The gaming world has been buzzing after news broke about the Fortnite Steal the Brainrot lawsuit, a case that pits original Roblox developers against a Fortnite map creator. This legal dispute raises important questions about copyright, intellectual property, and how games across different platforms can intersect—and clash. In this guide, we explore the lawsuit in depth, why it matters, and what it could mean for players and creators alike.
Background: Roblox Steal a Brainrot
Before Fortnite entered the picture, Spyder Games and Speedy Simulator Gaming developed the original Steal a Brainrot on Roblox. Since its release, the game has become a sensation within the Roblox community. Players are drawn to its unique mechanics, engaging gameplay, and creative level design.
The game’s success made it a prime candidate for adaptations or copycats, but the developers argue that one version crossed the line into outright infringement. To protect their creation, they registered a copyright in August 2025, covering their game’s user interface, in-game objects, artwork, color schemes, level layouts, and more.
Enter Fortnite: Steal the Brainrot Map
Thomas Van Der Voort, a Fortnite map creator, released a Fortnite map called “Steal the Brainrot” roughly two months after the Roblox original. The map quickly gained attention in the Fortnite community, attracting players with its similar gameplay and aesthetics.
The Fortnite Island Creator Program, which allows creators to earn money based on player engagement, made this map particularly profitable. During a special event, the Fortnite version of Steal the Brainrot reportedly had more players than Fortnite’s main Battle Royale mode, a staggering statistic that further escalated tensions.
The Lawsuit: What Are the Claims?
The core of the lawsuit revolves around allegations that Van Der Voort copied specific elements from the Roblox game rather than creating a game inspired by the genre. According to the complaint filed by Spyder Games and Speedy Simulator Gaming:
- User Interface: The Fortnite map allegedly mirrors the layout, menus, and visual cues of the Roblox original.
- In-Game Objects: Many items, obstacles, and interactive objects appear almost identical.
- Artwork & Color Scheme: The complaint points to deliberate copying of color palettes, textures, and visual motifs.
- Level Design: Layouts, obstacles, and gameplay flow closely mimic the Roblox game.
- Overall Style: Even the arrangement of shapes and game features is claimed to be a near-copy of the original design.
Lawyer Adam Starr, representing the Roblox developers, explained that the developers initially attempted a cooperative solution. They reached out to Van Der Voort to resolve the situation without litigation, but their efforts were unsuccessful, prompting them to file a lawsuit.
Why This Lawsuit Matters
This case is significant for several reasons:
- Cross-Platform Copyright Issues: It highlights the challenges of enforcing intellectual property rights when similar games appear on different platforms. Roblox and Fortnite have different audiences, mechanics, and ecosystems, but copying core game elements can still be actionable under copyright law.
- Monetization Incentives: Fortnite’s Island Creator Program rewards creators for player engagement, creating a strong financial incentive for copying popular games. The lawsuit alleges that Van Der Voort’s motive was tied to potential profits.
- Precedent for Game Cloning: The outcome could set an important precedent for future disputes between developers on different platforms. Courts may increasingly scrutinize games that are “too similar,” even if they exist in separate ecosystems.
What the Developers Want
The lawsuit requests several remedies from the court:
- Removal of the Fortnite Map: Spyder Games and Speedy Simulator Gaming want Van Der Voort’s map taken down from Fortnite immediately.
- Damages and Profits: The developers are seeking compensation for any profits the Fortnite version earned, claiming that these were directly tied to the alleged copying.
- Jury Trial: The Roblox creators are asking for a jury trial to resolve the dispute, rather than settling it out of court.
Adam Starr emphasized that the developers would have preferred a cooperative resolution but are committed to defending their intellectual property if necessary.
Current Status
As of now, the Fortnite Steal the Brainrot map is still playable, and Epic Games has not publicly intervened. This is consistent with Fortnite’s typical approach: the company generally allows creators to manage their own maps unless there’s a legal order or direct violation of Epic’s policies.
This means that players can continue to access the Fortnite version for now, but the legal outcome could change that if the court rules in favor of the Roblox developers.
Fortnite and Roblox: A Comparison
The lawsuit underscores the differences between Roblox and Fortnite ecosystems:
| Feature | Roblox Steal a Brainrot | Fortnite Steal the Brainrot |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Roblox | Fortnite |
| Originality | Original creation by Spyder Games & Speedy Simulator Gaming | Alleged copy by Thomas Van Der Voort |
| Monetization | Robux through in-game purchases | Island Creator Program payouts |
| Gameplay Style | Puzzle and adventure elements with unique objects | Similar mechanics and visuals to Roblox version |
| Player Base | Roblox community | Fortnite players worldwide |
| Legal Action | Copyright registered August 2025 | Subject of lawsuit in U.S. courts |
This comparison highlights why the lawsuit is relevant: it’s not just about similar ideas—it’s about specific copying that can impact profits and intellectual property rights.
The Bigger Picture: Game Copyright Protection
The Steal the Brainrot lawsuit highlights the challenges developers face when creating games in highly competitive environments. Protecting original content is crucial, especially when platforms like Fortnite provide financial incentives for popular maps.
- Copyright Registration: Registering a game’s copyright (as the Roblox developers did in August 2025) strengthens legal standing in disputes.
- Enforcing IP Across Platforms: Developers must be vigilant when their games are copied on other platforms, as traditional IP laws may still apply.
- Balancing Inspiration vs. Copying: While drawing inspiration is common in game development, copying exact elements—UI, level design, and artwork—crosses a legal line.
This lawsuit could serve as a wake-up call for the gaming community, reminding creators to respect others’ intellectual property while inspiring discussions about cross-platform innovation and fairness.
Potential Outcomes
Several scenarios could result from the lawsuit:
- Fortnite Map Removal: If the court rules in favor of the Roblox developers, the Fortnite map could be taken down permanently.
- Financial Compensation: Van Der Voort could be ordered to pay damages or share profits earned from the map.
- Settlement: The parties could reach an out-of-court settlement, possibly involving licensing fees or acknowledgment of the original game.
- Legal Precedent: The ruling could influence how future cross-platform game disputes are handled, impacting creators and platforms alike.
What Players Should Know
- Fortnite Players: The map remains playable for now, but its status could change depending on court decisions.
- Roblox Players: The lawsuit emphasizes the importance of respecting original creations, even when exploring similar genres.
- Developers: Protecting IP and documenting originality is essential in a world where successful games are often replicated across multiple platforms.
Conclusion
The Fortnite Steal the Brainrot lawsuit is a landmark case that shines a light on the complexities of copyright law in gaming. It demonstrates how cross-platform success can lead to legal disputes, especially when original creators feel their work has been copied.
As the case unfolds, it could set a precedent for how intellectual property is protected in the gaming industry, impacting both creators and players. Whether you are a Roblox fan, Fortnite player, or a game developer, understanding this lawsuit offers valuable insight into the intersection of creativity, law, and digital entertainment.