Tim Sweeney says only hope for new games is to ‘connect to economies of other games’
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has proposed that the video game industry connect the virtual economies of different games to help new titles compete against market-dominating juggernauts.
Sweeney argued that player concentration in massive games like Fortnite, Roblox, and PUBG Mobile creates an insurmountable barrier for newcomers. He invoked Metcalfe’s Law—the principle that network value increases with each additional user—to explain why established games with large player bases maintain such a powerful competitive advantage.
Under Sweeney’s proposed model, games would share interconnected virtual economies, allowing players to earn items in one title and transfer them to others. This approach would theoretically encourage players to explore new games while maintaining their existing social connections and purchases. “I think that can really reinvigorate the market if people are constantly looking to new games and sources of new items that they can earn everywhere and be able to really easily move together with their friends,” Sweeney told IGN.
The proposal reflects ongoing industry discussions about breaking the dominance of established live-service titles. By enabling cross-game economy features and item portability, Sweeney suggests the gaming industry could create meaningful incentives for players to try emerging titles without abandoning their existing investments or communities, ultimately fostering a more dynamic and competitive market.