I’m really indifferent here. As a PC Gamer i accept, that many companys nowadays want to roll their own. I’m fine with that. I install Battle.net, Origin, Epic, Steam. No Problem. None run at startup if i don’t want it and get started when needed. I don’t see the benefit, but fine by me.
Making your game exclusive in a store that isn’t your own is bad though. Also, Epic “buying” those exclusive rights is not fine by me either. I too have nothing against steam competition, if they would actually compete and be incentivised to deliver a better experience. But that’s not the case.
In this specific case, I’ll be holding out and see what my friends got to say. We’ve waited 7 years for this. So, if they decide they want to play it at launch, I’m probably joining in. Just because it’s probably a great multiplayer. I hope they can wait till April 2020 though…