Epic Games announces the price of Fortnite's V-Bucks will be increasing next month, affecting thirteen regions including the US and European Union.
Highlights
- Fortnite is increasing the prices of its in-game currency, V-Bucks, in several countries, including the United States, citing currency fluctuations and inflation as reasons for the change.
- The price increase for V-Bucks in the United States will affect bundles ranging from 1000 V-Bucks to 13,500 V-Bucks, with an overall hike of approximately 12.5%.
- The increase in V-Bucks pricing is part of a larger trend in the gaming industry, with prices rising for new video games on next-gen hardware and premium subscription services like PS Plus. Fortnite continues to offer exciting content and crossovers, but players will have to pay a bit more for cosmetics.
Fortnite has announced a change to the pricing model for its V-Bucks virtual currency, with several countries seeing increased prices for multiple in-game packs. V-Bucks have served as the central currency for Epic Games' massively popular battle royale, allowing players to purchase in-game cosmetics from the shop. Many of Fortnite's most popular crossovers require a significant amount of V-Bucks to purchase, with the recent My Hero Academia collaboration bringing bundles worth up to 2800 V-Bucks. Now, V-Bucks are going to get a bit more expensive for many players.
The sudden price hike on the in-game currency would not be the first time this year Fortnite has raised its prices for the virtual points. Both Canada and the United Kingdom saw changes to their V-Bucks pricing earlier this year hiking up the value of the in-game currency, while Mexico saw a decrease in its pricing. Epic Games typically attributes these changes in pricing models to "currency fluctuations" in the affected country, with inflation cited as a major driving factor. Now, the United States is among the next regions to be hit with a price increase.
RELATED: Fortnite V-Bucks Prices Are Going Up in Select Regions
Fortnite recently revealed the changes coming to V-Bucks pricing for thirteen different regions, including Japan, the European Union, and the United States. The list will see mostly marginal increases in the price of V-Bucks at the lower end, with the United States seeing the cost of a 1000 V-Bucks Bundle raised from $7.99 to $8.99. The prices have overall seen a hike by roughly 12.5% with the highest tier 13,500 V-Bucks bundle increasing from $79.99 to $89.99. The changes to Fortnite's pricing model is currently set to go into effect on October 27.
How Much Do Fortnite V-Bucks Cost?
The increased cost for Fortnite's V-Bucks comes as prices have been rising throughout the gaming industry as a whole. The arrival of the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S would see standard pricing on new video games increase from $60 to $70 on next-gen hardware. Sony recently raised the price of annual subscriptions to its premium PS Plus service, with Xbox boss Phil Spencer also remarking that future changes to Xbox Game Pass' pricing are "inevitable." Even Nintendo would not be safe from price increases with Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom launching at a $70 price point.
While players will soon have to pay more for V-Bucks, Fortnite is providing players with plenty of opportunities to spend their in-game currency. The most recent update to Fortnite's Battle Pass would see the Star Wars' franchise's Ahsoka Tano added as a skin. Epic Games has also teased several franchises in consideration for future crossovers, including Bob's Burgers and Super Mario Bros. With plenty of exciting content on the way for the battle royale, players will have to spend just a bit more for Fortnite's wealth of cosmetics.
Fortnite is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and mobile devices.
MORE: Fortnite: All Chapter 4 Season 4 Reality Augments
Source: Epic Games
I am an enthusiast well-versed in the gaming industry, particularly in the realm of popular titles like Fortnite. My depth of knowledge extends to the economics and trends affecting in-game currencies, including Fortnite's V-Bucks. My expertise includes staying abreast of industry developments, such as price changes, currency fluctuations, and the broader economic context that influences such decisions. Now, let's delve into the concepts used in the provided article.
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Fortnite's V-Bucks Price Increase:
- Reasons: The article mentions that Epic Games is increasing the prices of V-Bucks in multiple countries, including the United States. The cited reasons for this change are currency fluctuations and inflation.
- Affected Regions: Thirteen regions, including the US and the European Union, will be impacted by the price increase.
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Magnitude of Increase:
- Percentage Increase: The article specifies that the overall hike in V-Bucks prices for the United States will be approximately 12.5%.
- Bundles Affected: The increase will affect V-Bucks bundles ranging from 1000 V-Bucks to 13,500 V-Bucks.
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Gaming Industry Trend:
- Broader Industry Trend: The article highlights that the V-Bucks price increase is part of a larger trend in the gaming industry. This trend includes rising prices for new video games on next-gen hardware and premium subscription services like PS Plus.
- Comparison with Other Regions: Earlier in the year, Canada and the United Kingdom experienced changes in V-Bucks pricing, with Canada and the UK witnessing increases and Mexico experiencing a decrease. The changes are typically attributed to "currency fluctuations" and inflation.
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Fortnite's V-Bucks as In-Game Currency:
- Role of V-Bucks: V-Bucks serve as the central currency for Fortnite, allowing players to purchase in-game cosmetics from the shop. Many popular crossovers and collaborations require a significant amount of V-Bucks.
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Previous Price Changes:
- Frequency: The article notes that this price hike is not the first for Fortnite this year. Earlier, Canada and the UK experienced changes in V-Bucks pricing.
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Future Implications and Opportunities:
- Effective Date: The changes to Fortnite's pricing model are set to go into effect on October 27.
- Player Spending Opportunities: Despite the price increase, the article mentions that Fortnite continues to provide players with opportunities to spend their in-game currency on exciting content, including collaborations like Star Wars' Ahsoka Tano skin.
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Broader Industry Trends:
- New Game Pricing: The article draws attention to the broader gaming industry trend of rising prices, including the increase in standard pricing for new video games on next-gen hardware.
- Subscription Service Changes: Premium subscription services like PS Plus have also experienced price changes.
In conclusion, the article provides comprehensive information about the upcoming V-Bucks price increase in Fortnite, placing it within the context of broader industry trends and economic factors affecting the gaming landscape.
