epic games

Founded in 1991, Epic has long been a pioneer of cool PC games, new business models, and boundary-defining game technologies. Epic was founded by Tim Sweeney (Jill of the Jungle, Unreal), and joined shortly after by Mark Rein (VP of Marketing), James Schmalz (Epic Pinball, Extreme Pinball, Unreal), and Cliff Bleszinski (Jazz Jackrabbit, Unreal).

Along with Apogee and id Software, Epic was one of the three companies that pioneered shareware games and turned online distribution into a viable business model. Epic's hit shareware releases included Jazz Jackrabbit, One Must Fall, and Epic Pinball, released in 1994. Epic released Extreme Pinball and FireFight in retail through Electronic Arts in 1996.

Early Unreal research began in mid-1994 and continued on until the complete development team was formed, the title was signed with GT Interactive, and full development begain in early 1996. Unreal has defined the leading edge of 3D technology, introducing to the genre such new features as fully dynamic lighting, volumetric and atmospheric lighting, what-you-see-is-what-you-get development tools, a next-generation scripting language, and extraordinary customizability.

The Backstage of Epic Games:

CliffyCam

Watch Game Designer Cliff Bleszinski live while he works on Game Design, as well as Epic's upcoming projects.

Developer's Journal

Wonder what the developers behind Unreal Tournament do all day, other than work on their games? Wonder just how they make games? Find out in the latest edition of Developer's Journal.

Interviews

If you have a question, the developers have probably already been asked it and have answered it in one of these interviews.

Unreal Technology

Take a look inside of the 3D Engine Technology, as well as look at some of the games in development that are utilizing it.

About Epic Games

Corporate Headquarters

Cary, North Carolina

Founded in 1991, Epic Games is an American company founded by CEO Tim Sweeney. The company is headquartered in Cary, North Carolina and has more than 40 offices worldwide. Today Epic is a leading interactive entertainment company and provider of 3D engine technology. Epic operates Fortnite, one of the world’s largest games with over 350 million accounts and 2.5 billion friend connections. Epic also develops Unreal Engine, which powers the world’s leading games and is also adopted across industries such as film and television, architecture, automotive, manufacturing, and simulation. Through Unreal Engine, Epic Games Store, and Epic Online Services, Epic provides an end-to-end digital ecosystem for developers and creators to build, distribute, and operate games and other content.