In Fortnite, Custom Games and Private Matches have been part of the game for a while now. Today, professionals are allowed to showcase what happens there. However, this seems to be a sensitive topic. Because professionals could use Private Matches to improve even further.
What are Custom Games in Fortnite? Custom Games are essentially private matches. They are exclusive lobbies that invited players can access:
- “Regular” matches in Fortnite are open to everyone – matchmaking randomly groups players together so they can compete against each other.
- “Custom Games” are exclusive parties that only invited players can join.
Secret Mode: However, apparently, this is a mode that Epic has kept to itself for quite some time now. Epic doesn’t widely promote this mode. Because “regular” players cannot create this mode at all.
In January, Custom Games were still openly advertised
What is happening with the feature? This action was first seen in January 2018. Epic Games announced on Twitter that selected streamers would receive this feature.
In April, such a mode also appeared in the interface for PS4 and Xbox One.
Officially, however, there haven’t been any major announcements from Epic regarding this mode. That has been going on behind closed doors since Fortnite became so successful.
As a “replacement,” Epic has given regular players the practice mode “Creative”.
The spicy part: Only a few selected can host such Custom Matches. The “average player” cannot. For that, you need good contacts with Epic or have to be invited by a streamer when the option is open.
Custom Duos today in the stream
What is happening today? As some professional eSports players have revealed, they are actually allowed to stream their Custom Games tonight on Friday. This way, professionals can play against each other and test their skills. “Duo Custom” matches are planned for tonight starting at 11:00 PM.
However, there is a restriction:
- These Custom Matches may be streamed
- but these matches may not be referred to as “Scrimmages”
These “Custom Games” are probably not always active for professionals either, but only at certain times.
What are Scrimmages? Scrimmages are training sessions in which top teams compete against each other under competitive conditions to improve and refine tactics.
Some are more equal than others
Why this restriction? This is a bit sensitive. The privilege to play private matches is not granted to everyone. Those who have it can use it to compete against other top players and thus improve.
Apparently, there is a rule from Epic Games that these Private Matches cannot be used for “Scrimmages,” that is, for such professional training. However, behind the scenes, they are likely used exactly for that.
What is the problem with “Custom Games?” There is something “elitist” about it. Epic grants a club of professionals and streamers the opportunity to compete against each other under professional conditions. The “average player” does not have this privilege.
Meanwhile, Epic is promoting Fortnite as an eSport for everyone. Having such “Private Matches” or “Custom Games” only for selected individuals does not align with this claim.
Perhaps “public streaming” is a direction to slowly loosen things up.
