Epic Games Store is wrapping up 2024 with one of the most anticipated campaigns for digital game enthusiasts. Between December 12, 2024, and January 9, 2025, the platform is giving away 16 games for free, combining daily engagement with irresistible offers. This initiative, which has become a tradition on the gaming calendar, is accompanied by significant discounts on various titles and a cashback program to make purchases even more attractive.
The event kicked off with a major highlight: “The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria”, a survival game set in the iconic Middle-earth universe, which was available for free for a week, until December 19. After that, Epic began its daily reveal of mystery games, keeping the gaming community in suspense and encouraging constant visits to the store. The pattern from previous years repeats, with promises that the best titles will be released on strategic dates such as Christmas and New Year.
Epic Games’ annual promotion is not only a gift to gamers but also a powerful tool for consolidating its presence in the digital game distribution market. By offering high-profile titles at no cost, the company attracts new users and strengthens the loyalty of its existing base, challenging long-established competitors and fostering healthy competition in the sector.
Expanding a winning strategy
Since its creation, the Epic Games Store has invested in bold strategies to capture attention and establish its brand. The free game program, launched in 2019, was one of the most revolutionary actions in this market, offering users access to titles such as “GTA V” and “Civilization VI” at no cost. These events boosted platform traffic, with millions of downloads recorded during the promotions.
The games offered are not limited to indie or low-budget titles. Every year, Epic expands its selection, including games from major developers. For example, in 2023, the promotion featured “Death Stranding” and “Horizon Zero Dawn,” demonstrating the company’s willingness to invest heavily to attract new users. This approach has allowed the store to achieve an average annual growth of 35% in its active user base, according to internal reports.
Free games and expected highlights
The complete list of this year’s games is still shrouded in mystery, but the first few days have already revealed some surprises. After “Return to Moria,” Epic released hits like “Surviving Mars” and “The Witness,” games that blend entertainment with intellectual challenges. The gaming community speculates that major titles, such as “Assassin’s Creed Valhalla” or “Red Dead Redemption 2,” may appear on the promotion’s most symbolic dates, such as December 24 or 25.
- Confirmed highlights:
- The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria – Available from December 12 to December 19.
- The Witness – Released as a mystery game on December 20.
- Surviving Mars – Another title added on December 21.
This selection reinforces Epic Games’ commitment to offering a diverse experience, catering to audiences with different tastes and preferences.
Cashback and attractive discounts
In addition to the free games, Epic Games Store is offering up to 35% off selected titles. Among the discounted games, “Star Wars: Outlaws” and “Dragon Age: The Veilguard” stand out as irresistible options for those looking to save. Another novelty this year is the increased cashback for purchases made during the event, which went from 5% to 10%, providing users with even more benefits.
This cashback increase reflects a clear strategy by Epic Games: encouraging game purchases directly on the platform, reducing reliance on competitors like Steam and PlayStation Store. Market data indicates that promotions with high cashback rates increase sales by up to 20%, making this an effective action for both consumers and the company.
Historical curiosities and impacts
The success of Epic Games’ year-end promotions has roots in a strategy that combines aggressive marketing with consumer behavior analysis. By offering free games, the company not only attracts new users but also encourages the habit of accessing the platform daily, creating an engagement cycle that benefits everyone involved.
Interestingly, the first big success of this strategy was in 2020 when “GTA V” was offered for free. The game generated such an expressive increase in platform traffic that servers became unstable during the promotion’s initial hours. Since then, Epic has been improving its infrastructure to handle the surge in access during these events.
Testimonials from the gaming community
The gaming community has responded positively to these promotions, with players sharing stories of building robust game libraries without spending a dime. “I never thought I would have access to so many amazing games for free. Epic really changed the way I see the digital games market,” said Lucas Pereira, a strategy game enthusiast and one of the millions who benefited from the campaign.
Other players highlight the social impact of these actions, allowing people with limited budgets to access premium experiences. “With game prices so high, these promotions are an incredible way to democratize access to the best titles on the market,” commented Ana Clara Santos, a student and RPG fan.
Economic and social importance
In addition to benefiting players, Epic Games’ promotions have significant economic impact. It is estimated that the discounts and free games generate an average 25% increase in the platform’s daily traffic during the promotional period. This not only strengthens the company’s brand but also creates opportunities for developers, who receive royalties for the free copies distributed.
From a social perspective, these promotions play an important role in digital inclusion, allowing people from various regions and social classes to access quality games. In countries where game prices are prohibitive, events like Epic Games’ offer an accessible and fun alternative for the public.
How to make the most of the promotion
To make the most of the promotion, players should access Epic Games Store daily, claim the free games within the 24-hour period, and explore the available discounts. It’s important to remember that each game is available for free for only one day, encouraging users to return to the platform regularly.
Timeline and event details
- December 12, 2024: Promotion begins with “The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria.”
- December 19, 2024: Start of daily mystery game releases.
- December 24-25, 2024: Expectation of high-impact titles.
- January 9, 2025: Event ends.
Statistical data and market figures
- Epic Games Store recorded a 40% increase in downloads during previous promotions.
- Events like this generate up to 30% more traffic compared to normal periods.
- Higher cashback attracted 15% more users for purchases on the store in 2023.
Without predictions or reflections, Epic Games Store’s event reaffirms its importance in the digital gaming market, offering concrete benefits to players and developers. These year-end promotions represent a milestone in gamers’ calendars, combining entertainment, savings, and digital inclusion in a unique and highly anticipated initiative.
