That's their goal. "You'll own nothing and be happy."

this here is the real issue.

It wasn't pulled from Steam. A development company consisting of three people that put out a popular mobile game 15+ years ago got an opportunity they wouldn't otherwise have had to create a sequel and took it. They published on (shockedpikachuface) their publishers platform, as well as Nintendo consoles and their own website for people who don't like Epic. I doubt Allan, Kyle and Kyle would have had the funds or skill to do this on their own.

The epic hate is tiresome. It sounds like they functioned as a publisher here, providing long term funding of development prior to release. The game isn't exclusive and has no DRM, I see no downside to this. Stop hopping on bandwagons of hate and enjoy your games people.