When Epic Games released the highly-anticipated OG update, it sparked immense excitement and positive feedback among players. However, the game faced a significant setback a couple of weeks ago when it disabled several in-game skins, causing a stir and dividing the fanbase. After leaving players in suspense for a couple of days, Epic Games has finally addressed the controversy surrounding the update.
Epic Games’ Response to Fortnite’s Skin Restrictions
The official announcement came from the Fortnite X account (formerly Twitter). The tweet confirmed that the cosmetic gating for most skins will be deactivated temporarily. This move aims to provide immediate relief until a permanent solution is implemented, scheduled to coincide with the upcoming v28.00 update. Players can expect this update to roll out on December 3, 2023.
The official website announcement aimed to provide additional context, albeit minimal. Epic Games mentioned their cautious approach in reviewing cosmetics and their influence on the game’s rating. They’ve initiated a reevaluation of each cosmetic item. Following the December 3 update, only a small number of current skins will remain available for use in Fortnite on T-rated islands. Specifically, this comprises fewer than ten outfits.
According to the announcement, Epic Games has been actively engaging with comments and feedback over recent days. The “Islands Age Ratings” update in Fortnite led to limitations on over 360+ in-game skins. This occurred due to the introduction of an ESRB rating system for both the island and every skin. Consequently, access to items and islands is now restricted based on age ratings. If the island or a particular skin carries a T or M age rating, players won’t be able to access the items if they don’t fall within that age limit.
The Fortnite community expressed strong opposition to Epic Games’ decisions, with many voicing their discontent. Some even initiated a petition on Change.org, currently amassing around 5,500 signatures. While it’s unlikely that this petition directly influenced Epic Games’ decision reversal, both the social media outcry and the petition reflect the widespread dissatisfaction among players. This outcry highlights the perception that Epic Games acted hastily, indicating the need for a more thorough evaluation of issues before implementing changes.
The upcoming December 3 update will unveil the alterations in skin restrictions within the game. Hopefully, Epic Games will introduce a solution to address the issue, such as implementing a parental toggle, which could potentially alleviate concerns for players and parents alike. Considering the recent layoffs of around 800 employees at Epic Games, there’s an anticipation for strategic solutions to be in place. Share your thoughts on these changes by leaving your thoughts in the comments section below!
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