Epic Games Launches Fab: A Unified Marketplace Amid Controversy

Epic Games has officially launched Fab, a new digital asset marketplace designed to streamline the acquisition of 3D models and development assets. Combining the features of the Unreal Engine Marketplace, Sketchfab Store, Quixel, and the ArtStation Marketplace, Fab aims to create a centralized hub for creators to discover, buy, sell, and share digital content. This move is part of Epic’s broader vision to facilitate asset procurement for game development and potentially foster content creation for an interoperable metaverse in the future. With an 88% revenue share for sales, matching its offering on the Epic Games Store, Fab is poised to become a key player in the digital asset market.

Despite the ambitious goals, the launch has sparked confusion and backlash, particularly among the Sketchfab community. Artists are worried about the migration of their existing content to Fab, fearing that valuable 3D models and assets could be lost in the transition. Concerns have been voiced on platforms like Reddit, where users express apprehension about losing over a decade’s worth of creations if they are not migrated before the removal of download options scheduled for 2025. Bill Clifford, Epic’s Vice President and General Manager for Creator Marketplaces, reassured users that while the Sketchfab Store is being integrated into Fab, the original platform will remain functional, allowing users to upload, view, and share their 3D models.

Clifford emphasized that “we’re definitely not deleting anyone’s content; it’s not ours to delete.” He acknowledged the importance of Sketchfab as a repository for digital collections, especially for cultural heritage institutions. Additionally, Epic has committed to investing in the utility of Sketchfab, stating that the platform will continue to support its core functionalities even as it transitions to Fab. However, a Change.org petition initiated by concerned Sketchfab artists, calling for the preservation of their platform, reflects the discontent within the community. This petition highlights fears that the migration could lead to the loss of over 100,000 3D models crucial for museums and educational institutions, likening the potential loss to “the virtual equivalent of burning the Library of Alexandria.”

The Fab marketplace is designed to be accessible to a wide range of creators, supporting content for various platforms, including Unreal Engine, Unity 3D, and even games like Roblox and Minecraft in future updates. Users will be able to access Fab directly within the Unreal Engine 5 Editor, streamlining the integration of purchased assets into their projects. Epic has also announced plans to incorporate its hyper-realistic MetaHumans into the marketplace, further expanding the offerings available to developers.

While the excitement surrounding the launch is palpable, concerns persist regarding the consolidation of multiple marketplaces into one. Artists fear that decisions driven by profitability could undermine the unique communities that have developed around platforms like Sketchfab and ArtStation. Despite these challenges, Clifford remains optimistic, asserting that the unified Fab marketplace will ultimately benefit both creators and their customers. He believes that this consolidation will introduce a broader audience to creators and enhance the visibility of digital assets, especially as industries beyond gaming increasingly adopt Unreal Engine for applications in automotive, architecture, digital advertising, and virtual production for film and television.

As Epic Games moves forward with Fab, it acknowledges the mixed reactions from the community. The company plans to continue engaging with creators, offering updates and support as it navigates the complexities of this significant transition. While the initial phase of Fab’s launch focuses on integrating affected users, Epic is committed to providing more detailed information as the marketplace evolves. Ultimately, Fab represents a pivotal step in Epic’s efforts to reshape the digital asset landscape, though it remains to be seen how the artist community will adapt to this new unified platform.