Category 6 software profiles
Games, Game Engines & Gaming Platforms
Game engines, PC gaming storefronts and the multiplayer games that define them.
Games are some of the most technically demanding software ever built, combining real-time 3D rendering, physics, networking and live online services that run around the clock. Behind the games themselves sit engines that other studios license and digital storefronts that distribute, update and sell games to hundreds of millions of players.
This category covers both layers: platforms like Steam and the Epic Games Store, the Unreal Engine used across games, film and architecture, and long-running free-to-play titles such as Fortnite, Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2 whose business models rely on cosmetic items, seasonal passes and in-game economies rather than a single purchase.
Games & Game Engines: software on SoftwareLore
- Counter-Strike 2Valve’s free-to-play tactical team shooter and esports mainstay Valve 2023 Free-to-play
- Dota 2Valve’s free-to-play MOBA and the game behind The International Valve 2013 Free-to-play
- Epic Games StoreEpic’s PC and mobile game store, known for its weekly free games Epic Games 2018 Free
- FortniteEpic Games’ free-to-play battle royale and platform for player-made games Epic Games 2017 Free-to-play
- SteamValve’s PC gaming store, launcher and community platform Valve 2003 Free
- Unreal EngineEpic Games’ real-time 3D engine for games, film and visualization Epic Games 1998 Usage-based
Who makes Games, Game Engines & Gaming Platforms?
What to look for
Questions worth answering before choosing a tool in this category.
- 01
Genre and platforms
Engines differ in their strengths for high-end 3D, mobile and 2D games. Match the engine to the target platforms and the visual quality a project needs.
- 02
Licensing terms
Some engines charge royalties above a revenue threshold, others charge per seat or nothing at all. Model costs at the revenue a game might realistically earn.
- 03
Storefront economics
PC storefronts differ in revenue share, discovery features, community tools and exclusivity deals. Many developers release on several stores at once.
- 04
Community and talent
Large engine communities mean more tutorials, marketplace assets and experienced developers to hire, which can shorten development time considerably.
Games & Game Engines: frequently asked questions
What is a game engine?
A game engine is a software framework that provides the core systems a game needs, such as rendering, physics, audio, animation, input and networking, so developers can focus on gameplay and content. Studios either license a commercial engine such as Unreal Engine or build their own.
How do free-to-play games make money?
Free-to-play games cost nothing to download and earn revenue from optional purchases, such as cosmetic skins, seasonal battle passes and in-game currency. Games like Fortnite, Dota 2 and Counter-Strike 2 rely heavily on cosmetic items rather than charging for the game itself.
What is the difference between Steam and the Epic Games Store?
Both are PC game storefronts and launchers. Steam, run by Valve since 2003, is the larger and older platform, with extensive community features and user reviews. The Epic Games Store, launched in 2018, takes a smaller share of developer revenue and regularly gives away free games.
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