Epic Games revokes lifetime bans for some Fortnite cheaters

The big picture: Epic Games has long cracked down on Fortnite cheaters, handing out harsh penalties for rogue gamers who bend the rules to gain an unfair advantage. However, in a surprising change of heart, the company is now softening its stance on cheaters and giving some a chance to redeem themselves.

According to an official update from Epic Games, some players who were previously penalized for cheating will have their bans revoked in April. As part of the plan, Epic plans to introduce a one-year matchmaking ban for first-time cheating offenses in a move the company believes will deter foul play while offering former cheaters a second chance.

The punishment will prevent errant players from matchmaking into Epic- or creator-made experiences or spectating other players, but allow them to log in and text/voice chat with other gamers. As part of this policy, the company will lift all cheating bans that have been in effect for more than a year.

Despite offering leniency for first-time offenders, Epic is still planning to implement lifetime bans on players caught using cheats for the second time. Players who have sold cheats and committed other offenses resulting in a lifetime ban will also remain banned for life.

In addition to the lifetime bans for serious offenses, Epic is imposing a one-year matchmaking ban and an immediate lifetime ban from tournaments for players who have used cheats in e-sports events. These players will also lose all past tournament winnings.

Epic is also introducing new requirements to combat cheating in tournaments. Starting today, PC gamers will have to turn on two security settings - TPM and Secure Boot – in order to compete in FNCS tournaments that require an account level of 350 or higher to be eligible.

While TPM will make it much harder for players to use cheats to alter the game, Secure Boot will prevent malware from being inserted into the PC's boot process, thereby stopping cheaters from using cheat codes as bootkits.

While Epic is offering a gesture of reconciliation to some cheaters, it is still taking legal action against those who are helping others cheat and committing serious offenses. The company this week filed a new lawsuit against an individual who stole Fortnite accounts and resold them. It had earlier sued another player that cheated in official Fortnite tournaments.