Epic Games recently announced that it plans to make a load of changes to Fortnite Battle Royale, including reducing lobby waiting times and improving the game’s overall quality of life.
However, one change in particular caused anger among some players – the introduction of skill-based matchmaking.
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During a recent ‘state of development’ blog, Epic revealed it’s “working on changes to matchmaking that are aimed at creating matches with a more balanced distribution of skill” in Fortnite Battle Royale.
Currently, Fortnite Battle Royale’s matchmaking is random, meaning high-level players can be put into a game with a complete newbie. On the other hand, skill-based matchmaking would mean players are put in games with others of a similar ranking or skill level.
Though this could level the playing field, some players expressed concern that skill-based matchmaking could make the game more competitive and less fun.
Skilled Based Matchmaking is a mistake. Please don’t ruin the best game that I’ve played in years, @FortniteGame. I’m begging you.
— 100T Nadeshot (@Nadeshot) February 9, 2018
Why have i seen nobody complain about this? Skill based match making would ruin fortnite! its a casual game keep it that way! every lobby with 100 dark Knights would not be my idea of fun! pic.twitter.com/vBRv0aQTy8
— Zeus (@Zeus_of_SnD) February 10, 2018
Good to see the Fortnite community so vocally AGAINST a possible Skill Based Matchmaking system being added. Part of the fun with a giant 100 player FFA is that you don’t know if the next guy you run into will be a total noob or a God. I hope it isn’t implemented, personally.
— Ali-A (@OMGitsAliA) February 10, 2018
Epic Games has now responded to fans via Twitter, saying it will take feedback over the proposed change “into careful consideration before taking any steps.” It’s not known whether this will mean the feature is scrapped or just altered.
We heard you loud and clear concerning changes to matchmaking! We’ll be sorting through all of the feedback we’ve been given and take it into careful consideration before taking any steps.
— Fortnite (@FortniteGame) February 10, 2018
This isn’t the first time developers have received a mixed response from fans over the introduction of skill-based matchmaking, Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare received a similar response.
Epic Games has been contacted for a statement.