The online gaming sensation Fortnite is increasing the cost of its in-game currency effective Thursday, a move that experts believe is linked to the financial impact of its parent company’s legal disputes against tech giants Google and Apple. In a statement on March 10, the game’s website explained that the expenses of maintaining Fortnite have risen, leading to the decision to raise prices.
While the game itself is free to play, Fortnite generates revenue through in-game transactions, particularly through its well-known “V-Bucks” currency used for purchasing items like character skins. The adjustments in pricing are being implemented globally. In Canada, for instance, the company will be offering fewer V-Bucks at the same price point. For example, an $11.99 pack that previously included 1,000 V-Bucks will now provide only 800 V-Bucks, according to a spokesperson from Epic Games, the parent company, as reported by CBC News.
Epic Games has been engaged in legal battles against Google and Apple for years, alleging anti-competitive practices related to commissions on in-app purchases, which could reach up to 30%. The conflict escalated in 2020 when Fortnite was removed from both the Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store after attempting to circumvent these fees.
Following a significant settlement with Google that included fee reductions and increased competition, Epic Games has been able to mitigate some legal costs. The legal dispute with Apple remains ongoing, with a recent ruling allowing Apple to charge a reasonable fee if alternative payment methods are provided. However, Apple was found to have violated this ruling, and its appeal was unsuccessful.
Epic Games’ prolonged battle against Apple has impacted its revenue streams, particularly on mobile platforms where Fortnite has been unavailable. The recent price adjustments are seen as a way to adapt to these challenges without alienating the player base. Fortnite has previously adjusted global prices in 2021 and 2023.
In 2025, player engagement with Fortnite saw a decline, with total gameplay hours dropping to 6.65 billion. Despite these challenges, industry observers believe that Fortnite’s status as a “forever game,” along with its social elements, will likely maintain its popularity despite the price changes.
The decision to devalue Fortnite’s currency rather than directly increase prices is viewed as a strategic move to lessen the impact on consumers, particularly younger players. While some experts question the necessity of these pricing adjustments for Epic Games’ financial sustainability, others believe that the gaming community will understand the company’s efforts to balance profitability with player value.
