LET'S TALK ABOUT MONETISING SNAPSHOTS

It's no secret that Epic Games have recently introduced more monetisation options for creators, allowing us to implement in-island transactions where players (you) spend V-bucks to unlock stuff offered by creators (us).

This, naturally, has us thinking about Snapshots.

As Snapshots continues to evolve, my goal remains the same as it’s always been: build unforgettable experiences that players can enjoy for years to come. The vision keeps getting bigger - and with it, the challenge of keeping Snapshots ite sustainable in the long term.

Right now, Snapshots Battle Royale does not operate at a profit. Every season we produce puts a further dent into my wallet. I pour funding into producing high-quality POIs, renders and other artwork, music, and more, whilst the Fortnite ecosystem unfortunately does not support the project in return with sustainable Discover placements.

I don't mind continuing this way in the short term, because ultimately this is a project of passion, however that reality pushes me to think carefully about how I can keep delivering the Snapshots you love whilst also ensuring the game can continue far into the future.

I want to be transparent with the community as I explore potential in-game monetisation options that remain fair, non-intrusive, and fully aligned with the spirit of Snapshots.

OPTION 1: KEEP BR FREE, BUT STV IS PREMIUM

One option that I've been greatly considering is offering the upcoming Save the Verse looter shooter PVE game as a Premium Experience. You can perhaps play the Onboarding tutorial mission free, but unlocking the full game requires a one-time payment of, say, 1000 V-Bucks.

I understand that by offering Save the Verse as a premium experience, whilst it does complete my vision to create full indie games within the Fortnite toolset, it does also pose risks and raise expectations. This would need to be a completely deserved experience for the price players would be paying, but it might enable me to keep Battle Royale completely transaction-free.

Another option is delivering the full game for free but introducing paid DLC for extra content.

OPTION 2: COSMETIC CONTENT

Cosmetics have always been at the heart of Fortnite monetisation, and I've been exploring ways to neatly integrate them into Snapshots BR (and Save the Verse) for a while now.

Potential additions could include:

• Calling Cards - show off when you've downed someone!

• Contrail Auras - special VFX that appear when you're on a hot streak.

• Hats - a fancy hat.

• Special Mounts - ride a fancy pig! or.. a Klombo!

All of these options would be entirely cosmetic with no gameplay advantages.

OPTION 3: A SIMPLE, KIND DONATION

I could also simply add a "Donate to Support" button to Snapshots. If you enjoyed your time, you can donate 100 V-Bucks with no promise of a return reward!

There are, of course, other options. However, these are the core three that I have considered. I am not interested in adding pay-to-win microtransactions to my games, and can pretty confidently say I never will be, which leaves me with, admittedly, more limited options.

CLOSING REMARKS..

Maintaining and growing Snapshots as a free-to-play experience takes incredible resources. I have people to pay for work such as level design, materials work, and the beautiful seasonal key art renders. Thoughtful monetisation could help ensure I can continue to deliver new Snapshots experiences for years to come.

As I explore what’s possible, your feedback matters most. Any new system would be tested, reviewed, iterated on, and shaped by your responses. Please let us know your thoughts on potential monetisation options (or suggest more!) by reaching out on our Discord server.

Snapshots has always been built together with the community, and that won’t change. We're still committed to being "the Battle Royale built by players, for players".