Fortnite's New Item Shop Mocks Apple's $73 Million Bill

In today's dynamic twist in the Apple vs. Epic Games saga, Fortnite subtly fires back with the release of pointedly themed emotes in its latest Item Shop update.

Fortnite money apple epic games
Epic Games seems to be taking the current situation in stride. | © Epic Games

In an intriguing twist in the ongoing legal drama between Epic Games and Apple, Fortnite's Item Shop on January 18, 2024, has added two emotes that seem to throw a playful jab at the recent developments: "Bring It" and "Make It Rain."

Fortnite's Latest Emotes Mock Apple's $73 Million Claim

This creative response comes in the wake of Apple billing Epic Games for $73 million in legal costs following their prolonged lawsuit​.

The "Bring It" emote, known for its defiant stance, and "Make It Rain," symbolizing a flashy display of cash, appear to be Epic's way of making a statement in the virtual world of Fortnite. These emotes, popular among the game's massive player base, often serve as a medium for expression and, in this case, seem to be a subtle nod to the financial aspect of their legal battle with Apple.

This move is not just a creative response, but also a strategic one from a marketing and engagement perspective. By leveraging the high-profile legal dispute in its game content, Epic Games taps into the community's awareness and sentiments around the ongoing legal issues.

Bring it make it rain emotes fortnite
The return of these emotes to Fortnite's Item Shop can't be a coincidence. | © Epic Games

It's a clever blend of real-world events with in-game elements, enhancing player engagement and keeping the game relevant and topical.

Furthermore, such additions to the game underscore Fortnite's reputation as a cultural touchstone that often reflects and reacts to real-world events. The decision to include these emotes at this juncture is not just a playful gesture, but also a testament to how video games like Fortnite are increasingly intersecting with broader social and cultural narratives.

As the legal saga continues to unfold, it's clear that Fortnite will remain at the forefront, not just as a game, but as a platform for commentary and expression. This latest development in the Fortnite Item Shop is a reminder of the game's unique position at the intersection of entertainment, technology, and socio-cultural discourse.

Gaston Cuny

Gaston is a writer covering various Fortnite & Entertainment topics for EarlyGame. Previously, Gaston worked for Dexerto's editorial staff, writing guides and news articles....