Epic recently introduced a divisive and potentially reckless proximity chat to Fortnite, available exclusively in the new and limited-time Delulu mode. It has proven to be a bit of a nightmare, with users in social circles reporting all manner of abuse coming over the airwaves in Fortnite.
In a post on social media, the Fortnite Status channel revealed that thousands of players were banned this weekend, related to ‘voice chat behavior most likely detected while playing the new Delulu mode.
Why Did Epic Add Proximity Chat to Fortnite?
Adding proximity chat to a game that’s focused heavily on younger players is a bit of a misstep, it feels. Epic has added proximity chat for the new Delulu mode because it’s all about making partnerships on the go as a match unravels, then potentially turning on your newfound friends to secure the grand prize.
However, it has inevitably led to toxicity surfacing, with players mistreating the proximity chat in Fortnite to hurl racist, sexist, and other kinds of abuse at their opponents. These are the reports that have been appearing on platforms like Reddit.
In a recent post on social media, Epic revealed how the team has banned thousands of abusive players in the last couple of days:
One user commented under this post:
I played late last night when it was just adults, and the game was fun and chill, and there was a great vibe. Played during the day today, with half the lobby being kids, and it was a toxic hellzone. Make of that what you will.
Another wrote:
I was called the hard R by a 10yr old
Other users referred to proximity chat as the ‘worst feature ever added to Fortnite’. It was almost impossible to find much praise for the Delulu mode whatsoever, with many standing perplexed as to why Epic decided to add it in the first place.
Perhaps it’s some shadowy way to weed out the abusive players in the game.
Let me know on the Insider Gaming forum what your experiences have been with the Delulu mode in Fortnite.
For more Insider Gaming coverage, check out the news that a massive server slam is coming for ARC Raiders
Grant has been gaming for 30+ years and in the industry for 10+. You'll probably find him playing a post-apocalyptic game or an extraction shooter somewhere.
More from Grant Taylor-Hill
