Fortnite, the widely popular online gaming platform, is increasing the price of its in-game currency, a move triggered by the mounting costs associated with running the game amid ongoing antitrust battles involving its parent company, Epic Games, and tech giants Google and Apple. The adjustment in pricing, announced on March 10 through the game’s website, aims to offset the rising operational expenses of Fortnite.
While the core game remains free to access, Fortnite generates revenue through in-game transactions, particularly the sale of “V-Bucks,” a virtual currency enabling players to acquire items like skins and other enhancements. The price adjustments are being implemented globally, affecting regions such as Canada, where users will now receive fewer V-Bucks for the same amount of money. For instance, an $11.99 pack that previously yielded 1,000 V-Bucks will now provide 800 V-Bucks, as stated by an Epic Games spokesperson to CBC News.
Epic Games has been embroiled in legal disputes with Google and Apple for years, alleging anti-competitive practices related to the hefty commissions imposed on developers for in-app purchases, sometimes as high as 30 percent. In 2020, Fortnite was swiftly removed from both the Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store after Epic attempted to circumvent the imposed fees.
Following a significant settlement, Google reduced its fees and opened the door to competition, potentially aiding Epic Games in covering its legal expenses. The legal battle with Apple continues, with recent rulings favoring the tech giant despite Epic Games’ efforts to challenge the imposed restrictions on alternative payment methods.
Despite the price adjustments, industry experts believe that the dedicated player base of Fortnite, categorized as a “forever game,” will likely remain loyal to the platform. These types of games, such as Fortnite, Roblox, and Minecraft, are designed for endless gameplay and hold a strong social element, attracting users across various age groups.
While the price hike may raise concerns among players, Epic Games’ decision to reduce the value of its in-game currency rather than directly increasing prices aims to mitigate the impact on consumers, particularly younger players who may be financially dependent on their parents for game purchases. However, some experts question the strategic motivations behind the pricing adjustments, suggesting that it might be more about profit margins than actual financial sustainability for the company. Despite this, the gaming community is expected to support Epic Games through these changes, acknowledging the goodwill and player-centric approach the company has maintained.
In recent years, Fortnite has experienced a decline in player engagement, as indicated by reduced gameplay hours in 2025 compared to previous years. However, the enduring popularity and resilient nature of forever games like Fortnite suggest that the title will likely endure fluctuations in player activity and pricing adjustments while retaining a dedicated player base.