Epic Games' Fortnite team said today that Russian Fortnite players are no longer able to participate in competitive Fortnite events with cash rewards. The decision will take effect on March 11 e .
Players will still be able to "earn cosmetic in-game rewards," according to the statement. All Russian participants who have not claimed their prize from previous tournaments must complete the prize verification process by March 22. Unclaimed cash rewards will be "frozen" until Epic's payment service provider is able to begin supporting prizes for Russian players.
The wording of the announcement suggests that Epic Games is obligated to make this decision rather than making it voluntarily. It is likely that the organization or institution Epic is paying through is unwilling or unable to pay Russian players due to sanctions imposed by the country.
The statement came two weeks after Russia began its invasion of Ukraine. In the aftermath of the invasion, a large number of companies, developers and tournament organizers stopped doing business with Russia. Nintendo, Bungie, Sony, YouTube, Twitch, EA, Apple, Activision Blizzard, AMD, Intel and many other companies ceased sales or services in Russia last week. Epic Games ceased fortnite and sales and transactions a few days ago.
Other companies have taken a more proactive stance in the face of the invasion. Developers Hi-Rez Studios and Riot Games have both donated to the Ukrainian situation, and Liquid's WoW Guild is raising funds through their Race to World First event, among other things.
