Epic’s Picks is an editorial program designed to incentivize the creation of highly polished, boundary-pushing Fortnite islands, and help more players discover them.
Policy Summary
Each week, Epic will highlight four islands in Epic’s Picks.
Islands in Epic's Picks have larger thumbnails in Discover and autoplay trailers on hover.
Some islands may also be eligible for promotion in the in-Fortnite news (MOTD).
Guidelines
To be featured in Epic’s Picks, you need to apply and be selected. Your island must be published and public before you apply.
Islands selected for Epic’s Picks, it can be re-featured every three months.
Rejected islands can reapply after one month.
Developer accounts whose islands are featured in Epic’s Picks cannot have another island featured in Epic’s Picks again for one month, starting from the most recent date they appear in Epic's Picks.
Optimizing and updating your island during its week in Epic’s Picks is encouraged, but major changes to the environment or gameplay before or during being featured may result in it being removed from the row.
Thumbnails or changes to the island’s metadata that violate our Fortnite Developer Rules result in the island being removed from the row.
Selection criteria is based on the Three Pillars of Epic’s Picks; Innovation, Gameplay, and Environment. More information available on each below.
For information on how to create thumbnails, see Making Thumbnails and Videos. For thumbnail guidelines, see Thumbnail Image Policies.
Special Opportunities
As new tools, content, and features are released for developers, the Editorial Team will focus on games that make exceptional use of them, though it is not a requirement to be featured.
From time to time, Spotlights or other special Callouts may be announced to encourage exceptional islands in specific genres or other categories. These can include unique sections of Discover or other adjustments to the standard editorial rows.
Process Outline
Review Common Mistakes to Avoid When Submitting Your Island for Epic’s Picks before applying.
Application Review
Apply using the Creator Submission form with gameplay footage and your island code.
Applications are verified for:
Eligibility (Island Engagement Program)
Valid island code
Applications that demonstrate strength across the three pillars -- Innovation, Gameplay, and Environment -- move to playtesting.
Playtesting
Islands are playtested by the Editorial Team in order of date submitted.
Each island is evaluated for fit with Epic's Picks based on how it stands out in uts genre and across the three pillars.
Islands are reviewed for any policy violations.
Legal Review
All aspects of your islands, including but not limited to core features and mechanics, must pass legal review:
The island, its thumbnail, its In-Island Transactions (if applicable), and metadata are reviewed.
Any island that fails legal review is automatically rejected.
Scheduling
Islands that pass all checks are then scheduled for featuring.
Scheduling may be adjusted to align with launches, Spotlights, or other special initiatives, provided the island still meets all of the criteria above.
Three Pillars of Epic's Picks: Innovation, Gameplay, and Environment
Innovation
Find something new to do in Fortnite that hasn’t been tried before or introduce a whole new way of playing a common mode. Experimentation and iteration is the key.
Uniqueness - Find genres or game modes that inspire you and that have rarely been seen in Fortnite. Just because an idea has been tried before doesn’t mean you can’t improve on it or make it completely different.
Technical execution - Using current tools and devices, show off how much you know about UEFN. Find creative ways to execute your ideas. You can inspire the next wave of content by figuring out creative solutions.
It's all about fun - The game needs to be engaging and exciting! Ideas are great when the audience can resonate and have fun playing together or solo. What makes this game a must try? Why should players find your game compelling? Answering fundamental questions like these build the basis of all great games!
Gameplay
Create something new or make improvements to existing genres that weren’t thought of before.
Mechanics - Introduce a new feature or mechanic that fits the theme or genre of the island. Find ways to make the gameplay more interesting than what has been previously tried. The game should feel new and easy enough for players to pick up on.
Design - The experience should feel fresh and intuitive. The more complicated it is, the more effort needs to be put into introducing it in a simple, streamlined way. Balance the difficulty level with friendly systems that welcome new players and reward returning players.
Replayability - Unlock multiple ways for players to interact and experience your game. Whether that's through exploration, finding hidden secrets, being the best, or developing multiple ways for players to interact with your content, give players a reason to keep coming back.
Environment
Create an island that is memorable and unique. Something that sticks out from the very first moment. These elements set your environment apart:
Lighting and atmosphere - The placement and intensity of lighting can set the mood of your island. It can also help players navigate around the map and find key points of interest.
Visual distinctiveness - Using unique assets or models that give your island a distinctive style makes it stand out from the rest.
Map Layout and Flow - How players move through the island and the pacing are core concepts that make an island fun to play. Alternating between open and closed spaces, providing line of sight to objectives, or unlocking new areas are subtle ways to let players know where to go. Good navigation and flow means players can maintain engagement with your island while feeling confident they know how to navigate it.
Environment details - Layering your map to include elevation of underground spaces keeps it from being stale. Give players unique ways to navigate your space, and be thoughtful about the details you add, like props and terrain.