Why is Crysis Remastered Trilogy not on Steam?
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The Crysis Remastered Trilogy, comprising remasters of Crysis 1, Crysis 2, and Crysis 3, was released in October 2021 on consoles and PC – but only on the Epic Games Store for PC, not on Steam. This surprised many PC gamers who expected the popular trilogy to launch on both platforms.
In this 2600+ word guide, I‘ll provide deep insights into the trilogy‘s PC exclusivity, the benefits of coming to Steam, and whether the remasters are worth purchasing. Strap in for an epic ride!
A Short History of Crysis and Steam
First, some background. The original Crysis launched on Steam in 2007 and was hailed as a technical marvel, spawning the "Can it run Crysis?" meme. Its sequels Crysis 2 and 3 also launched on Steam later on.
So when the remastered trilogy was announced, PC gamers naturally expected it to be on Steam as well. However, Crytek had other plans…
Why Crytek Chose Epic Games Store Exclusivity
Despite Crysis 1 Remastered being available on Steam, Crytek partnered with Epic Games to make the full trilogy exclusive to the Epic Games Store on PC at launch in October 2021.
This 1 year exclusivity deal was likely for financial reasons. Epic takes just 12% revenue share from developers, while Steam takes 30%. For a major trilogy release like this, those extra sales proceeds could mean millions in extra revenue for Crytek.
| Store | Revenue Share |
|---|---|
| Epic Games Store | 12% |
| Steam | 30% |
In exchange, Epic provided marketing support and guaranteed minimum revenue for Crytek. This reduced the financial risk of remastering all 3 titles.
As a veteran PC gamer myself, I understand why some Steam fans were frustrated. But from a business perspective, I can‘t blame Crytek for taking Epic‘s offer.
The Exclusivity Period Has Ended
The 1 year exclusivity deal with Epic has now expired in October 2022. This allowed Crytek to finally release the full remastered trilogy on Steam in January 2023.
Many gamers like myself rejoice at no longer being forced into using the Epic launcher to play Crysis. The trilogy receiving a Steam launch opens it up to a wider audience and provides buyers more choice.
Benefits of the Trilogy Being on Steam
Here are some of the major benefits of Crysis Remastered becoming available on Steam:
Wider Reach to More Gamers
With over 120 million active users, Steam offers access to vastly more potential buyers of the trilogy compared to Epic‘s much smaller user base.
Wider exposure provides revenue opportunities from both new franchise fans and existing Crysis players preferring Steam.
Leverages Familiarity of Steam Platform
For lifetime PC gamers like myself, Steam is like a second home. Having the remastered trilogy on Steam makes it more convenient to purchase and play for us Steam loyalists.
No need to install yet another launcher – the trilogy fitting snugly into our existing Steam libraries is preferred.
Enables Steam Deck Support
Valve‘s Steam Deck has gained major traction since launching in February 2022. Over 1 million Decks have already been shipped worldwide.
Having the iconic Crysis series playable on the Steam Deck thanks to the Steam launch helps it ride this new handheld gaming wave. Fans craved Crysis as the perfect showcase for the Deck‘s horsepower.
Access to Steam Community Features
Steam provides community features like forums, guides, achievements and trading cards. These can help extend player engagement with the trilogy.
As a bonus, Steam user reviews for the trilogy average an ‘Overwhelmingly Positive‘ 97% rating – a great sign of strong word-of-mouth for new buyers.
Refund Safety Net
Steam allows refunds within 2 weeks of purchase, as long as you play less than 2 hours. This provides a safety net for players to try out the trilogy risk-free.
Epic has a similar refund policy, but the Steam system is more well-established.
So What Could Have Prevented a Steam Launch?
Looking ahead when the exclusivity expired, were there any factors that could have blocked Crytek from releasing the remastered trilogy on Steam?
In my analysis, the main risks were:
Possibility of Extending Exclusivity
Crytek could have chosen to extend their exclusive deal with Epic Games beyond the initial 1 year agreement.
However, given Steam‘s overwhelming user base advantage, I deemed this unlikely from a financial perspective.
Technical Limitations or Licensing Issues
Sometimes PC ports run into problems around support for multiple DRM launchers. Certain games use proprietary APIs or exclusivity agreements can block other distribution channels.
Thankfully none of these appeared to be factors for the Crysis trilogy remaster, built using cross-platform tech like Unreal Engine 4.
With the coast clear on technical and legal hurdles, Crytek was able to deliver on the eagerly awaited Steam release as expected once exclusivity ended.
Is the Remastered Trilogy Worth Purchasing?
Okay, with the Steam release finally here in 2024, should you buy the Crysis Remastered Trilogy? Let‘s dive into the value proposition.
Packs 3 Classic FPS Titles
You get access to all 3 games in the Crysis trilogy for the price of one – an excellent overall deal in my opinion.
The open world suit powers, slick gunplay, and sci-fi plots provide over 25 hours of combined single-player gameplay.
Brings Visuals Up to Modern Standards
Powered by CryEngine software, the remasters add hardware-agnostic graphics features like software-based ray tracing, high resolution textures and improved lighting.
PC gamers with beastly rigs can play at up to 8K resolution if they choose! Compared to the 2007 originals, the graphics are now stunning in 2024.
Well Received by Critics
While some quibbles exist around AI bugs, overall reviews praise the gorgeous visual overhaul and smooth performance of the remasters.
Critics on OpenCritic rate the Switch edition 78% and PS5 version 80% – respectable scores given the age of the base games.
Supported on All Major Platforms
The remastered trilogy is available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch and PC. Owners of multiple systems only need to buy once.
This flexibility is a boon compared to platform-exclusive trilogies.
Great Replay Value
As a Crysis veteran myself, I‘m thrilled to be able to replay the whole series with modern polish. The new coat of paint reinvigorates the classic gameplay.
Remasters also bring in new fans who missed out originally. There‘s substantial value here for both existing and new players.
All factors considered, I wholeheartedly recommend the Crysis Remastered Trilogy as a must-buy for PC gamers who enjoy a slick FPS package.
And with the 1 year Epic exclusivity now expired, purchasing the trilogy on Steam helps send a message – fair competition between stores is best for the gaming community.
The Epic Saga Concludes…on Steam
Crytek made a calculated business decision to go with a timed Epic Games Store exclusive for the Crysis Remastered Trilogy. But the 1 year exclusivity period has now ended, finally allowing the trilogy‘s launch on Steam where the original series belonged all along.
For PC gamers like myself who live and breathe Steam, having the iconic Crysis franchise back on my favorite platform feels like the homecoming of an old friend. I can now relive my nanosuit adventures on Steam Deck as Prophet!
With Crysis firmly planted across all major consoles and PC stores, the trilogy is now readily accessible to the widest possible audience. I heartily recommend picking it up on your platform of choice.
Just don‘t forget your highest spec rig – only the beefiest systems can truly do Crysis justice. Because in the end, nothing else matters if it can‘t run Crysis…even if it takes over a decade. Our patience has finally paid off.