Fortnite’s long-awaited 39.20 update arrived with plenty of hype. The Winterfest event wrapped up, a surprise South Park crossover landed in-game, and players were treated to fresh quests, a free mini-pass, and new items like the Stick of Truth. But beneath the excitement, a far more controversial change quietly reshaped Fortnite’s creative ecosystem.
Epic Games has now officially enabled in-game monetization for UEFN creators, allowing them to sell items directly inside their maps using V-Bucks, Fortnite’s premium currency tied to real money. Almost immediately, the feature ignited debate, with critics warning that Fortnite could be heading down the same troubled path Roblox once faced with exploitative monetization schemes.
The first major flashpoint came from Fortnite’s biggest UEFN map yet: Steal the Brainrot.
Fortnite’s ‘Steal the Brainrot’ becomes ground zero for the controversy
Steal the Brainrot is Fortnite’s adaptation of the viral Roblox experience Steal a Brainrot, both created by developer Ferins. The concept has proven wildly successful on both platforms. In Fortnite alone, the map has reportedly accounted for nearly half of the game’s daily player count at times, helping the title hit a new peak of over 1 million concurrent players.
That popularity made it the perfect, and most dangerous, testing ground for UEFN’s new monetization rules.
Following the 39.20 update, Steal the Brainrot added V-Bucks pricing to nearly every shop item, including a spin wheel mechanic that many players have described as a “slot machine.”
The spin wheel grants players 1 free spin every 4 hours. Beyond that, additional spins come at a cost:
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100 V-Bucks (about $0.99) for a single extra spin
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200 V-Bucks (about $1.99) for 3 spins
The system immediately drew comparisons to gambling mechanics, especially given the randomness involved and the pressure to keep spending for better outcomes.
What made the situation even more explosive was Epic’s revenue structure. Under the new UEFN rules, creators receive 100% of the V-Bucks spent inside their maps. Epic takes no cut. Every dollar spent goes straight to the creator.
What are the prices?
Player frustration peaked when users noticed limited-time items priced at eye-watering levels. One in-game “brainrot” was listed at 2,700 V-Bucks (around $18.99), while a 2x brainrot bundle cost a staggering 4,900 V-Bucks (roughly $35.99).
Unlike cosmetic items in Fortnite’s main Battle Royale mode, these purchases are not permanent. They can be stolen by other players, offer no value outside the map, and could theoretically be removed or altered at any time by the creator.
In short, players were being asked to spend real money on temporary items with no long-term ownership.
The backlash was swift and loud. Social media filled with criticism from both players and fellow UEFN creators.
One creator wrote, “Super disappointed in the Brainrot guys… You make us all look bad with this kind of stuff.”
Another player added, “They better remove gambling and the ridiculous 4,900 V-Bucks purchase on a creative map. Epic should cap them at 1,000 V-Bucks maximum.”
For many, the concern wasn’t just about one map, but about the precedent it set for Fortnite’s entire creative economy.
Map delisting sparks more panic
Tensions escalated further when Steal the Brainrot was suddenly removed from Fortnite’s Discover row and went offline due to a reported bug. Panic spread quickly, especially among players who had spent V-Bucks shortly before the outage.
Fears of a potential scam grew until the development team confirmed they were working to restore the map and promised full refunds for affected purchases. Roughly six hours later, Steal the Brainrot returned online.
Notably, nothing about the monetization system had changed. The only visible update was a new thumbnail.
What this means for Fortnite’s future?
Epic continues to prominently feature Steal the Brainrot in its Discover section, but the controversy has left the UEFN community uneasy. Many players worry that unchecked monetization could turn Fortnite’s creative mode into a marketplace of gambling mechanics and overpriced, disposable items.
While UEFN monetization offers creators powerful new earning opportunities, the lack of caps, safeguards, or clear guidelines has raised serious questions about player protection, especially for younger audiences.
As Fortnite pushes deeper into user-generated content, the success or failure of this system may shape the platform’s future. For now, players are watching closely, hoping Epic steps in before history repeats itself.
Frequently Asked Questiona (FAQs)
What changed in Fortnite’s 39.20 update for UEFN creators?
The 39.20 update allowed UEFN creators to sell in-map items using V-Bucks, enabling real-money monetization inside Fortnite creative experiences for the first time.
Why are players upset about Steal the Brainrot’s monetization system?
Players are criticizing the map for introducing gambling-style mechanics, including a paid spin wheel and high-priced items that are temporary, stealable, and offer no permanent value outside the map.
How much do Steal the Brainrot items cost in V-Bucks?
Items range from 100 V-Bucks for extra spins to 4,900 V-Bucks for premium limited-time items, which translates to roughly $0.99 to $35.99.
Do UEFN creators receive all the money from V-Bucks purchases?
Yes. Under Epic’s new UEFN monetization model, creators currently receive 100% of V-Bucks spent in their maps, with Epic taking no revenue cut.
Are Steal the Brainrot purchases permanent in Fortnite?
No. Items purchased inside the map are not permanent cosmetics, can be stolen by other players, and do not transfer to Fortnite’s Battle Royale mode.
Why was Steal the Brainrot temporarily removed from Fortnite Discover?
The map was briefly delisted due to a technical issue. The developers later confirmed it was a bug and stated that any affected V-Bucks purchases would be fully refunded.
Has Epic Games responded to the gambling concerns?
As of now, Epic has not announced any caps or restrictions on V-Bucks spending in UEFN maps, though community pressure continues to grow.
Could this impact Fortnite’s creative ecosystem long-term?
Yes. Many players fear that without limits or safeguards, aggressive monetization could harm trust in UEFN experiences and reshape Fortnite’s creative mode in a negative way.
