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Top 10 Tips for Building Engaging Games in Fortnite Creative Using UEFN

Enhance your game development projects with quick advice on leveraging Unreal Editor for Fortnite.

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Top 10 Tips for Building Engaging Games in Fortnite Creative Using UEFN

Creating engaging games in Fortnite Creative using Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN) requires a blend of creativity, technical skill, and an understanding of player preferences. Here are ten tips to help you craft compelling experiences:

1. Understand the Basics of UEFN

Before diving into complex designs, familiarize yourself with UEFN’s interface and tools.
Start by exploring the different panels, including the World Outliner, Details Panel, and Content Browser. For example, if you are designing a race track, you should first understand how to manipulate landscape tools to shape the terrain effectively. A solid grasp of the basics will streamline your development process and prevent frustration as you move on to more advanced mechanics.

2. Design with the Player in Mind

Always consider the player’s perspective. Take for instance – if you’re designing a capture-the-flag mode, ensure that the routes to the objective are clearly marked and offer multiple paths for strategic play. Use waypoints or visual cues to guide players naturally through the map. Ensure intuitive navigation, clear objectives, and a balanced difficulty curve to keep players engaged, preventing frustration and encouraging replayability.

3. Utilize Prefabs and Galleries

Leverage pre-built assets to expedite development and maintain visual consistency across your game. If you’re creating a sci-fi-themed map, you can use UEFN’s pre-built futuristic structures and props to save time and ensure a cohesive aesthetic. Instead of building a spaceship from scratch, you can customize an existing prefab and focus on enhancing gameplay elements like interactive doors or animated consoles.

4. Implement Effective Lighting

Proper lighting enhances mood and guides player attention. Quick example, if you’re designing a haunted house map, using dim, flickering lights and strategically placed shadows can create a suspenseful atmosphere. Conversely, a bright, evenly lit environment with dynamic sunlight can make an outdoor racing track feel vibrant and immersive. Experiment with different lighting setups to achieve the desired ambiance and improve player engagement.

Essential Resources for Mastering UEFN

5. Optimize Performance

Ensure smooth gameplay by optimizing assets and scripts. For example, reduce unnecessary polygons in custom models to prevent frame rate drops, and use LOD (Level of Detail) settings for distant objects. Regular testing can help identify performance bottlenecks, such as inefficient scripting in Verse that may cause lag. Profiling tools within UEFN can help pinpoint problem areas, allowing you to fine-tune memory usage and rendering performance.

6. Incorporate Interactive Elements

Engage players by adding interactive components like puzzles, traps, or dynamic environments that respond to player actions. For example, you can create a dungeon escape game where players must solve logic-based puzzles to unlock doors or deactivate traps. Another idea is to use pressure plates or hidden triggers to activate secret pathways, encouraging exploration and re-playability. Adding timed challenges or cooperative mechanics, such as requiring two players to step on different switches simultaneously, can further enhance player engagement.

7. Test and Iterate

Regular playtesting is crucial. Set up scheduled testing sessions with different player groups to gather feedback on mechanics, identify bugs, and assess overall gameplay balance. Additionally, engaging with the community for playtesting requests can provide fresh perspectives and valuable insights. We do regular game testing during our Community Play events! Join the TCB Community Discord to connect with fellow creators and arrange game testing sessions!

8. Stay Updated with UEFN Features

UEFN is continually evolving. Keep abreast of new features and best practices to enhance your game development skills by regularly checking the Epic Developer Community. This platform provides updates on the latest tools, tutorials, and discussions from experts and fellow creators, ensuring you stay ahead of the curve in Fortnite Creative development.

9. Engage with the Community

Joining communities provides support, inspiration, and feedback, all of which are essential for growth in game development. Being part of an active and supportive community can help you stay motivated, gain new insights, and receive constructive criticism on your projects. Engaging in discussions, sharing your progress, and collaborating with others can lead to new opportunities and long-term success. Whether you need help troubleshooting an issue, brainstorming ideas, or finding playtesters, a strong network is invaluable. Consider participating in forums or Discord channels dedicated to Fortnite Creative, and take an active role in sharing knowledge and learning from others to sustain your career in game development.

10. Promote Your Creation

Once your game is ready, utilize social media, forums, and in-game features to showcase your work and attract players. Marketing is just as important as development—learning how to effectively promote your game can be the difference between success and obscurity. Platforms like Coursera and edX offer free courses on digital marketing, while YouTube provides countless short tutorials on social media strategies, branding, and audience engagement. To get started, check out the Epic Marketing Guidebook for insights on promoting your Fortnite Creative experiences. Developing a solid marketing strategy and being active in promotional efforts will help ensure the longevity and reach of your game.

By integrating these strategies, you can create immersive and engaging games within Fortnite Creative using UEFN. Remember, continuous learning and community engagement are key to your development journey.

For more insights and to connect with fellow creators, join the TCB Community Discord.

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How to Master the Fortnite Discover Algorithm

Learn how the Fortnite Discover algorithm works, including attraction, engagement, and satisfaction metrics. Boost your island’s visibility and success with expert tips.

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How to Master the Fortnite Discover Algorithm

Algorithms in Fortnite Discover

In Fortnite, particularly within Fortnite Creative and UEFN (Unreal Editor for Fortnite), algorithms guide the Discover feature. The Fortnite Discover algorithm uses complex data analysis, machine learning, and behavioral tracking to recommend islands based on player preferences and engagement.

Understanding Algorithms

An algorithm is a structured, step-by-step procedure designed to solve a specific problem or achieve a particular outcome. Algorithms are fundamental to computer science and gaming, underpinning functionalities from matchmaking to content discovery.

Fortnite Discover Metrics

How Attraction is Measured

Attraction in Fortnite Creative involves multiple key metrics:

  • Unique players per impression over 96 hours: Evaluates how effectively initial views translate into sustained player engagement.
  • Clicks per impression (CTR): Indicates how effective your thumbnails and titles are in capturing player interest.
  • Minutes played per impression: Assesses whether impressions result in prolonged gameplay sessions.
  • Early session drop-off rate: Percentage of players who leave within the first two, five, or ten minutes of gameplay, highlighting retention effectiveness early on.

How Engagement is Measured:

Key metrics driving engagement include:

Social play: Tracks gameplay time within social groups, excluding idle periods (no input for sixty seconds). Average session length also contributes significantly.

  • Minutes per player (over a 96-hour period): Reflects the average playtime per player.
  • Day 1 (D1) retention: Percentage of players returning the day after their initial session.
  • Day 7 (D7) retention: Percentage of players returning one week after their initial session.
  • Unique players over 96 hours: Measures the diversity and breadth of player interaction.

Key Components of Fortnite Discover Algorithm

Discover Score

Calculated via a modified z-score, the Discover Score evaluates islands based on three primary metrics:

  • Attraction: Measures the island’s ability to capture players’ attention initially. Key factors include click-through rates (CTR), minutes played per impression, and player retention early in sessions.
  • Engagement: Evaluates how well the island retains players over time. Metrics include average session duration, day 1 and day 7 retention, and the number of unique players.
  • Satisfaction: Reflects qualitative player feedback, such as ratings, endorsements (favorites, recommendations), and responses from post-match surveys.

Sophistication Score

This score highlights islands that demonstrate higher complexity and creativity, factoring in the development effort, use of advanced features like custom scripting (Verse), animations, and unique textures.

Island Embedding Framework

Standardizes data like titles, tags, descriptions, and gameplay metrics into numerical representations to facilitate personalized recommendations based on player interests and behavior.

Machine Learning Models or Artificial Intelligence used in Fortnite Discover

Fortnite utilizes several recommendation models:

  • Item-based: Suggests islands similar to ones recently played.
  • User-based: Recommends islands aligning with a player’s historical gameplay preferences.
  • Sequencing-based: Predicts the next island a player might enjoy based on their play history.

Tips for Becoming a Master of the Fortnite Discover Algorithm:

  1. Improve Attraction:
    • Focus on click-through rate (CTR) by designing eye-catching thumbnails and compelling titles. Test different thumbnails with A/B testing to find the most engaging designs.
    • Ensure that your island description is clear and intriguing, highlighting the core experience players will have. Use relevant tags to categorize your island correctly.
  2. Increase Engagement:
    • Maximize minutes per player by designing gameplay that keeps players engaged. Provide meaningful progression, rewards, or challenges that motivate players to keep playing.
    • Focus on retention by offering a rewarding experience that encourages players to return. Consider introducing new content or features periodically.
    • Analyze engagement data to understand where players tend to leave your island and make adjustments to reduce early drop-off.
  3. Boost Satisfaction:
    • Focus on creating a fun and high-quality experience. Gather feedback from players through surveys and direct feedback, and use this to refine your island.
    • Encourage players to favorite or recommend your island by making it more shareable and enjoyable. Respond to player feedback and make improvements based on their suggestions.
  4. Enhance Sophistication:
    • Incorporate advanced features such as custom scripting (Verse code), animations, and more complex game mechanics that demonstrate technical skill and creativity.
    • Use innovative design techniques and unique content to stand out from the crowd and increase your Sophistication Score.
  5. Utilize Analytics:
    • Regularly review your analytics (such as retention rates, minutes played, and CTR) to understand how players are interacting with your island. Use this data to inform changes and improve player experience.
    • Keep an eye on the Insights Dashboard and use the feedback from the Creator Portal to fine-tune your island’s performance.
  6. Iterate Continuously:
    • Keep updating your island after launch based on player feedback and changing trends. Fortnite’s ecosystem evolves, and so should your island to remain relevant and engaging.
    • Test new features and keep an eye on community feedback. Islands that continuously improve tend to rank better in Discover.

By focusing on these metrics and best practices, you can work with the algorithm rather than against it, optimizing your island’s visibility and ensuring that it appeals to the largest audience possible.

Planning is Key in Order to Master the Fortnite Discover Algorithm

In our recent article on creating an effective marketing plan, we explored key strategies tailored for general marketing success. Now, let’s delve into how you can adapt those principles specifically to master the Fortnite Discover Algorithm.

Here’s a concise example illustrating some actions you can take to master the  Discover Algorithm.  Feel free to utilize our practical template or use the download link below to edit the template: 

Fortnite Discover Action Item Plan Example
 

Action ItemObjectiveTimelineMetrics to TrackResponsible PartyTools/Resources
Improve Thumbnail & Title DesignMake your island visually appealing to attract clicksOngoing, update regularlyClick-through rate (CTR), ImpressionsMarketing TeamPhotoshop, Canva, or other design tools
A/B Test ThumbnailsTest various thumbnails to see which attracts more clicksTest every 1-2 weeksCTR, player feedback on thumbnailsMarketing & Design TeamA/B Testing Tools, Photoshop
Optimize Island Description & TagsMake sure your island’s details are engaging and relevantUpdate regularly based on player behaviorPlayer engagement, click-through ratesContent Creation TeamUEFN (Unreal Editor for Fortnite), Creator Portal
Increase Engagement (e.g., gameplay improvements)Engage players by making gameplay fun and interactiveOngoing, track and adjust gameplayMinutes per player, Day 1 and Day 7 retentionGame Design TeamUEFN, Player Feedback Tools
Focus on Retention (e.g., rewards, progression)Ensure players are motivated to come back by adding progression and rewardsOngoing, track player retentionRetention rates, player feedback on rewardsGame Design & Progression TeamAnalytics Dashboard, In-Game Feedback
Analyze Engagement Data for Drop-off PointsIdentify where players drop off and improve those areasOngoing, adjust based on insightsPlayer drop-off points, time spent in-gameAnalytics TeamAnalytics Dashboard, User Flow Data
Encourage Player Feedback (e.g., surveys, direct feedback)Collect feedback to improve the overall player experienceOngoing, collect feedback at regular intervalsSurvey responses, endorsement rateCommunity Management TeamSurveys, Creator Portal
Monitor Endorsements & RecommendationsBoost player satisfaction by encouraging positive interactionsOngoing, track player behaviorFavorites, recommendations, survey feedbackCommunity & Marketing TeamCreator Portal, Community Tools
Enhance Island Sophistication (Advanced Features)Develop a more complex, polished island with custom code and advanced featuresOngoing, add complexity after each major updateSophistication score, features usedDevelopment TeamUEFN, Verse code, Animation Tools
Regular Updates & Iterations (based on player feedback)Keep your island fresh with updates based on analytics and feedbackOngoing, update your island every 2-4 weeksPlayer return rate, satisfaction survey feedbackContent Creation & Game Design TeamsAnalytics Dashboard, Player Feedback
Utilize Creator Portal AnalyticsAnalyze the data to understand what works and what doesn’tReview analytics every weekAnalytics Dashboard, player engagement metricsAnalytics & Development TeamsCreator Portal, Analytics Dashboard
Incorporate Advanced Devices & Verse CodeImprove sophistication with custom devices and codeIntegrate new features every monthSophistication score, custom features usedDevelopment TeamUEFN, Verse code, Development Tools
Increase Player Interaction (e.g., multiplayer, social play)Make your island more social and interactive to increase playtimeOngoing, introduce social aspects into gameplaySocial playtime, multiplayer usageGame Design & Community Management TeamSocial Play Tools, Community Interaction
Optimize for High Playtime per ImpressionIncrease the time spent playing through engaging contentOngoing, update and iterate to increase engagementMinutes per impression, retentionGame Design TeamUEFN, Analytics Dashboard

⬇️ Download the Full Fortnite Discover Action Item Plan Template (Google Sheets)


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Every other week we have a tutorial challenge! Challenge yourself, learn something new and build with us! Join our Discord Community to share your voice and connect with fellow UEFN and Fortnite Creative developers.

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How to Craft a Winning Fortnite Creative & UEFN Marketing Action Plan (Free Template)

Build hype and potentially boost Discover tab rankings for your Fortnite Creative or UEFN project with our step-by-step marketing plan, tool comparison, and free template.

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How to Craft a Winning Fortnite Creative & UEFN Marketing Plan (Free Template)

Launching a Fortnite Creative or Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN) project isn’t just about great gameplay—it’s about getting players to discover, play, and stay. A structured marketing plan turns that vision into repeatable actions, so each phase—from pre‑launch hype to long‑term engagement—fires on all cylinders.


What Is a Marketing Plan?

A marketing plan is a documented roadmap that defines who you want to reach, what you’ll say, where and when you’ll say it, and how you’ll measure success. For Fortnite creators, it bridges the gap between building the map and filling it with players.

Why It Matters

  • Clarity & Focus – Keeps your team aligned on goals and tasks.
  • Resource Efficiency – Prevents wasted ad spend and duplicated work.
  • Measurable Growth – Establishes KPIs so you can pivot quickly if numbers dip.
  • Competitive Edge – Few community creations use a formal plan—doing so gives you a leg up in discoverability.

Key Benefits for Fortnite Creative & UEFN

  1. Epic Discoverability Boost – A plan maximizes algorithmic placement in Fortnite’s “Discover” tab.
  2. Stronger Collabs – Clear milestones help you pitch YouTubers or other map makers.
  3. Retention & Monetization – Ongoing content beats the Day‑1 spike; a plan maps out those beats.
  4. Discover Tab Optimization – Tailor your map description, genre tags, and thumbnail art to secure higher placement in Fortnite’s in‑game Discover feed.

10‑Step Framework to Build Your Plan

Below is a proven workflow. Each step includes practical task ideas you can drop straight into a project‑management board.

#PhaseGoalExample Tasks
1Research & TargetingIdentify ideal player persona– Survey Reddit/Discord – Analyze top genre maps
2Pre‑Launch SetupReady assets & channels– Build trailer storyboard – Claim socials & custom URL
3Hype TeasersGenerate curiosity– Post WIP screenshots weekly – Run closed beta sign‑ups
4Collaboration OutreachSecure partners, Get Sponsors– DM five Fortnite creators – Offer exclusive early access
5Discovery OptimizationBoost in‑game visibility– Craft SEO‑rich map description – Select trending tags
6Launch DayMaximize first‑day impact– Publish launch trailer – Host Twitch reveal stream
7Engagement PushKeep players active– Add timed challenges – Reply to feedback on socials
8Content UpdatesSustain interest– Schedule bi‑weekly LTMs – Tease Season 2 roadmap
9Feedback LoopImprove & iterate– Send post‑match survey – Track session length metrics
10Long‑Term VisibilityMaintain relevance– Cross‑promote with new collabs – Run seasonal events

🎯 Tip: Assign each task an owner, due date, and Key Performance Indicators also known as KPI’s (e.g., trailer views, unique players, 30‑day retention).


Best Tools to Manage Your Marketing Plan

Using a project‑management platform keeps all those moving parts on rails. Here are three battle‑tested options:

1. Asana.com

  • Timeline View for visualizing the entire launch cadence.
  • Built‑in Goals feature to align KPIs like “10k players in first week.”
  • Robust automation rules to trigger reminders when tasks fall behind.
  • Prices: $0-$24.99

2. Notion.com

  • Flexible database templates—combine tasks, calendars, asset libraries in one page.
  • Real‑time docs for brainstorming map lore and social‑copy drafts.
  • Community templates (many free!) tailored to game dev pipelines.
  • Prices: $0-24.00

3. Trello.com

  • Simple Kanban boards—great for small teams. Used by Epic.
  • Power‑Ups like Calendar or Card Aging for visual urgency.
  • Mobile‑friendly drag‑and‑drop makes on‑the‑go updates painless.
  • Prices: $0-$10.00

🔗 Each link opens in a new tab so you can compare features while following this guide.


Quick‑Start Marketing Plan Template (Example)

Below is a mini‑snapshot of a marketing plan template framework. Copy it into Asana, Notion, or Trello—or grab the full TCB template download below.

PhaseTaskOwnerDueKPI
Pre‑LaunchFinalize key art & screenshotsDesigner2 weeks before launch6 hero images
HypeSchedule teaser postsSocial Lead10 days before launch3 posts scheduled
LaunchPublish map code on socialsCommunity MgrLaunch Day1,000 clicks
Post‑LaunchCollect feedback via Google FormQA Lead+3 days100 responses

⬇️ Download the full Fortnite Creative Marketing Plan Template (Google Sheets)


Dive into Action

Ready to turn your Creative island or UEFN masterpiece into the next breakout hit? Grab our free template above, drop it into your favorite tool, and start assigning and creating tasks today. Your future players are waiting—so let’s get building!

💡 Pro Tip: Bookmark this guide and revisit it after each update cycle; the most successful creators treat marketing as an ongoing sprint, not a one‑off event.


Build with Us!

Every other week we have a tutorial challenge! Challenge yourself, learn something new and build with us! Join our Discord Community to share your voice and connect with fellow UEFN and Fortnite Creative developers.

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UEFN Scams: How Epic Games Is Tackling Fraud, IP Theft, and Moderation in Fortnite Creative

Dive into the world of UEFN Scams—fake rewards, map theft, and more—and learn how Epic’s moderation process, best practices, and reporting tools can help you protect your Fortnite Creative projects.

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UEFN Scams - How Epic Games Is Tackling Fraud, IP, Theft and Moderation in Fortnite Creative

Fortnite Creative’s Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN) has unlocked a playground for ambitious creators, but with that freedom comes a host of UEFN scams targeting both novice and veteran map builders. From “free V‑Bucks” traps to stealthy map theft and false DMCA strikes, understanding these pitfalls—and how Epic’s mixed human‑and‑AI moderation works—helps you stay one step ahead.

Why UEFN Scams Matter: Scams not only erode player trust but can derail your creative momentum, damage reputation, and even jeopardize monetization through the Support‑A‑Creator program.

Human-and-Machine Moderation: Epic’s Frontline Defense on UEFN Scams

Epic reviews roughly 4,000 island submissions daily, aiming for a three‑hour turnaround. They blend automated triage with in‑depth human checks to balance scale and accuracy:

  • Automated Triage: Machine‑learning flags uploads for stolen assets, malicious code, or suspicious metadata, prioritizing high‑risk maps.
  • Human Playthroughs: Regardless of flags, each island is played for 10–15 minutes by a moderator who checks for misleading prompts (e.g., “like for rewards”), broken assets, and IP infringements.
  • Ongoing Calibration: Moderators follow clear reference guides and undergo retraining. Epic tracks consistency metrics, though subjective judgments (like proximity of “favorite” prompts to in‑map rewards) can vary.
  • Enhanced Feedback: Epic plans richer rejection notes—screenshots of violations and contextual explanations—to empower creators to iterate without guesswork.

Deep Dive: UEFN Scams and Creative Exploits


🎙️ Listen to our podcast: Tune into our Deep Dive podcast for in-depth review of what UEFN Scams are and how they impact the UEFN and Fortnite Creative Community: 


Anatomy of UEFN Scams

Awareness is your first line of defense. Here are the top scam archetypes:


Get More Insight with EPIC Finally Addresses Moderation in Fortnite Creative

A few key points were emphasized by Epic in the video: “EPIC Finally Addresses Moderation in Fortnite Creative” by HowtoBoss : that every island published undergoes a human review, despite the use of automated systems and machine learning to assist and prioritize content. The discussion also covers topics like the high volume of daily island submissions (around 4,000), the goal of a three-hour review turnaround time, and the challenges of maintaining consistency among moderators and communicating rule violations clearly to creators, particularly regarding subjective areas like misleading content. Finally, they touch on Epic’s stance on AI-generated content (focusing on compliance rather than the tool used) and IP theft (relying on rights holders for proactive moderation), while also hinting at upcoming moderation features to improve clarity and predictability for creators.


Best Practices to Guard Against UEFN Scams

  • Use Original Thumbnails & Assets: Design your own visuals or source from Epic’s marketplace. Embed subtle watermarks or version tags in .umap metadata to prove ownership.
  • Clear, Truthful Promotion: Link directly to your live island; avoid click‑bait promises. Overpromising damages trust and may trigger moderation flags.
  • Version Control & Backups: Implement a Git‑style workflow or cloud backups. If a map is wrongfully removed, you’ll have a secure copy ready for rapid resubmission.
  • Community Verification: Recruit trusted playtesters for honest feedback. Genuine testimonials are powerful trust signals.
  • Strict Asset Vetting: Inspect community assets—reject any with unexpected file types (.exe, .dll) or unverified scripts. When in doubt, sandbox new packages.

Reporting, Enforcement, and Recovery to Prevent UEFN Scams

  • In‑Game Reporting: Flag suspect islands or assets via the UEFN interface or Creator Portal.
  • Formal Appeals: If mis‑DMCA’d, gather timestamps, original source files, and URLs—then file an informed appeal through Epic’s DMCA system.
  • Repeat Offender Program: Epic issues demonetization, publishing bans, and account suspensions for habitually bad actors, though compliant maps from banned creators may remain live.
  • Momentum Recovery: Post patch notes, community updates, and gameplay highlights on social channels to regain traction after a hold or wrongful takedown.

Balancing Creativity and Compliance

Epic continues experimenting with features like publishing holds (iterative feedback loops) and duplicate‑thumbnail detection to clamp down on UEFN scams without curbing innovation. Striking that balance is an ongoing process—clearer guidelines help, but too many explicit rules risk stifling the creative spirit that defines Fortnite Creative.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How can I verify an asset’s safety before importing?
A: Always download from Epic’s official marketplace or reputable hubs. Scan new packages for unrecognized file types or scripts, and consider sandbox testing in an isolated project.

Q2: What exactly counts as a false DMCA claim?
A: A takedown notice filed without legitimate IP ownership—often by copycats. Keep original .umap files, timestamps, and source records to substantiate your appeal.

Q3: Can I use AI‑generated art for thumbnails?
A: Yes, provided it doesn’t infringe on existing IP or mislead players. Focus on unique compositions and avoid overused stock motifs.

Q4: Why do some compliant maps from banned creators stay live?
A: Epic avoids penalizing players enjoying valid content. They revoke publishing and earning rights but may leave compliant islands discoverable to preserve community access.

Q5: How do I request more detailed feedback on a moderation decision?
A: Epic is rolling out enhanced feedback tools (screenshots, comments). Meanwhile, submit a support ticket via the Creator Portal with specific questions about your rejection.


Fight Against UEFN Scams: Next Steps

The fight against UEFN scams is ongoing, but by understanding Epic’s moderation blend, recognizing common scam vectors, and adopting proactive safeguards, you can protect your creations and foster trust with your audience. By staying vigilant, transparent, and working together, we can keep the FNC and UEFN Creative Community a thriving, secure environment for everyone.


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