Epic Games, formerly known as Epic MegaGames and also known as Epic , is a computer game developer company based in Raleigh, North Carolina, United States.

Founded in 1991 by Tim Sweeney (game developer) in Rockville, Maryland, Epic Games released its flagship product, ZZT , the same year. Gradually, the Epic brand grew with the advent of its shareware games, including Epic Pinball , Jill of the Jungle and Jazz Jackrabbit (game) . During this time, they also published and sold games developed by other developers, including XLand s Robbo, Heartlight, and Electro Man; and Renaissance s Zone 66.

In 1998, Epic Games released Unreal , its first 3D computer graphics first-person shooter, which expanded into a series of Unreal series. The company also began to license the core technology, or Unreal engine, used for the series to other game developers. In 1999, the company changed its name to Epic Games and moved its offices, including its Rockville headquarters, to Raleigh. Subsequently came the Unreal Tournament series. At present, the company is working on the Xbox 360 title Gears of War , as well as Unreal Tournament 2007 for the PC.

Designers at Epic Games include the aformentioned Lead Programmer Tim Sweeney (game developer) and Games Industry Celebrity and Level Designer Cliff Bleszinski.

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