Epic Games Sues Two Fortnite Creators for Using 20,000 Bots to Inflate Engagement

In a bold move to protect its creator ecosystem, Epic Games has sued two developers from the Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN) community for deploying more than 20,000 automated bots to fake player engagement on their custom maps. The two accused, Idris Nahdi and Ayob Nasser, reportedly earned tens of thousands of dollars before being permanently banned from the platform.

The lawsuit, filed in a Michigan court, accuses the two creators of breach of contract, fraud, and copyright infringement. Between December 2024 and February 2025, the pair allegedly created a massive network of over 20,000 fake accounts to simulate player activity and artificially inflate engagement metrics.

Fortnite's engagement payouts can reach millions across top mapmakers every year https://t.co/moNUnVlWK9

— Dexerto (@Dexerto) October 10, 2025

According to Epic, in some cases, more than 90% of activity on their islands came from bots rather than real players. This manipulation allowed the pair to secure higher payouts from the engagement-based revenue model, which compensates creators for player interest and time spent on their maps.

“Manipulating player engagement breaks our rules and will not be tolerated,” said Epic Games.
The company confirmed it has taken legal action, permanently banned both developers, and removed their islands from the platform.

The Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN) empowers creators to design unique custom maps—known as islands—where players can explore and play. Epic rewards creators through its engagement-based payout system, which distributes earnings based on genuine playtime, interactions, and popularity.

However, Nahdi and Nasser allegedly used a bot network to exploit the system. These bots simulated human-like actions such as movement, interaction, and staying active for extended periods, tricking Epic’s algorithms into believing the islands were popular. Epic’s internal fraud detection systems eventually identified unusual engagement patterns, which led to an investigation and ultimately the lawsuit.

Epic Games has consistently demonstrated zero tolerance for cheating and manipulation within its ecosystem. The company’s firm legal stance has previously targeted cheaters, exploiters, and even corporate rivals to protect fairness in its games.

The Creator Island program, launched to empower community-driven content, has become a major source of income for thousands of Fortnite creators—some reportedly earning millions annually. Epic’s decisive action serves as a warning: while the system rewards creativity, exploitation will result in swift and permanent consequences.

The lawsuit triggered a wave of reactions on social media. Many players expressed disbelief at the scale of the operation, while others found humor in the audacity of creating 20,000 fake accounts.

• “20,000 bots? That’s insane.”
• “People get so greedy—they could’ve stopped at 1,000 and no one would’ve noticed.”
• “That’s one wild way to make money. Definitely not cool.”

Despite mixed reactions, most of the community supported Epic’s move, acknowledging that strict enforcement keeps the creator economy credible and sustainable.

This case sets an important precedent for user-generated content platforms. Epic’s lawsuit highlights how manipulation undermines not just financial systems but also trust among creators and players. As Fortnite continues to grow its creator-driven model, this legal action ensures that rewards go to those who build genuine, engaging experiences. It also signals that Epic will continue to monitor engagement patterns closely to prevent future exploitation.

FAQs

Q1. Why did Epic Games sue the Fortnite creators?

Epic sued two UEFN creators for using 20,000 bots to fake engagement and fraudulently increase their payout revenue.

Q2. How does the Fortnite Creator Island program work?

Creators earn money based on real player engagement, time spent, and interactions on their custom islands built using UEFN.

Q3. What penalties did the accused face?

Their Fortnite accounts were permanently banned, their islands deleted, and Epic filed for financial restitution through court.

Q4. Could this impact other Fortnite creators?

Yes. It reinforces Epic’s policy that any manipulation or botting will result in bans and legal action, even for small-scale violations.

Epic Games’ lawsuit against these two Fortnite creators marks a defining moment in the evolution of digital creator economies. It emphasizes that integrity, not manipulation, is the foundation of sustainable success.

By taking firm legal action, Epic protects both its business model and the trust of millions of legitimate creators who rely on the platform for income. The case also underscores how serious modern gaming companies have become about enforcing ethical standards in virtual economies.

This case is more than a gaming story—it’s a snapshot of a broader digital dilemma. As virtual platforms blend creativity with real-world profit, the temptation to exploit algorithms grows stronger.

Epic’s response highlights the emerging ethical divide in online creation: one side chasing genuine innovation, the other seeking shortcuts through automation. The lawsuit reflects the growing tension between human creativity and machine manipulation, a theme that will define not just gaming but the entire creator economy in the years ahead.

Ultimately, the real question isn’t just about who broke the rules—it’s about how far creators are willing to go for digital success, and where companies will draw the line between ambition and abuse.