Fortnite will introduce a new feature allowing creators to sell in-game items directly from their custom islands, starting in December 2025. According to an announcement from Epic Games, creators will retain all profits from these sales until the end of 2026. After this period, Epic will take a 50% share of the revenues generated from sales, which will help support the game’s ecosystem.
This update, part of the Creator Ecosystem Update, marks a significant shift in how creators can monetize their contributions. Creators will have the ability to bypass Fortnite’s traditional storefront, enabling them to sell items directly to players. The items available for sale will be categorized into consumables—single or limited-use items—and durable items, which include skins and other cosmetics.
Profit Structure and Revenue Generation
During the initial phase, from December 2025 through December 2026, creators will benefit from 100% of the value earned from in-game currency known as V-Bucks. Following this period, they will receive 50% of the V-Bucks value. Epic Games explained the method for calculating this value, stating, “To determine the V-Bucks value in US dollars in a given month, we take all customer real-money spending to purchase V-Bucks (converted to US Dollars), subtract platform and store fees, and divide it by the total V-Bucks spent by players.”
Currently, the average platform and store fees stand at 26%, varying from 12% on the Epic Games Store to 30% on console platforms. This means that 50% of V-Bucks value translates to approximately 37% of retail spending, while 100% equates to about 74%.
In addition to selling items, creators will have the option to pay for promotional space on a feature called Sponsored Row. This space will allow them to showcase their islands, making it easier for players to discover new content. Furthermore, creators can earn additional revenue from an engagement pool, which factors in how much time players spend on their islands, the amount spent, and user retention rates.
Implications for the Fortnite Community
This initiative is poised to enhance the Fortnite community by providing creators with more robust tools for monetization. With the gaming industry increasingly focusing on user-generated content, this step by Epic Games represents a commitment to empowering creators and enriching the player experience.
As anticipation builds for upcoming content, including new skins like the Power Rangers Megazord, the gaming community is eager to see how these changes will impact gameplay and creator engagement. By allowing creators to directly sell and promote their items, Epic Games is fostering an environment where creativity and entrepreneurial spirit can thrive within the vibrant Fortnite ecosystem.
