Lance Whitney
Updated on: October 12, 2024 7:11 pm GMT
Epic Games is set to revolutionize the way game developers access and share digital assets with the launch of its new store, Fab, in mid-October 2024. This unified marketplace promises to streamline processes for creators by integrating various existing platforms into one hub.
A Comprehensive Overview of Fab
Epic Games first introduced the Fab marketplace during the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in 2023. This new platform will consolidate several key services:
- Unreal Engine Marketplace: Offering a variety of game assets specific to Unreal Engine users.
- Quixel: Known for its high-quality 3D assets.
- Sketchfab: While the store will eventually close, it will still allow users to upload and share 3D models.
- ArtStation Marketplace: Migrating to Fab by 2025, while other features of ArtStation will remain available.
Fab aims to provide game developers and creators with a seamless experience while accessing assets needed for their projects, reducing the need to navigate multiple separate platforms.
Strong Revenue Model for Developers
A significant incentive for developers to migrate to Fab is its attractive revenue share model. Here are the key points:
- Revenue Share: Developers will retain 88% of sales revenue.
- Launch Offer: For a limited time, a 100% revenue share will apply until the end of 2024, maximizing profits for early adopters.
This financial structure echoes the benefits seen with the Epic Games Store, reinforcing the company’s commitment to supporting its developer community.
Transitioning to Fab
The transition process has already begun, with Epic inviting established asset creators from Unreal Engine to migrate their products to the Fab Publishing Portal. Key details include:
- Automatic Migration: Assets not manually moved will be pulled over automatically under an Unreal Engine Marketplace License.
- Timeline for New Creators: New creators and publishers can start signing up in early October.
This approach aims to ensure that no assets are left behind, facilitating a smoother transition into the new ecosystem.
Impacts on Existing Platforms
While Fab will replace the Unreal Engine Marketplace immediately, other platforms will see gradual changes:
- Sketchfab: The store will be phased out, but users will maintain access to upload and share models privately or publicly.
- ArtStation: The marketplace will transition to Fab by 2025, preserving portfolios and prints on the existing site.
- Quixel: Assets will be migrated to Fab, but access to free Megascans will end after 2024, resulting in significant changes for users reliant on these resources.
This phased replacement indicates Epic’s plan to ensure creators have clarity and accessibility throughout the transition.
AI Transparency and Security
In an age where digital content is increasingly infused with artificial intelligence (AI), Epic has put measures in place to protect creators’ rights. They have outlined clear policies regarding AI-generated content:
- Disclosure Requirement: Sellers must indicate if their assets were created using generative AI.
- NoAI Tag: Creators can label their assets, ensuring they are not used to train generative AI systems.
- Commitment to Creators: Epic games has pledged not to utilize any creator’s content to train AI models without explicit permission.
These transparency measures aim to build trust within the creator community as they implement new technologies.
Conclusion
The introduction of the Fab marketplace marks a significant evolution for Epic Games and the broader developer community. With its enticing revenue model, streamlined asset access, and commitment to creator rights, Fab could reshape the digital asset landscape. The transition process is underway, and early adopters stand to benefit most from this unified platform. As the industry moves forward, the success of Fab will likely depend on how effectively it meets the needs and concerns of its users.
If you want to stay updated about Fab and its launch, you can check out Epic Games’ official website.
