The following list of games, organized by publisher, are ones I've found with a prior listing or stated intent to release on specific digital PC stores, but then either launched on other third-party PC stores instead, or moved to another third-party store following a release. These are the exclusives listed here, sometimes referred to as "bait-and-switch".
Several games below have been said to be timed exclusives and may release or have released on previously planned stores following a set period. Some may also release simultaneously or sooner on additional stores before the originally announced ones.
Click game names to open an external page indicating evidence of prior intent (such as store listing archive, changelog, crowdfunding page, or related). Clicking game names under Potential Exclusives will link to the current store page or related page instead.
Icon-bulleted lists under games hold additional details. Small text directly next to the game title indicates the developer for anything not self-published. Dates are in year/month/day format.
Updated 2023/2/28
* General info
> Originally announced/listed stores
= Shared "exclusive" stores (anything before release on original stores)
‼ Upcoming un-exclusive date
✔ No longer exclusive
✕ Pulled from exclusive stores before release on original stores
$ Appears/confirmed to not release on original stores later ("lifetime" exclusive)
? Reason for possible exclusive
Epic Games Store
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1336 Studios
Gridiron
Initial release: 2020/7/23
Pull date: 2023/2/22(?)
Scheduled EGS release: ?
Previously: Steam
During Steam period: Released as early access free-to-play before becoming limited alpha test for "reformatting"
Moving to EGS, claiming enhanced cross-platform support through store, despite EOS being able to function on other PC platforms
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2K
Tiny Tina's Wonderlands Gearbox Software
Initial release: 2022/3/25
Previously: Steam
Released on Steam 2022/6/23, 90 days after EGS
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505 Games
Control Remedy Entertainment
Initial release: 2019/8/27
Previously: Steam
Released on Steam 2020/8/27, 366 days after EGS
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Annapurna Interactive
Ashen A44
Initial release: 2018/12/7
Previously: Steam, GOG
Shared: Windows 10 Store
Released on Steam/GOG 2019/12/9, 367 days after EGS
Outer Wilds Mobius Digital
Initial release: 2019/5/30
Previously: Steam
Released on Steam 2020/6/18, 385 days after EGS
Not to be confused with The Outer Worlds, which was also exclusive
Wattam Funomena
Initial release: 2019/12/17
Previously: Steam
Released on Steam 2020/12/18, 367 days after EGS
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Antstream Ltd
Antstream Arcade
EGS release: 2021/11/18
Previously: Steam
Claims Epic processed application faster despite having Steam page up with release date set as late as 6/11/2021 and missed for months prior
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Aspyr Media
MythForce Beamdog
Early access release: 2022/4/20
Previously: Steam
Developer purchased by Aspyr shortly after exclusive game announcement from developer
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Awaceb
Tchia
Estimated release: 2023
Previously: Steam, Stadia
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Balancing Monkey Games
Before We Leave
Initial release: 2020/5/8
Previously: Steam
Released on Steam 2021/5/13, 370 days after EGS
Steam listing hidden for some time during exclusive period before returning
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Big Blue Bubble
Foregone
Early access release: 2020/2/27
Previously: Steam
Released on Steam 2021/3/1, 368 days after EGS
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Big Sugar
Unexplored 2: The Wayfarer's Legacy Ludomotion
Early access release: 2021/5/20
Previously: Steam
Released on Steam 2022/5/27, 372 days after EGS
Offered backer refunds on Fig
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Brace Yourself Games
Industries of Titan
Early access release: 2020/4/14
Previously: Steam
Early access released on Steam 2021/6/21, 433 days after EGS
Phantom Brigade
Early access release: 2020/11/16
Previously: Steam
Released on Steam 2023/2/28, 834 days after EGS
Early access exclusive originally stated for 1 year, claimed full release will be on Steam simultaneously
Released demo on Steam during exclusive early access period
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Coffee Stain Studios/Publishing
Huntdown Easy Trigger Games
Initial release: 2020/5/12
Previously: Steam
Released on Steam 2021/5/12, 365 days after EGS
Closed beta held on Steam
Satisfactory
Early access release: 2019/3/18
Previously: Steam
Early access released on Steam 2020/6/8, 448 days after EGS
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Curve Digital
A Knight's Quest Sky 9 Games
Initial release: 2019/10/10
Previously: Steam
Game data prepared for release on Steam, but not released
Possible "lifetime" exclusive due to hidden Steam listing
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Deep Silver
Metro Exodus 4A Games
Initial release: 2019/2/15
Previously: Steam
Shared: Windows Store (4 month delay), Stadia
Returned to Steam 2020/2/15, 365 days after EGS
Pulled during pre-orders but still honored prior Steam purchases
Saints Row (2022) Volition
Initial release: 2022/8/23
Previously: Steam
Game save folders include Steam directory structure, with app ID 742420 found in database
Shenmue III YS Net
Initial release: 2019/11/19
Previously: Steam
Released on Steam/GOG 2020/11/19, 366 days after EGS
Eventually offered backer refunds or alternative rewards following exclusive announcement
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Devolver Digital
Observation No Code
Initial release: 2019/5/21
Previously: Steam, GOG
Released on Steam/GOG 2020/5/21, 366 days after EGS
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Epic Games Publishing formerly Irregular Corporation
RAILGRADE
Initial release: 2022/9/29
Previously: Steam
Demo previously made available on Steam
Now published directly by Epic from Irregular Corporation takeover
Touch Type Tale Pumpernickel Studio
Estimated release: ?
Previously: Steam
Now published directly by Epic from Irregular Corporation takeover
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Eremite Games
Against the Storm
Early access release: 2021/10/18
Early access released on Steam 2022/11/1, 379 days after EGS
Previously: Steam, GOG
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Fig Publishing, Inc.
What The Golf? Triband/The Label
Initial release: 2019/10/1
Previously: Steam
Shared: Apple Arcade
Released on Steam 2020/10/22, 387 days after EGS
May have offered Steam keys specifically to backers
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FJRD Interactive
Among Trees
Early access release: 2020/6/13
Previously: Steam
Released on Steam 2021/11/20, 525 days after EGS
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Focus Home Interactive
World War Z Saber Interactive
Initial release: 2019/4/16
Previously: Steam
Released on Steam 2021/9/21, 889 days after EGS
Former "lifetime" exclusive, found in document DX-4361 from Epic Games v. Apple
Enhanced version "Aftermath" released later on multiple PC stores simultaneously, following exclusive period of base game
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Gala Games
Grit Team Grit
Initial release: ?
Previously: Steam
Early access release delayed repeatedly, self-published until blockchain-tied publisher took over
Blockchain integration planned, which violates current Steam policy
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The GD Studio
Diabotical
Initial release: 2020/9/3
Previously: Steam
Offered backer refunds or alternative rewards
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Glumberland
Ooblets
Early access release: 2020/7/15
Previously: Steam
Criticized for attitude in blog post announcement "We did the thing"
"Lifetime" exclusive, found in document DX-4361 from Epic Games v. Apple
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Gwen Frey
Kine
Initial release: 2019/10/17
Previously: Steam
Shared: Stadia
Released on Steam 2020/10/19, 368 days after EGS
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Hello Games
The Last Campfire
Initial release: 2020/8/27
Previously: Steam
Shared: Apple Arcade
Released on Steam 2021/10/7, 406 days after EGS
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Iceberg Interactive
The Sojourn
Initial release: 2019/9/20
Previously: Steam
Released on Steam/GOG 2020/9/29, 375 days after EGS
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Jagex Ltd.
Space Punks Flying Wild Hog
Early access release: 2021/7/14
Previously: Steam
Entry sharing game name and genre found prior to EGS early access in Steam database under working title "K1", referenced in game files of live version
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Klei Entertainment
Griftlands
Early access release: 2019/7/11
Previously: Steam
Early access released on Steam 2020/6/14, 339 days after EGS
Announced as early access 1-year exclusive, supported cross-buy between Steam and EGS during exclusive period
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Mad Dog Games, LLC
Ghostbusters: The Video Game Remastered Saber Interactive (original: Terminal Reality)
Initial release: 2019/10/4 (original: 2009/6/16)
Previously: Steam
Released on Steam 2020/11/17, 410 days after EGS
Previously available in original non-remastered form until 2017/2/6
Remaster given away free prior to Steam release
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Mediatonic now subsidiary of Epic
Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout (formerly published by Devolver Digital before developer buyout)
Initial release: 2020/8/4
Pull date/EGS release: 2022/6/21
Previously: Steam
During Steam period: developer bought by Epic through parent company, move possibly previously indicated in Epic Games v. Apple, Epic accounts required
Moved to free-to-play model on EGS, Epic account required to play starting 2021/11/30 and pulled completely on EGS release
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Nacon formerly Bigben Interactive
Bee Simulator Varsav Game Studios
Initial release: 2019/11/14
Previously: Steam
Released on Steam 2020/11/17, 369 days after EGS
OVERPASS Zordix Racing
Initial release: 2020/2/27
Previously: Steam
Released on Steam 2021/3/16, 383 days after EGS
Not to be confused with the similarly named Overpass (from Studio Bean) which is not EGS exclusive
Paranoia: Happiness is Mandatory Black Shamrock, Cyanide Studio
Initial release: 2019/11/14
Previously: Steam
Pulled from sale on EGS but Steam page still up with unspecified release date, due to publisher pushing unfinished version for release and subsequently falling under takedown request from IP holders
The Sinking City Frogwares (now self-published elsewhere)
Initial release: 2019/6/27
Previously: Steam, GOG
Current Steam listing released 2021/2/26, 610 days after EGS
Pulled from sale under publisher listings before exclusivity period ended, due to contract breach by publisher
Game in full updated version now self-published, available directly or through Origin or GamesPlanet, this version currently not on any previously announced or released stores
Briefly reappeared on Steam 2021/1/5 as self-published before being pulled from sale again by order of Nacon the same day
Reappeared a second time on Steam 2021/2/26 as outdated version published by Nacon and unsanctioned by developers, later pulled 2021/3/2 following developer action
Returned on Steam a third time, still under Nacon, briefly active 2021/6/18 then up since 2021/6/25, still same outdated version with removed DLC
WRC 8 FIA World Rally Championship KT Racing
Initial release: 2019/9/5
Previously: Steam
Released on Steam 2020/9/8, 369 days after EGS
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Nearga
Voidtrain
Early access release: 2021/8/12
Previously: Steam
Released demo on Steam during exclusive early access period
-
Night School Studio
Afterparty
Initial release: 2019/10/29
Previously: Steam
Released on Steam/GOG 2020/10/22, 359 days after EGS
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Panic
Untitled Goose Game House House
Initial release: 2019/9/20
Previously: Steam
Released on Steam/itch.io 2020/9/23, 369 days after EGS
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Paper Cult
Bloodroots
Initial release: 2020/2/28
Previously: Steam
Released on Steam/GOG 2021/3/12, 378 days after EGS
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Paradox Interactive
Surviving the Aftermath
Early access release: 2019/10/19
Previously: Steam
Early access released on Steam 2020/10/22, 369 days after EGS
Early access 1-year exclusive
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Pillow Castle
Superliminal
Initial release: 2019/11/12
Previously: Steam
Released on Steam 2020/11/5, 359 days after EGS
Most likely had plans to hold or held beta test through Steam
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Piranha Games
Mechwarrior 5: Mercenaries
Initial release: 2019/12/10
Previously: Steam
Shared: Windows Store (5 month delay)
Released on Steam 2021/5/27, 534 days after EGS
Offered refunds for pre-orders made prior to exclusivity
Steam version published by Sold Out
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Playstack
Mortal Shell Cold Symmetry
Initial release: 2020/8/18
Previously: Steam
Released on Steam 2021/8/18, 365 days after EGS
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Private Division
Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey Panache Digital Games
Initial release: 2019/8/27
Previously: Steam
Released on Steam 2020/8/27, 366 days after EGS
The Outer Worlds Obsidian Entertainment
Initial release: 2019/10/25
Previously: Steam
Shared: Windows Store
Released on Steam/GOG 2020/10/23, 364 days after EGS
Not to be confused with Outer Wilds, which was also exclusive
-
Proletariat Inc.
Spellbreak
Alpha test: 2019/2/12
Full release: 2020/9/3
Previously: Steam
Released on Steam 2020/12/15, 103 days after EGS full release
Multiplayer game due to shut down in 2023 following Blizzard acquisition to be absorbed into World of Warcraft machine
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Psyonix now subsidiary of Epic
Rocket League
Initial release: 2015/7/7
Pull date/EGS release: 2020/9/23
Previously: Steam
Psyonix acquired by Epic, later dropped support for Mac and Linux to focus on Windows only during Steam period
Moved to free-to-play model on EGS, Epic account required to play starting 2020/9/16 and pulled completely on EGS release
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Ragnarok Game, LLC
Rune II Human Head Studios (former), Studio 369
Initial release: 2019/11/12
Previously: Steam
Released on Steam 2020/11/13, 367 days after EGS
Changed names multiple times from Rune, Rune: Ragnarok, etc., Human Head Studios defunct and absorbed into Bethesda-owned Roundhouse Studios immediately following release
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Riot Games
League of Legends
Initial release: 2009/10/27
Steam release/pull date: ~2010?
EGS release: 2021/11/4
Previously: Steam
Available through Steam as paid premium package briefly circa 2010, moved exclusively to independent launcher in free-to-play format afterward
Possible "lifetime" exclusive due to hidden Steam listing
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Sega
Sonic Colors Ultimate
Initial release: 2021/9/7
Previously: Steam
Released on Steam 2023/2/6, 517 days after EGS
Site previously advertised Steam release while announced as EGS exclusive, implying last-minute change
Total War Saga: Troy Creative Assembly
Initial release: 2020/8/13
Previously: Steam
Released on Steam 2021/9/2, 385 days after EGS
Free at launch on EGS
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Skybound Games
The Walking Dead: Season 1 (+ 400 Days) Telltale Games (former)
The Walking Dead: Season 2 Telltale Games (former)
The Walking Dead: Michonne Telltale Games (former)
The Walking Dead: A New Frontier Telltale Games (former)
The Walking Dead: The Final Season Telltale Games (former)
Pull date: 2018/11/15
Previously: Steam (all above), GOG (some above)
Shared: Windows Store (Definitive Collection)
(All TWD games before Final Season) Pulled after Telltale closure, returned as part of Definitive Collection on EGS
(Final Season) Available until Telltale closure mid-season, moved to EGS after Skybound takeover but existing Steam owners received remaining episodes
(All above) Returned to Steam 2020/1/22, 433 days after pulling
(All above) Returned/released on GOG 2020/5/11, 543 days after pulling
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Snapshot Games
Phoenix Point
Initial release: 2019/12/3
Previously: Steam, GOG
Shared: Windows Store (16 day delay)
Released on Steam/GOG 2020/12/3, 366 days after EGS
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Square Enix
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
Initial release: 2021/12/16
Previously: Steam
Released on Steam 2022/6/17, 183 days after EGS
Steam test app found in database updated up until near EGS announcement, Steamworks files found in release version pointing to app entry
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Team17 Digital Ltd.
Genesis Alpha One Radiation Blue
Initial release: 2019/1/29
Previously: Steam, GOG
Released on Steam/GOG 2020/2/25, 392 days after EGS
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Team Meat
Super Meat Boy Forever
Initial release: 2020/12/23
Previously: Steam
Released on Steam 2022/1/10, 383 days after EGS
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tinyBuild
Rawmen Animal
Estimated release: ?
Previously: Steam
Playtest previously scheduled on Steam
Startup Panic Algo Rocks
Initial release: 2020/12/3
Previously: itch.io
Demo previously available on itch.io, now only on EGS
Released on Steam 2022/1/20, no mention of return to itch.io
Totally Reliable Delivery Service We're Five Games
Initial release: 2020/4/1
Previously: Steam
Released on Steam 2021/4/1, 365 days after EGS
Open beta previously available on Steam, free at launch on EGS
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Tripwire Interactive
Maneater Blindside Interactive
Initial release: 2020/5/22
Previously: Steam
Released on Steam 2021/5/25, 368 days after EGS
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Ubisoft
Anno 1800 Blue Byte
Initial release: 2019/4/16
Previously: Steam
Shared: Uplay
Released on Steam 2022/12/8, 1332 days after EGS
Pulled following pre-order period, honored prior Steam purchases, sold DLC on Steam for existing owners while game itself not sold
OddBallers Game Swing (formerly self-published)
Initial release: 2023/1/26
Previously: Steam
Shared: Uplay, Luna
Held alpha testing through Steam
Tom Clancy's The Division 2 Massive Entertainment
Initial release: 2019/3/15
Previously: Steam
Shared: Uplay, Stadia
Released on Steam 2023/1/12, 1399 days after EGS
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Vblank Entertainment, Inc.
Shakedown: Hawaii
Initial release: 2019/5/7
Previously: Steam
Released on Steam 2020/10/20, 532 days after EGS
Previously claimed Steam release in August 2020, but delayed for a content update
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Versus Evil
Cardpocalypse Gambrinous
Initial release: 2019/9/19
Previously: Steam
Shared: Apple Arcade
Released on Steam 2020/10/12, 389 days after EGS
Yaga Breadcrumbs Interactive
Initial release: 2019/11/12
Previously: Steam
Shared: Apple Arcade
Released on Steam 2021/1/12, 427 days after EGS
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The Wandering Band LLC
Airborne Kingdom
Initial release: 2020/12/17
Previously: Steam
Released on Steam 2022/3/7, 445 days after EGS
Despite previous "lifetime" deal on EGS when self-published, console version publisher Freedom Games published Steam version
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William Chyr Studio
Manifold Garden
Initial release: 2019/10/18
Previously: Steam
Shared: Apple Arcade
Released on Steam/itch.io 2020/10/20, 368 days after EGS
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Yager
The Cycle
Early access release: 2019/8/19
Previously: Steam
Released on Steam 2022/6/8, 1024 days after EGS
Relaunched version subtitled "Frontier" released on multiple PC stores simultaneously
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Zen Studios
Operencia: The Stolen Sun
Initial release: 2019/3/8
Previously: Steam, GOG
Released on Steam/GOG 2020/3/31, 389 days after EGS
Google Stadia Exclusives
Stadia service shut down 2023/1/18
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Funktronic Labs
Wave Break
Initial release: 2020/6/23
Previously: Steam
Released on Steam 2021/6/11, 353 days after Stadia
Closed alpha held on Steam
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HandyGames
One Hand Clapping Bad Dream Games
Early access release: 2020/7/14
Previously: Steam, itch.io
Early access released on Steam 2021/7/10, 361 days after Stadia
Early access exclusive, initial "demo" previously hosted on itch.io, developer page on itch.io now appears abandoned
Spitlings Massive Miniteam
Initial release: 2020/2/25
Previously: Steam
Released on Steam 2020/8/4, 161 days after Stadia
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Modus Games
Lost Words: Beyond the Page Sketchbook Games, Fourth State
Initial release: 2020/3/27
Previously: Steam
Released on Steam 2021/4/6, 375 days after Stadia
Demo made available on Steam following Stadia launch
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Sega
Judgement Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
Initial release: 2021/4/23
Previously: Steam
Released on Steam 2022/9/14, 509 days after Stadia
Mention in site code for Stadia logo called it a Steam logo, implying last-minute change
Series avoidance of PC may have been result of talent agency dispute regarding likenesses on PC
Apple Arcade Exclusives
-
34BigThings
Redout: Space Assault
Initial release: 2019/10/6
Previously: Steam
Released on Steam 2021/1/22, 474 days after AA
-
Revolution Software Ltd
Beyond A Steel Sky
Initial release: 2020/6/26
Previously: Steam
Released on Steam 2020/7/16, 20 days after AA
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Serenity Forge
Neversong Atmos Games
Initial release: 2020/5/1
Previously: Steam, GOG, itch.io
Released on Steam/GOG/itch.io 2020/5/20, 19 days after AA
Formerly Once Upon A Coma, Steam beta keys revoked and game delayed prior to becoming exclusive
-
Versus Evil
HitchHiker - A Mystery Game Mad About Pandas
Initial release: 2021/3/26
Previously: Steam
Released on Steam 2021/4/15, 20 days after AA
Windows Store Exclusives
-
Cococucumber
Echo Generation
Initial release: 2021/10/21
Previously: Steam
Xbox platform timed exclusive, on Game Pass at launch but since removed
Possible Steam release in 2023
Facebook Oculus Exclusives
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Cyan Worlds, Inc.
Myst
Initial release: 2020/12/10
Previously: Steam
Released on Steam 8/26/2021, 259 days after FB
Specifically a VR-capable remake of the original (may not be VR-capable via Windows Store version)
Potential Exclusives (no final word yet)
-
Good Luck Games, LLC
Storybook Brawl
Potentially affected: Steam
Acquisition by crypto-focused company leading to potential plans to integrate blockchain transactions, which would violate current Steam policy
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Panic
Nour: Play with Your Food Terrifying Jellyfish
Potentially affected: Steam
Publisher has sent other recent games to exclusivity
-
Ore LLC
Ira Act 1: Pilgrimage
Potentially affected: Steam
Steam keys promised in Kickstarter but previous possible interest in exclusive deal, stating a grant from Epic does not enforce exclusivity
Formerly just Ira
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tinyBuild
Totally Reliable Adventure Party We're Five Games
Potentially affected: Steam
Publisher has sent other recent games to exclusivity, particularly a similarly-named one from the same developers
-
Ubisoft
Skull & Bones
Potentially affected: Steam
Publisher is returning to selling games on Steam but still sending newer releases to exclusivity
(Back to... whatever that Epic page was)
(Or just go to main site page)
There are 92 exclusive games on this list:
81 Epic + 5 Stadia + 4 Apple Arcade + 1 Windows Store + 1 Oculus
Additionally, 5 noted may become exclusive.
Some are shared between the stores, but are counted here in top-down order.
Out of the above exclusives, 71 games have since released on at least one of the original stores, following exclusivity periods.
Submit any corrections or additions with proof to sonickitsune on protonmail.
A game can be on this list if it has had stated intent to release (even as little as a store logo in a trailer or website) or a live listing on a store (may be archived if it was delisted), but delayed or removed in favor of others.
This list can also include games that are "remastered" with the original pulled from sale, games previously available that move to another store entirely, or games found to have any prior presence on a store it did not release on, even for testing.
This does not include games initially only a generic "PC" listing before final store-specific announcements, exclusivity revealed alongside the game itself, or PC ports of existing other platform games being revealed alongside the exclusive announcement. This also does not include console exclusivity. For the purpose of this list, cloud platforms count as PC-accessible.
This list, started in May of 2019, is composed of independently gathered and researched information, from multiple sources, about the above games related to exclusivity store-switching deals to the best of my knowledge, and the decision of what to do with this information is entirely the responsibility of the user. The purpose of this list is to provide a living record of previous and ongoing events related to the subject for the sake of transparency and consumer information.