Fortnite, the widely popular online gaming platform, is increasing the price of its in-game currency starting Thursday. This rare move is attributed to the escalating expenses of running the game, as stated on the game’s website on March 10. While Fortnite itself is free to play, it generates revenue through in-game purchases, particularly the purchase of “V-Bucks,” a virtual currency used to acquire items like skins and other accessories.
The price adjustment is being implemented globally, with a reduction in the number of V-Bucks offered for the same price in certain regions. For instance, in Canada, the cost of the $11.99 pack that previously bought 1,000 V-Bucks will now provide 800 V-Bucks, according to a spokesperson from Epic Games, the parent company.
Epic Games has been engaged in prolonged legal battles against tech giants Google and Apple, accusing them of anti-competitive practices related to commission fees on in-app purchases. In response to Epic’s attempts to bypass these fees in 2020, Fortnite was promptly removed from the Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store.
While Google later decreased its fees through a settlement, ongoing legal proceedings against Apple continue. Despite initial rulings in favor of Apple, subsequent developments have seen the company losing appeals related to the case.
Industry expert Dean Takahashi commended Epic Games for its efforts in challenging antitrust issues, even at the cost of potential revenue losses. The recent price adjustments are viewed as a strategic move to offset financial challenges without alienating players.
Fortnite last adjusted its global prices in 2023 and 2021. Despite the game’s enduring popularity, there has been a decline in player engagement, with total gameplay hours dropping to 6.65 billion in 2025 compared to the previous year.
Analysts suggest that the price increase is unlikely to deter gamers from Fortnite, as the game falls into the category of “forever games,” offering continual playability and social interaction. The pricing strategy adopted by Fortnite, by devaluing its currency instead of raising prices directly, may cushion the impact on consumers, particularly younger players.
While some question the necessity of the pricing changes for Fortnite’s financial viability, others believe that maintaining profit margins is a primary motivation behind the decision. Overall, the gaming community is expected to understand and accept the adjustments made by Epic Games, given the goodwill it has fostered among players.