The developers of Fortnite: Battle Royale answer our questions about the upcoming update. What can we expect? What is Epic planning regarding team killers? And when will the PvE content finally be free?
Something is in the air: Epic is giving Fortnite’s Battle Royale mode a major update, which will significantly change the landscape of the map. The swamps are supposed to be swampier, and the mountains should be more mountainous. Houses should be more unique, and the landscapes should differ more from each other.
But the highlight is undoubtedly the new city, which will be located south of Loot Lake. Tilted Towers will be its name and represents the largest of many improvements affecting the western half of the map.
On this occasion, three developers from Epic answered our questions:
- David Spalinski and Sydney Rauchberger, Lead Level Designers
- Eric Williamson, Lead Systems Designer
The first details were already revealed in the teaser released a few days ago:
Mein-MMO: What can you tell us more specifically about the upcoming update?
David Spalinski: When we went live with the Battle Royale mode in September, we knew we had built a solid foundation. We were, of course, aware that there were things we could improve.
The experiences we gained from playing and the feedback from the community highlighted the relevant issues. The upcoming update is a result of this continuous learning process.
We have added more interesting points to the map. This gives players more opportunities to land, explore, and fight. One example of this is Tilted Towers, a city that players have requested.
This location offers large buildings and thus various vertical opportunities. Another example is Shifty Shafts, an underground area that feels claustrophobic.
Sydney Rauchberger: In addition, we wanted to give the various areas of the map their own identity. When you look at the map now, you only see a uniform green. We have made changes that should make the areas more distinct from each other.
The difference is like night and day, especially when you view the map from the bus. We hope players will like it!
Furthermore, we had to make some technical adjustments to implement the changes to the map. These technical improvements have given us a lot of flexibility in storage, which we can use for future enhancements, whether it’s gameplay, graphics, or cosmetic things.
We love surprising players with new things, so we don’t want to reveal anything at this point.
This is the new map of Fortnite: Battle Royale
Mein-MMO: When can we expect the big update?
Epic: The week starting from January 15th is when it will be ready. We will announce the exact date soon!
Mein-MMO: What about weather effects like rain or snow? Can we expect something like that in the future?
David: In the first step, we wanted to make the individual sections of the map more distinct. You should always know where you are based on the environment. The trees will differ; the grass will be different. Do you see mountains around you? Then you’re on the western side of the map.
There will be no weather effects with this update (apart from rain in the storm), but anything is possible in the future!
Mein-MMO: Do you have any further plans to improve Fortnite’s graphics?
Sydney: We are always looking for ways to improve the graphics and overall appearance. With the new update, the world will look more diverse and definitely prettier.
Mein-MMO: What are your plans to change the user interface or controller settings? Many players on consoles want customizable button layouts.
Eric Williamson: We have numerous players on consoles, so we are constantly revising the controller setup. We recently introduced the “Combat Pro” layout, which is received very well. We know that players want more options, and we will continue to monitor this.
Mein-MMO: A few days ago, players were able to enter a test server that included a fundamental overhaul of the weapons. Are you planning to take these weapon changes live with the upcoming update?
Eric: Unfortunately, that was a mistake. Only a few players had access to this test server. We are not finished with the weapon adjustments yet. Still, it was interesting to get this early feedback from players, which will be considered in further considerations. But it’s still too early to say anything concrete.
We will open this test server for everyone sooner or later to gather appropriate feedback. Stay tuned for more information on this!
Mein-MMO: Can you tell us more details about the weapon adjustments? What about the bloom? Is it finally a thing of the past?
Eric: We have made numerous adjustments and improvements since the launch, including based on player feedback. We want to continuously improve; for that reason, we always listen to player feedback and implement the things that are best for the game.
Mein-MMO: More and more games with a Battle Royale component are hitting the market in 2018. What are your medium- to long-term plans to keep Fortnite unique and differentiate it from competitors?
Eric: We are fans of Battle Royale gameplay, so we welcome the fact that more games are coming to the market. It is great that players can choose what they want to play. However, we primarily focus on ourselves, regularly introduce new content, and aim to ensure that the Fortnite experience always feels fresh. Player feedback plays a crucial role here.
Mein-MMO: Can you tell us something about planned new modes?
Eric: No, unfortunately not… but stay tuned!
Mein-MMO: Are you planning a return of already completed modes like the sneaky silencers? I liked that mode; unfortunately, it wasn’t a solo mode, and I was also surprised by the removal of traps.
Eric: We pursue a specific purpose with the special modes. They are not meant to replace the standard modes but to provide a unique and fun experience. We want to improve these modes, especially based on player feedback. And we have some cool ideas up our sleeve!
You will definitely see modes returning, possibly adjusted.
Mein-MMO: Why couldn’t I play “Sneaky Silencers” in a tuxedo with a bow tie? Seriously – what would be more fitting than James Bond for this mode? That would be the perfect idea for a special skin.
Eric: Noted!
Mein-MMO: Recently, discussions about team killing – players who shoot their teammates and spoil the gaming experience – have dominated. What do you intend to do about it?
Eric: Our view on team killing is… Just don’t do it! Unfortunately, we can’t disclose what we’re doing behind the scenes, but we encourage players who have been affected by team killing to utilize the reporting options within the game.
(Epic has meanwhile disabled friendly fire, editor’s note)
Mein-MMO: One last question about the PvE content of Fortnite. When will this finally be free?
Eric: We still plan for the mode to become free in 2018.
Mein-MMO: Thank you for this interview!
What do you think? Are you excited about the update?
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