In a recent update, Epic Games has taken a firm yet compassionate stance on cheating within its popular title, Fortnite. Acknowledging that everyone makes mistakes, the company is introducing a new policy that aims to balance accountability with the opportunity for redemption. As stated in their anti-cheat update, Epic is committed to maintaining the integrity of the game while also offering second chances to players who have erred in judgment.
New Matchmaking Ban Policy
Beginning in April, first-time offenders caught cheating will face a one-year matchmaking ban. This approach allows players the chance to reflect on their actions and learn from their mistakes, while still imposing a deterrent against cheating. However, the stakes are higher for repeat offenders; a second cheating offense will result in a lifetime ban from the game.
In a separate but related matter, Epic Games has initiated legal action against an individual named Isaac Strock, who is accused of stealing and selling Fortnite accounts belonging to other players. The lawsuit alleges that Strock gained unauthorized access to these accounts through various means, including using email-password combinations obtained through dubious channels and manipulating Epic’s support team into believing he was the legitimate account owner.
- According to the lawsuit, Strock has attempted to deceive player support at least four times since December 2022.
- His website, which is currently offline, claimed to have sold 482 “products”—essentially the account information of other Fortnite players.
- These products included sensitive data such as email addresses, IP addresses, and geolocations associated with Epic Games accounts.
The act of hijacking accounts and reselling them represents a significant escalation from merely using cheats in a game. Strock now faces serious legal repercussions beyond just a ban from Fortnite. In a recent case, Epic demonstrated its resolve by settling a lawsuit with a player who had shared his account to qualify for the 2024 Fortnite Championship Series grand finals. This player was required to pay a monetary settlement that included the return of unfairly won prize money, along with a public apology and a commitment to refrain from such actions in the future.
