Fortnite, the popular online gaming platform, is increasing the price of its in-game currency effective Thursday. This unusual step is believed to be linked to the ongoing antitrust battles faced by its parent company against tech giants Google and Apple. A statement on the game’s website from March 10 explained that the price hike is necessary to cover the rising costs of running Fortnite.
Although the game itself is free to play, Fortnite generates revenue through in-game purchases, notably its “V-Bucks” currency used for acquiring new “skins” and other virtual items. The adjustments in pricing are global, with users in Canada set to receive fewer V-Bucks for the same price. For instance, a pack previously purchasing 1,000 V-Bucks at $11.99 will now only provide 800 V-Bucks, as confirmed by a spokesperson from Epic Games to CBC News.
Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite, has been engaged in legal battles against Google and Apple on antitrust grounds for years, alleging unfair practices related to commissions on in-app purchases, which could reach up to 30 percent. The game was removed swiftly from both the Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store in 2020 when Epic attempted to circumvent the imposed fees.
While Google subsequently reduced its fees following a settlement and opened up its store to competitors like the Epic Games store, the legal dispute with Apple is ongoing. A judge’s ruling in 2021 allowed Apple to charge a non-prohibitive fee if alternative payment methods were provided, but in 2025, it was found that Apple violated this order, losing an appeal against the decision.
Epic Games’ persistent legal battle against Apple has led to Fortnite’s unavailability on the App Store. Despite the financial setbacks incurred during this period, industry experts commend Epic for challenging the antitrust cases. The recent price adjustments by Fortnite are seen as a strategic move to offer less value for the same price without causing significant backlash among players.
In 2023 and 2021, Fortnite had previously raised global prices. However, recent reports suggest a decline in player hours in 2025 compared to the previous year, indicating a shift in user engagement. The concept of “forever games” such as Fortnite, Roblox, and Minecraft, designed for continuous play without a fixed narrative endpoint, remains resilient in the gaming industry.
Analysts predict that PC games revenue will surpass console revenue by 2028, reflecting changing trends in gaming preferences among younger users. Despite the V-Bucks price increase, experts believe that players are unlikely to abandon Fortnite due to its enduring appeal and social nature.
Fortnite’s decision to reduce the value of its currency instead of raising prices outright may soften the impact on consumers, particularly younger players. However, some critics question the necessity of the pricing strategy in light of Epic’s profit margins and corporate survival. While the move may seem contradictory to the company’s stance in the antitrust battle, gaming analysts anticipate that Epic Games will maintain its reputation among players for fair monetization practices.
