Epic Games Releases Redesigned Launcher for Windows, Mac and Linux

Epic Games unveiled a redesigned launcher for Windows, Mac, and Linux, aimed at speeding up access to game libraries and enhancing the overall user experience. The preview, released on October 14, utilizes AI-assisted development to generate code, resulting in a faster, more responsive interface. In benchmark tests, the new launcher achieved a 5.47-second cold start time, compared to Steam's 10.07 seconds, and a 0.36-second return from the background to the library, versus 0.42 seconds.

While the launcher's AI development approach comes with its own challenges, including security considerations, Epic Games is also developing an anti-cheat technology for Linux, called EAC Linux v2. The new launcher includes game pages, search tools, download controls, and customizable features, with support for connecting other PC game libraries and organizing titles into collections.

Users can expect improved performance in terms of finding installed games, monitoring downloads, and switching between titles. However, some social features and account-management options remain unavailable in the early preview. Players should still check individual game compatibility for Linux before installing, as not all games are currently supported on the platform.

The preview is available for download on Epic's Preview website, automatically replacing the legacy launcher on macOS systems with Apple Silicon. Users can expect to carry over their purchased games, installed titles, cloud saves, and progress. Despite the AI-assisted approach, players are encouraged to assess the launcher's performance on their own machines, considering factors such as total delivery time, defects, maintenance effort, and security risks associated with AI coding platforms.