Epic steps in after Fortnite gambling style controversy
Epic Games has moved quickly to clamp down on a new form of gambling like monetization that appeared in Fortnite shortly after it opened the door to in island purchases. The change comes after a surge of criticism aimed at one of the platform's most popular creator made games, Steal the Brainrot.
On January 9 Epic updated its rules to allow Fortnite island creators to sell items directly inside their experiences. The goal was to make Fortnite feel more like Roblox, where user made games can be fully monetized with in game purchases.
It did not take long for someone to push that freedom to the limit. Steal the Brainrot, already one of the largest third party Fortnite games, added two aggressive monetization systems:
- A premium Present Rot bundle costing 4,900 V Bucks which is roughly equal to a 5,000 V Bucks pack priced at 37 dollars
- A virtual prize wheel that players could spin for in game effects or small amounts of in game currency at 100 V Bucks per spin
That prize wheel is what really set off alarms across the community. Many players and creators saw it as straight up gambling dressed up as Fortnite content and they were especially worried because Steal the Brainrot clearly targets a younger audience.
Fortnite content partner Moon summed up the concern on X by saying that the most popular UEFN game had effectively become a gambling game aimed at kids who do not know any better. The fear is that children would burn through thousands of V Bucks for only a chance at better items and get caught in an addictive loop whenever they find maps with that kind of mechanic.
The new rule: No monetized prize wheels
In response Epic announced an immediate rule update that goes live on January 20. The company posted the change on X and in the Fortnite Creative subreddit and also updated its official developer documentation so creators cannot miss it.
The new rule is simple and very direct. Developers are told:
Do not offer any in island transactions that directly or indirectly influence prize wheels in any way. For example, you must not offer as an in island transaction a spin or increased luck for a prize wheel.
Epic then provides clear examples of what is no longer allowed in any Fortnite island:
- A luck boost that improves the outcome of a prize wheel
- Any in game item that can be used to buy a spin on a prize wheel
- Any paid spin on a prize wheel whether it is a single spin, an extra spin, or a bundle of spins
Although Epic never mentions Steal the Brainrot by name, the timing and wording make the target obvious. The rule essentially bans the exact monetization mechanics that game just introduced. Other islands that might use similar wheels are also covered, but Brainrot is the biggest and the one under the brightest spotlight.
Brian Sharon, senior communications manager at Epic, told PC Gamer that the company will continually review developer practices and update its ecosystem rules as needed. That signals that Epic is ready to intervene whenever a creator monetization idea crosses a line, especially around kids and gambling like behavior.
What this means for Fortnite players and creators
For regular Fortnite players this rule change is mostly good news. If you enjoy hopping through different islands you will be less likely to stumble into maps that pressure you to pay for spins or luck boosts on random prize wheels. You might still see cosmetic items, battle passes, or straightforward in game purchases, but the casino style mechanics tied to real money should disappear.
For parents who let their kids play Fortnite this move is even more important. Prize wheels with paid spins can feel harmless on the surface yet they work almost exactly like slot machines. When they are tied to a premium currency like V Bucks it becomes very easy for kids to keep spending for that one perfect drop. Removing monetized wheels reduces the risk of massive surprise bills and addictive spending habits.
For creators the update is a reminder that Fortnite's new monetization freedom has limits. Epic clearly wants a thriving creator economy built on islands and custom experiences, but it also has to protect its younger audience and avoid the legal and ethical problems that come with gambling mechanics.
Creators who were planning on using random reward systems now need to design them more carefully. Free spins and random drops are still part of many games, but the moment you tie those to paid spins or increased luck in Fortnite you are breaking the rules. Instead, creators will likely lean toward:
- Direct purchase of items, boosts, or cosmetics with clear pricing
- Progression systems where rewards are earned through play rather than chance
- Battle pass style unlocks that give predictable rewards over time
This change is also part of a bigger industry wide conversation. Many modern games use loot boxes, gacha mechanics, and other random reward systems. Governments in different countries have already started regulating those features, especially when they involve minors. By cutting off monetized prize wheels in Fortnite islands this early Epic may be trying to stay ahead of potential legal trouble while keeping its platform more parent friendly.
Overall the new rule does not shut down monetization in Fortnite creator made games, but it draws a clear line around gambling style systems. As Fortnite continues to evolve into a full platform of user made experiences, expect Epic to keep tweaking the rules to balance creator freedom with player safety and long term trust.
Original article and image: https://www.pcgamer.com/games/battle-royale/fortnite-bans-paid-prize-wheels-in-third-party-games-just-days-after-steal-the-brainrot-started-selling-them/
