The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Epic Games said on March 24, 2026, that it would lay off over 1,000 employees. CEO Tim Sweeney attributed the cuts to a Fortnite engagement downturn that began in 2025, alongside spending that exceeded what the company was making. That is Epic’s explanation; the announcement and contemporaneous reporting do not independently establish the size of the engagement decline or verify the company’s financial comparison.
Why did Epic Games announce the layoffs?
In its March 24 announcement, Epic CEO Tim Sweeney wrote: “The downturn in Fortnite engagement that started in 2025 means we’re spending significantly more than we’re making, and we have to make major cuts to keep the company funded.” The statement is the company’s explanation for the decision, not an independently verified account of Fortnite’s engagement or Epic’s finances. Epic’s announcement did not provide an engagement series or audited figures supporting those claims.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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FORTNITE - Darkfire & Ice Bundle - Nintendo Switch 2 (Code in Box) | $19.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Fortnite Video Game for Switch Pack Transformers (FR) Download Code | $37.70 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Fortnite - PlayStation 4 | $193.06 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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FORTNITE | Darkfire & Ice Bundle | XBOX Digital Code | $29.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Fortnite Physical Gift Card | $30.00 | Buy on Amazon |
The Associated Press reported that Epic’s memo also cited slower growth, weaker spending, tougher cost economics, and competition from social media and other online entertainment for people’s time. These are factors Epic identified, rather than a separately established explanation for the downturn. The AP report said Epic described the cuts as unrelated to AI.
How many employees were affected?
Epic’s official wording was “over 1000 Epic employees”; it did not state an exact final total. The Associated Press characterized the cuts as about 20% of Epic’s workforce and reported that the company would have about 4,000 employees afterward. Those workforce figures are AP’s estimates, not an exact headcount supplied in Epic’s announcement.
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- Darkfire Bundle: Including 3 outfits (with LEGO Styles) and back blings; Dark Power Chord, Dark Six String, Molten Omen, Molten Battle Shroud, Shadow Ark, Shadow Ark Wings, plus 3 wraps, 3 dual-wielding pickaxes, and an emote!
- Deep Freeze Bundle: Cool off with the Deep Freeze set and 1,000 V-Bucks. Includes the frostbite outfit (with LEGO Style), freezing point back bling, chill-axe pickaxe, and cold front glider.
- The Fortnite – Darkfire & Ice Bundle includes 10+ cosmetics and 1,000 V-Bucks!
What severance did Epic announce?
Epic said employees affected by the layoffs would receive a severance package that included at least four months of base pay, with additional support based on tenure. The announcement gives a minimum framework, not each employee’s individual payment or full terms.
How does this compare with Epic’s 2023 layoffs?
The Associated Press reported that Epic cut 830 jobs, about 16% of its workforce, in 2023. The 2026 announcement was therefore larger in the reported number of jobs and share of the workforce, although the 2026 count remains “over 1,000” in Epic’s statement and the workforce percentages are AP’s estimates.
Rank #2
- Platform Compatibility: Fortnite Video Game designed specifically for Nintendo Switch console
- Visual Design: Multicolor presentation featuring vibrant graphics and engaging visual elements
- Compact Dimensions: Measures 17 x 0.8 x 10.2 cm for convenient storage and handling
- Product Reference: Reference number S7193683 for easy identification and ordering
- Digital Download Code: Includes Transformers Pack content delivered via download code for instant access
What did Epic say it would prioritize?
Epic said it planned to build fresh seasonal Fortnite content and accelerate work on developer tools, with a path from Unreal Engine 5 and UEFN toward Unreal Engine 6. These were stated priorities, not evidence that the planned content or engine changes had already been delivered.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- An Epic Games account is required to redeem an Epic Games Store Card code
- If playing on a console platform (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Switch or Mobile) you need to link your Epic Games account to that gaming platform (one time) to redeem your gift card code
- The 16 digit code on the back of the card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly through your gaming platform (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Switch, Mobile, etc.)
- Note: Nintendo devices do not support Fortnite Shared Wallet, so V-Bucks purchased using your account balance will not show up on your Nintendo device. However, if you purchase items in the web Item Shop — or another platform where you play Fortnite — those items will be available in your Locker across all platforms.
- Redemption: Online
Rank #4
- DARKFIRE & ICE BUNDLE — Expand your Fortnite locker with 10+ cosmetics from the Darkfire and Deep Freeze sets, plus 1,000 V-Bucks.
- DARKFIRE BUNDLE — Includes Dark Power Chord, Molten Omen, and Shadow Ark outfits with LEGO Styles, along with Dark Six String, Molten Battle Shroud, and Shadow Ark Wings back blings.
- MORE DARKFIRE GEAR — Customize your loadout with three wraps, three dual-wielding pickaxes, and an emote included in the Darkfire Bundle.
- DEEP FREEZE BUNDLE — Cool off with the Frostbite outfit with LEGO Style, Freezing Point back bling, Chill-Axe pickaxe, and Cold Front glider.
- 1,000 V-BUCKS — Get 1,000 V-Bucks with the Deep Freeze Bundle to use in Fortnite.
Rank #3
- Heroes - play as four hero classes, each with thousands of variations to recruit and unlock.
- Skill tree/RPG - points put into the skill tree allow you to unlock new hero abilities, upgrade weapons, Boost your team health, and more.
- Enemies - defend yourself against hordes of monsters that come from the mysterious Storm.
- Building System - The revolutionary building system allows you to quickly build structures while also juggling frenetic combat.
- Schematics/Crafting - Use the resources you find in the world to craft weapons, traps, health packs, and more.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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