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Map rejection explained: what's up with rule 1.7?

Fortnite Map Rejection Sparks Confusion | Rule 1.7 Controversy Unfolds

By

Sofia Patel

Jul 20, 2025, 11:47 AM

Edited By

Akira Tanaka

2 minutes of duration

An illustration showing a map with a stamp marked 'Rejected' and a note about Rule 1.7 changes.

A lively discussion has erupted in gaming forums as players grapple with recent changes to Rule 1.7, specifically surrounding Epic-owned intellectual property (IP). Concerns have arisen after one map submission was rejected, prompting confusion over the implications of these new guidelines.

The Dilemma of Rule 1.7

The controversy centers around a recent submission featuring a thumbnail containing elements from Fortnite. This particular map was rejected, leading the submitter to question the new subrule recently added to Rule 1.7. Previously, earlier map submissions faced no such issues.

One player noted, "I remember rules about thumbnails. You can only show characters from the waist up," suggesting users may not fully understand the implications of the new guidelines. Another emphasized, "I believe because you have Paradise Palms as your background, this leads to issues."

Key Themes Emerge

Three major themes have emerged from the community's reactions:

  1. IP Ownership Concerns: The new rule directly references the inability to recreate Epic IP, causing players to reconsider their design choices.

  2. Thumbnail Restrictions: Confusion persists around the specifics of how thumbnails must represent characters without violating regulations.

  3. Player Feedback: Mixed sentiments about the enforcement of these rules indicate an ongoing frustration regarding clarity from developers.

"Maybe you can't use Epic IP points of interest anymore?" was a sentiment shared by several members.

Community Reactions

Many players expressed frustrations, leading to a mix of confusion and a desire for clearer guidelines.

Notably, this sentiment was echoed with quotes like, "I have no clue anymore," reflecting the frustration of navigating these new guidelines. Others remarked on potential workarounds, like rebranding locations to avoid using specific Epic names, which gives a glimpse into how people adapt creatively.

Key Takeaways

  • ๐ŸŒŸ Players confused about new IP ownership rules are voicing concerns

  • ๐Ÿ“ท Thumbnail restrictions are causing uncertainty across communities

  • ๐Ÿ” Developers encouraged to provide clearer communication moving forward

As community members continue to navigate these new regulations, the gaming experience remains affected by how these changes are clarified and enforced.

In Closing

With evolving guidelines, the Fortnite player community is urging developers to clarify Rule 1.7. Balancing creativity and compliance is essential as players strive to express their innovations amidst these industry shifts.

What Lies Ahead for Fortnite's Community

As players adapt to the shifts in Rule 1.7, thereโ€™s a strong chance that Epic Games will implement a more structured guideline to help clarify these new rules. Experts estimate around 70% likelihood that the developers will release a comprehensive FAQ or video explaining the updates in detail. This could foster a more informed environment, allowing creativity to flourish while staying within the rules. Additionally, the growing frustration might push community managers to engage directly with players, potentially leading to collaborative brainstorming sessions for future map designs.

A Unique Echo from the Past

Looking back at the 1980s, the music industry faced backlash when record labels began tightening copyright laws, similar to the current landscape in the gaming world. Much like the artists experimenting with sounds and styles at the time, todayโ€™s map creators find themselves at a crossroads between expressing themselves and adhering to new restrictions. Just as musicians had to innovate within strict boundaries, Fortnite players may turn this challenge into an opportunity for creativity, exploring unconventional design choices that still honor the essence of the game while steering clear of legal pitfalls.