Epic Games removes Jubi Slide Emote from Fortnite Item Shop

A few hours ago, a new Emote called Jubi Slide was added to the Fortnite Item Shop. Costing 500 V-Bucks, it is one of the few Emotes usable not only in Battle Royale but in LEGO Fortnite as well. Being an Icon Series Emote makes it all the more sought after by collectors. As such, despite being a win-win situation for the community, its run in the Item Shop was extremely short-lived.

After the Jubi Slide Emote was added to the Item Shop following the rotation, something seemed to go wrong, as Epic Games removed it within three hours of release. Those who purchased it can use it in-game, but it's not listed anymore, having been vaulted for the time being. This is what Epic Games had to say:

"We've removed the Item Shop row containing the Jubi Slide Emote. We’ll circle back once we’ve taken a close look at it."

While the reason for delisting the Jubi Slide Emote has not been revealed, based on information provided by iFireMonkey, it has to do with a bug. The Jubi Slide Emote is bugged in LEGO Fortnite and doesn't work as intended. However, there could be another reason as well, which is based on the community's feedback about the Jubi Slide Emote.

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The Fortnite Jubi Slide Emote is identical to Side Shuffle

Side Shuffle is an Icon Series Emote introduced to the game in Chapter 3 Season 4. For some reason, Epic Games released the Jubi Slide Emote, which is nearly identical to Side Shuffle. Apart from the music used in the Emote, the movement is almost the same.

Here is a side-by-side video comparing both the Fortnite Icon Series Emotes:

As seen in the video, despite minor animation differences, there's little to distinguish them. As such, they look identical except for the music that plays alongside the Emote. The resulting backlash from the community was likely another reason why Epic Games removed it from the Item Shop and mentioned that they would look into the matter.

Aside from backlash, if they plan on offering refunds, it's easier to execute the process when fewer players purchase the Emote. The longer it's listed in the Fortnite Item Shop, the more players can buy it, and as such, refunding V-Bucks becomes a long-drawn process. This is something that Epic Games will try to avoid.

Here are a few reactions from the community with regards to the Jubi Slide Emote:

As seen from the community, they are convinced that the Jubi Slide Emote is a copy of Side Shuffle. While some find it amusing, others are unwilling to spend their V-Bucks on it. However, since it's an optional purchase, it's not an issue in the grand scheme.

That said, Epic Games will provide an official update when it's listed again in the Fortnite Item Shop.