The highly anticipated Deadpool & Wolverine movie has finally hit the big screens, and it’s an absolute must-watch for any Marvel fan. But as the hype surrounding the film reaches a fever pitch, Fortnite is looking to capitalize on the excitement with the release of the new Deadpool and Wolverine skins.
While the skins themselves are undeniably cool, their release has reignited a long-standing debate about Epic Games’ controversial marketing strategies, which some players argue border on predatory.
Bundling Up the Controversy
A recent post on the r/FortNiteBR subreddit has brought the issue of forced bundles back into the spotlight, sharing a screenshot of the latest Deadpool bundle in the in-game shop:
Anyone else hate when you want just an emote or something but you have to buy the entire bundle just to get one thing?
byu/INFINITY–Oficial inFortNiteBR
The post has clearly struck a chord with the Fortnite Battle Royale community, with many players expressing their frustration at being forced to purchase entire bundles just to get their hands on a single desired item.
Comment
byu/INFINITY–Oficial from discussion
inFortNiteBR
This sentiment is echoed by numerous players who feel that Epic Games is taking advantage of their desire for specific items by bundling them with less desirable ones.
Some players have even admitted to falling victim to this marketing tactic, spending more than they intended just to acquire a specific accessory:
Comment
byu/INFINITY–Oficial from discussion
inFortNiteBR
These comments are direct proof of the bundling strategy’s effectiveness (that is precisely why Epic will not change it), which can convince players that they’re getting a “good value” even if they end up with items they don’t really want.
Comment
byu/INFINITY–Oficial from discussion
inFortNiteBR
It’s clear that this practice can lead to players spending more than they initially planned, all for the sake of acquiring a single item they desire.
The Price of Exclusivity in Fortnite
The issue of forced bundles is particularly frustrating for players who are only interested in a specific item, such as an emote or a back bling.
By making these items exclusively available as part of a larger bundle, Epic Games is essentially strong-arming players into spending more than they would otherwise.
Comment
byu/INFINITY–Oficial from discussion
inFortNiteBR
This sentiment is echoed by many in the community, who feel that the company is prioritizing profits over player satisfaction. For some players, this practice has become so egregious that they’ve sworn off purchasing bundled items altogether:
Comment
byu/INFINITY–Oficial from discussion
inFortNiteBR
It’s a stance that more and more players are taking as they grow weary of Epic Games’ borderline-predatory marketing tactics.
Of course, Fortnite is a free-to-play game, and Epic Games needs to generate revenue somehow. But there’s a fine line between offering enticing bundles and exploiting players’ FOMO (fear of missing out) to squeeze more money out of them.
What do you think about Fortnite‘s forced bundles and the new Deadpool & Wolverine skins? Have you ever purchased a bundle just to get a specific item, or do you steer clear of them altogether? Let us know in the comments below!
