Epic Games emphasises “competitive integrity” in new Fortnite rule

Epic Games has had enough of collusion in Fortnite, and will be implementing measures to curtail its use in competitive games and introduce sanctions against those players (via Go Nintendo).

The developer claimed that sabotage had run rampant in official Fortnite competitions held in 2019, but the rule set couldn’t consistently identify when it was really happening and when it was only pacifist communication between opposing players. To avoid confusion in the future, the new collusion rule has been introduced to the new year of competitive Fortnite games. It is as follows:

“Competitive Fortnite’s Collusion Rule:

Players may not work together to deceive or otherwise cheat other players during any match (“Collusion”). Examples of Collusion include the following:

Teaming: Players working together during the match while on opposing teams. 

Planned Movement: Agreement between 2 or more opposing players to land at specific locations or to move through the map in a planned way before the match begins. 

Communication: Sending or receiving signals (both verbal and non-verbal) to communicate with opposing players.  

Item Dumping: Intentionally dropping items for an opposing player to collect.”

As such, any instances of pick-axe swinging, emoting, toy tossing, or jumping between opposing teams in official matches will effectuate a collusion penalty. Friendly communication is permitted, of course, but if Epic Games deems there to be evidence of cheating, “appropriate action” will follow. And, those who continue to cooperate with opponents in competitive games may face greater penalties.

“Our primary goal is to support competition that is fun, inclusive, and in line with the overall spirit of Fortnite. Unsportsmanlike conduct from participants is not within that spirit, and will not be tolerated in Fortnite competition,” said Epic Games. Players who spot issues of “competitive integrity” are encouraged to contact the Fortnite player support team to make an official report. 

Fortnite is available on PC, iOS, Android, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch.

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