Epic Games' Fortnite team announced today that Russian players can no longer compete in Fortnite events offering cash prizes. This change takes effect on March 11th.
Players can still earn cosmetic in-game rewards, per the statement. Russian participants with unclaimed prizes from prior tournaments must complete verification by March 22. Unclaimed cash prizes will remain frozen until Epic's payment provider resumes support for Russian winners.
The announcement's language implies Epic is complying with external requirements, likely due to sanctions preventing payments to Russian players.
This comes two weeks after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, prompting widespread corporate pullbacks. Companies like Nintendo, Bungie, Sony, YouTube, Twitch, EA, Apple, Activision Blizzard, AMD, and Intel halted sales or services in Russia last week. Epic Games stopped Fortnite sales and transactions days ago.
Some firms have gone further: Hi-Rez Studios and Riot Games donated to Ukraine relief, while Team Liquid's World of Warcraft guild raised funds via their Race to World First event.
