epic games

What Happened

On February 13, 2026, the Epic Games Store will highlight women-led games and acknowledge the contributions of female developers in the gaming industry. This initiative coincides with the celebration of women’s friendships, a tradition popularized by the character Leslie Knope from the television series Parks and Recreation. The move comes amid ongoing discussions about representation in game development.

Additionally, the action-adventure game Blades of Fire, which launched exclusively on the Epic Games Store on May 22, 2025, has announced its upcoming release on Steam alongside a major content update, Blades of Fire 2.0.

Why It Matters

The initiative by Epic Games reflects a growing recognition of the role women play in the gaming industry. According to the 2025 State of the Industry survey by the Game Developers Conference, women and nonbinary developers now represent 32% of the workforce, indicating progress toward gender parity. This spotlight on women-led games serves as both a celebration of achievements and a reminder of the ongoing challenges in achieving full representation.

The announcement of Blades of Fire coming to Steam is significant for players who have been anticipating its release after a year of exclusivity. The accompanying content update promises to enhance the gaming experience, potentially attracting a broader audience.

What’s Next

As the February 13 event approaches, players can expect to see a range of women-led games featured on the Epic Games Store. This initiative may inspire further discussions and actions regarding diversity in the gaming industry. Meanwhile, fans of Blades of Fire can look forward to the Steam release and the new content update, which is expected to bring fresh gameplay elements, although specific details remain undisclosed.