---|---|
| 1991-1999 | Epic MegaGames |
| 1999+ | Epic Games |
| 2017+ | Fortnite-era Epic |
Modern Epic
Today’s company:
- Unreal Engine (industry standard)
- Fortnite (massive success)
- Epic Games Store
- Acquisitions (Psyonix, etc.)
Legacy
Epic’s journey from Tim Sweeney coding ZZT in his parents’ house to running one of gaming’s largest companies encapsulates the shareware dream. The philosophy—give away tools, build community, monetise at scale—proved more durable than anyone imagined.