Epic Games Pulls Fortnite Dance Over Nazi Imagery Concerns

Epic Games has removed a dance move from its hit game Fortnite after users raised concerns that its arm movements could resemble a swastika, a decision hastened by a shocking plot development in the HBO series "Peacemaker."

The company disabled the "Peaceful Hips" emote, a purchasable dance animation priced at 400 V-Bucks, the game's virtual currency, following the release of the show's sixth episode, which depicted a Nazi-controlled alternate universe. The emote, which launched Sept. 15 as part of a collaboration with DC Studios, mimicked the dance moves of the show's protagonist during the series' opening credits.

Social media users flagged the animation's L-shaped arm movements and hip sways as potentially problematic after the episode aired, prompting swift action from Epic. The Cary, N.C.-based company announced on social platform X that it would investigate "our partner's creative intentions" and issue refunds to players who purchased the item. The post has since been deleted.

A Pattern of Dance-Related Disputes

The incident raises questions about the challenges entertainment companies face when coordinating cross-platform marketing campaigns with television productions that guard plot details closely. Industry observers are asking whether Epic had access to complete scripts before greenlighting the collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery Inc.'s DC Studios.

Epic is no stranger to controversy over its dance emotes, digital items that have become significant revenue generators in the free-to-play game. The company has faced multiple lawsuits from choreographers and performers claiming their work was used without compensation, including cases involving the "Milly Rock" dance and moves created by choreographer Kyle Hanagami. A federal appeals court revived Hanagami's lawsuit last year after a lower court had dismissed it.

The "Peaceful Hips" removal underscores the risks inherent in licensing content from narrative-driven entertainment properties, particularly when plot developments aren't disclosed to all commercial partners. For Epic, which has built a lucrative business around pop-culture collaborations, the incident could prompt closer scrutiny of future licensing agreements.