In Fortnite, a program is launching soon that will allow content creators to earn money. However, there are some provisions that are quite loosely worded. Epic’s code stipulates certain things that popular YouTubers actually violate.
This is the new event: A new event starts in Fortnite this week. However, it isn’t about gameplay, but about the game’s shop. Players can support a “content creator”.
This refers to YouTubers, streamers, cosplayers, artists, and all other types of creators who regularly create content related to Fortnite.
The “artist” then receives about 5% of the money that a player spends in Fortnite when they buy the currency V-Bucks for real money and has registered the content creator in the shop as the “recipient”.
However, the “content creator” must apply to Epic to be eligible for the program.
Anyone who wants to apply must meet some “normal” requirements: including having at least 1000 followers and regularly creating content for Fortnite. They must also adhere to a code of conduct.
No spam, not too much advertising, no gambling
The code prohibits, among other things:
- Hate speech, spam, threats, harassment, discriminatory or illegal behavior
- Excessive advertising
- Pornography
- Violating copyright
- Promoting gambling
- or actions that are somehow “fraudulent”
Anyone who violates this can be immediately removed from the program.
Be authentic, don’t use clickbait
This is what Epic demands: Epic wants content creators to use the official names of things in Fortnite and behave in a way that aligns with the “Fortnite” brand. Players should be welcoming and friendly to everyone.
Additionally, Epic is explicitly against “clickbait advertising.” Successful creators built their audience over a long time by “coming across honestly and being entertaining.”
Content creators should behave “authentically.”
It sounds like Fortnite doesn’t like its own YouTubers
This is the interesting part of the code: There are at least three things that are quite interesting about this code:
- Gambling is prohibited. But Epic Games relies on “Fortnite Save the World” on a loot box system. Loot boxes are currently under strong suspicion of being “gambling.” Some countries have already explicitly enacted rules regarding this.
- Some of the most successful YouTubers in Fortnite clearly rely on clickbait methods to promote their videos and are incredibly successful. Like the controversial YouTuber Ali-A or the inventor of “StripFortnite”, RiceGum.
- Many content creators do “excessive advertising” – depending on the definition. Because they finance themselves through advertising deals. Depending on how one interprets “excessive advertising,” all “successful” content creators in Fortnite could be affected by this clause.
It will be very interesting to see how strictly Epic interprets this code, and whether it will affect Fortnite’s content creators and thus the YouTube culture surrounding the game.
Most successful streamers and YouTubers have their own sources of income and are not dependent on complying with the code. Epic explicitly states: Don’t expect to make too much money from this initiative.
Is Epic trying to curb excesses or educate YouTubers?
This is what’s behind it: The interesting question here is,
- whether Epic uses the code to educate its “YouTubers” and steer the community in a different, more serious direction
- or whether the code serves to filter out “extreme” cases, and Epic tolerates the “normal, not-so-great” behavior that has established itself
The title image comes from a video by the “Schinkenbrothers” about StripFortnite. It is allegedly the case that women undress when the player scores a kill. However, this never actually happens. “StripFortnite” is considered a form of clickbait video related to Fortnite.
The controversial German-speaking YouTuber ApoRed was even explicitly accused of “clickbait” by Epic. He therefore seems to not qualify as a content creator:
