It's because games can be cheaper in countries where the economy is weaker. $60 in USA is a standard price, but that's outrageous in Thailand, and here Epic mig

It's because games can be cheaper in countries where the economy is weaker. $60 in USA is a standard price, but that's outrageous in Thailand, and here Epic might charge the equivalent of $30. They do not want people shopping around for the cheapest country to purchase games from. A passport is somewhat ridiculous, as is the lack of initial email verification, of course.