Player-created Fortnite island Steal the Brainrot has introduced microtransactions and gambling features following recent Epic Games policy changes. These allow creators to earn from V-Bucks sales, with the game quickly adding expensive loot boxes and a spin wheel. The updates have sparked concerns over predatory practices targeting young players.
The Fortnite island Steal the Brainrot, a fan-made version of the popular Roblox game Steal a Brainrot, has become one of the platform's biggest hits since its launch in July 2025. Inspired by the 2025 Italian brainrot meme, the original Roblox title lets players buy or steal quirky animals that generate in-game currency, once reaching a staggering 25 million concurrent users. Its Fortnite counterpart hit a record 1.09 million concurrent players recently, underscoring Fortnite's appeal in hosting creator-driven experiences.
Epic Games enabled microtransactions in user-created islands starting January 9, 2026, allowing developers to monetize their content. Until January 31, 2027, creators receive 100 percent of the V-Bucks value spent in their games, dropping to 50 percent thereafter—effectively 74 percent and 37 percent of actual spending after platform fees. This move aims to rival Roblox by offering better revenue shares than platforms like Steam, which take 30 percent.
Within 24 hours of the policy shift, Steal the Brainrot added the "Lucky Rot" bundle for 4,900 V-Bucks, about $35, functioning as a loot box that may contain rare brainrot items. The game also features a gambling wheel costing 100 V-Bucks per spin, roughly $1, awarding in-game items or currency. Critics, including a Reddit user who noted, "Not even a full day and we’re already seeing predatory micro transactions show up in creative maps," have labeled it a slot machine. A tweet from @Pirat_Nation on January 12, 2026, stated, "Fortnite, a children's game, now features slot machines that cost real money to play."
While Fortnite attracts a broad audience, Steal the Brainrot primarily draws pre-teens, raising ethical questions about real-money gambling in content aimed at children. Epic's island system, modeled after Roblox's success, now includes these revenue tools to empower creators amid Fortnite's massive player base.
