New development in Fortnite: iconic TV moms added and legal victory for Epic Games

In recent Fortnite updates, both new in-game additions and major legal developments have been reported. Epic Games has announced that three iconic mothers from popular TV series are coming to the game, while the company has also secured a significant legal victory in its long-running dispute with Apple.

Iconic moms in Fortnite

On May 8, 2026, Lois Griffin (Family Guy), Peggy Hill (King of the Hill), and Linda Belcher (Bob's Burgers) will be added to Fortnite. The timing comes just ahead of Mother’s Day on May 10. Each mom will get her own bundle, including a skin, back bling, pickaxe, and emote.

Epic Games has previously added other characters from these series, such as Peter Griffin, Bob Belcher, and Hank Hill. The addition of these TV characters highlights the ongoing collaboration between Epic Games and major entertainment franchises.

Legal victory for Epic Games against Apple

On May 6, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected an appeal from Apple in a legal battle centered on the iOS App Store and in-game purchases. This follows a ruling from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which found Apple in contempt of an earlier order. Apple, which has been trying to preserve its lucrative commission-based policy for developers, was called out over anticompetitive practices.

The ruling has major implications for how developers like Epic Games can manage in-game purchases. It should make it possible to offer external payment methods without Apple’s fees.

Disney's gaming ambitions grow

Alongside the gaming developments, Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro has said that gaming is a strategic priority for the company. Disney recently announced a $1.5 billion investment in Epic Games and Fortnite, which it sees as a way to reach younger audiences and keep them engaged with its stories and characters.

D'Amaro also emphasized the importance of the Disney and Epic Games partnership in creating unique experiences inside Fortnite, such as the successful The Simpsons x Fortnite event in November 2025. That event drew more than 80 million unique players and generated 780 million hours of gameplay.

Future possibilities and developments

These recent developments highlight the synergistic relationship between Disney and Epic Games. D'Amaro has said the partnership helps reach a new audience and take the Disney video game experience to the next level. There is speculation that Disney could invest further in Fortnite in the future, or even consider an acquisition.

With popular character additions and legal progress, Epic Games remains a major force in both gaming and the wider entertainment industry.