Epic Games

Epic Games is an American video game and interactive 3D technology company headquartered in Cary, North Carolina. Founded by Tim Sweeney in 1991 as Potomac Computer Systems, the company became Epic MegaGames in 1992 and adopted the Epic Games name following its move to Cary in 1999.

The studio’s early releases included ZZT, Jazz Jackrabbit, and Epic Pinball. In 1998, Epic introduced Unreal and the first Unreal Engine, establishing a technology foundation that now supports games and interactive work across entertainment and commercial sectors.

Games and technology

Epic develops and publishes games while building tools and services for developers, creators, and players. Its work includes:

• Fortnite, including Fortnite Battle Royale, LEGO Fortnite, Rocket Racing, and Fortnite Festival
• The Unreal series and Unreal Engine
• The original Gears of War franchise
• The Infinity Blade trilogy, Robo Recall, ZZT, Jazz Jackrabbit, and Epic Pinball
• The Epic Games Store, Epic Online Services, and Fab

Unreal Engine 5 is used in video games as well as virtual production, automotive design, architecture, engineering, construction, simulation, and defense training. Epic’s capabilities span real-time 3D engine architecture, cross-platform development, live-service operations, online gaming services, digital distribution, virtual production, digital human technology, and photogrammetry.

Platform ecosystem

Epic expanded from game development into an interactive entertainment and technology platform, launching the Epic Games Store in 2018 and building Epic Online Services for cross-platform multiplayer infrastructure. Through acquisitions, it has incorporated technologies and marketplace capabilities associated with 3Lateral, RAD Game Tools, Quixel, Capturing Reality, Sketchfab, and Meshcapade, while bringing digital content marketplaces together under Fab.

The privately held company remains led by founder and CEO Tim Sweeney. Its global operations support game development, publishing, developer relations, engine licensing, and enterprise technology adoption.