Why Shrek 2 Remastered asks for an Epic account
What the stores actually require
Steam’s feature list says online multiplayer uses Epic Online Services, a third-party account. The Epic Games Store build says an Epic ID is required. PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo use their own online memberships, documented on co-op.
This is the complaint TheGamer and GamesRadar both led with in the first days: people buying a DreamWorks game on Steam were sent to an Epic login. I am describing the store text, not defending it.
| Shop | What it asks for | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Steam | Epic Online Services account for online co-op | Steam store |
| Epic Games Store | Epic ID | Epic store |
| PS5 / Xbox / Switch | That platform’s online membership | Each store |
| Solo story | No Epic line in the Steam online-co-op note | Steam wording |
Grey screen reports
A Steam discussion describes an Epic login that stops on a grey screen. That is one thread. I do not have a support article that names a fix, so I am not publishing steps. The 12 November hotfix thread is about crashes and controllers, not this login. Reviews of the backlash are on review roundup.
Questions
Do I need an Epic account to play the story?
Steam attaches the Epic Online Services account to online co-op. I have no store line that says the campaign itself refuses to boot without one.
Does the Epic store version also ask?
Yes. That page says an Epic ID is required.
Is this the same thing as crossplay?
No. An Epic login on Steam is an account requirement. Crossplay is about which machines can join the same session, and that part is still unconfirmed on consoles.
Sources
- Steam app 2523740 — checked 2026-11-13
- Epic Games Store — checked 2026-11-13
- TheGamer, 11 Nov 2026 — checked 2026-11-13
- GamesRadar, 11 Nov 2026 — checked 2026-11-13
- Steam hotfix thread, 12 Nov 2026 — checked 2026-11-13