Featured Image Credit: Epic Games
Topics: Fortnite, Epic Games
Following the arrival of its 39.20 update earlier this week, Fortnite has come under fire for adding third-party microtransactions to a game which is primarily accessed by children.
With the Winterfest event coming to an end, the latest Fortnite update has arrived, allowing players to experience a South Park collaboration alongside brand-new items, a free mini-pass, and more.
However, it was not long before players noticed another new addition following Epic Games recent deal.
On 9 February, Epic Games allowed Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN) creators to use in-game monetisation in some of their third-party games.
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More specifically, it would allow creators to sell items within their games in exchange for V-Bucks.
However, this becomes a problem as V-Bucks can only be accumulated in exchange for real-life money.
Now one game, titled Steal the Brainrot has become Fortnite’s biggest third-party game and even managed to hit over 1 million concurrent players over the weekend.
In this game, players are able to access Steal the Brainrot’s microtransactions, with one example being the “Present Rot” bundle which costs 4,900 V-Bucks.
These purchases will see its developers bag 37% of the proceeds earned (however this has been doubled to 74% for the next 12 months) whilst Epic Games pockets the rest.
However, it has not the “Present Rot” bundle which has caused outrage.
It is a roulette-style wheel that has also been implemented into the third-party game.
For 100 V-Bucks (costing around 1 dollar), players are able to spin a wheel in exchange for in-game effects or cash.
With players referring to this as a “slot machine”, it is understandable why it has caused an uproar as many believe that it is enabling gambling in a game which is primarily marketed towards children.
“Disgraceful. Gambling mechanics in a kid's game crosses every line,” one user shared.
“Who thought this was a good idea?” Another asked.
“There needs to be legislation to stop companies from doing this.”
At the time of writing, Epic Games has yet to release a statement on the situation.
However, players thought changes had been made just last night when the Steal the Brainrot map got delisted thanks to a bug.
That being said, just six hours later it had returned with no changes except its thumbnail.
As of now, Steal the Brainrot, including all of its microtransactions, continue to be accessible in Fortnite with Epic Games still promoting it in its in-game Discover row.