Fortnite disables Peacemaker emote amid swastika resemblance concerns
Epic Games has temporarily disabled the Peacemaker emote in Fortnite after players raised concerns that it resembles a swastika. The emote, part of the Chapter 5 Season 4 battle pass, features a gesture that some interpret as offensive when viewed from specific angles. Epic is reviewing the item following social media backlash.
Fortnite, the popular free-to-play battle royale game developed by Epic Games, introduced the Peacemaker emote as part of its Chapter 5 Season 4 battle pass, which launched earlier in September 2025. The emote is tied to the Absolute Doom skin set and allows players to perform a hand gesture intended to represent peace or a victory sign. However, shortly after its release, players began sharing screenshots and videos on social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit, highlighting how the animation could appear to mimic a swastika symbol when rotated or viewed in certain ways.
The controversy gained traction around September 10, 2025, with users posting comparisons that juxtaposed the emote against historical imagery of the Nazi symbol. One prominent tweet from a Fortnite community member read, "This Peacemaker emote in Fortnite looks way too much like a swastika—Epic needs to fix this ASAP." Similar sentiments echoed across forums, prompting calls for removal to avoid promoting hate symbols.
In response, Epic Games acted swiftly. On September 15, 2025, the company announced the temporary disablement of the emote via an official statement on its support site. "We're aware of the concerns raised by our community regarding the Peacemaker emote," Epic wrote. "To ensure a positive experience for all players, we've disabled it while we investigate and review the design." The emote is no longer accessible in-game, though players who unlocked it prior to the disablement may see it in their inventories but cannot use it.
This incident is not isolated for Fortnite, which has previously faced scrutiny over in-game content. In past seasons, items like certain skins or dances have sparked debates about cultural sensitivity and unintended symbolism. Epic has emphasized its commitment to inclusive design, stating in the same announcement, "Our goal is to create fun and welcoming experiences, and we take community feedback seriously."
As of now, Epic has not confirmed whether the resemblance was intentional or a design oversight, nor has it provided a timeline for the emote's potential return or permanent removal. The event underscores ongoing challenges in the gaming industry to balance creative expression with avoiding offensive connotations, especially in a game with a massive global audience of over 350 million registered players.
The disablement has sparked mixed reactions: some players appreciate the quick response, while others argue the similarity is coincidental and overblown. Regardless, it highlights the vigilance of Fortnite's community in monitoring content for potential issues.