Can You Get Banned from Playing Fortnite on PC Through Epic Games Store?
Fortnite, the popular battle royale game, is currently only available on the Epic Games Store. This raises questions among players about whether they can ban themselves from playing on this platform if they try to access it through other means, such as Steam. This article aims to clarify these concerns and provide a comprehensive understanding of the situation.
Fortnite Accessibility: A Unique Situation
At present, Epic Games has maintained exclusive distribution rights for Fortnite. This means that the game is only officially accessible through the Epic Games Store. Other platforms, such as Steam, do not offer the official version of Fortnite. Should Fortnite eventually be listed on Steam, the connection to the Epic Games Store would likely remain intact, as the game heavily relies on the Epic Games platform for user authentication and matchmaking.
Using Fortnite via Steam
Players can install Fortnite within their Steam library, but it functions as a non-Steam game. The game utilizes the Epic Games launcher for all its operations, ensuring that the player remains within the Epic ecosystem. This means that even though Fortnite appears in your Steam library, it is managed by the Epic Games system.
Implications for Player Banning
Given that Fortnite operates through the Epic Games Store, the notion of getting banned specifically through playing the game via Steam is somewhat misguided. The official Fortnite game is tightly integrated with the Epic Games platform. Any attempt to bypass this platform, such as launching the game through a non-authorized means, would be against Epic’s terms of service. However, it’s important to note that simply playing Fortnite from Steam (as a non-Steam game) would not violate these terms.
Understanding Epic Games Policies
Epic Games has explicitly stated that violating their terms of service can result in account suspension or bans. This means that any unauthorized use of the game, such as tampering with the Epic Games launcher or attempting to host the game outside of their platform, would be in violation of their rules. Users are advised to stick to the official Epic Games Store to avoid any potential issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use Steam to play Fortnite? Yes, you can install Fortnite in your Steam library as a non-Steam game, but the game will still use the Epic Games launcher for all its functions. Will playing Fortnite on Steam lead to me getting banned? No, playing Fortnite through Steam (as a non-Steam game) does not violate Epic Games' terms of service, provided you are not tampering with the Epic Games system or trying to bypass it. What happens if I violate Epic Games' terms of service? Violations can result in account suspension or bans. Always ensure you operate within the official Epic Games ecosystem.Conclusion
Playing Fortnite on PC is exclusively through the Epic Games Store. While it is possible to install the game in your Steam library as a non-Steam game, the game continues to function through the Epic Games platform. Violating Epic Games' terms of service is the only way you could be banned from playing Fortnite, and even then, it’s specific to tampering with the official system rather than just using Steam to manage the game.