How Fortnite Players are Responding to Bots in ‘Chapter 2’

Tara Mendenhall
Nov 3 · 4 min read

By Tara Mendenhall

Chapter 2 loading screen

On Oct. 15 Epic fans were finally able to play the much anticipated new season of “Fortnite: Chapter 2,” following a tantalizing two-day blackout from the massive multi-player platform.

Fortnite loading screen at the close of Season 10

This unprecedented shut-down left many fans fearing their beloved game wouldn’t return for another season.

Some handled that thought better than others.

Warning: video contains A LOT of strong language

Fans were upset with Epic for the shut-down, after learning the move was only a cruel publicity stunt to promote the new season.

Epic, which grossed over $2.4 billion dollars last year alone, is now in hot water AGAIN with fans over a controversial addition to the new season:

AI Bot players.

The term “Bots” has been used by gamers for many years now — coined by experienced players to describe both computer bots and “noobs,” or new-players.

Noob Bots are easy to spot with their drunk-esque meandering around the battle field, slow response times and overall easiness to slay.

Noobs’ poor gaming abilities are reminiscent of AI Bots, which are computer-controlled characters that perform roles that are otherwise played by humans. These AI Bots are most commonly found in popular multi-player games like Gears of War, Call of Duty and Left for Dead — but never Fortnite.

That is, until now.

On Sept. 23 Epic announced that for the first time EVER, they will be adding AI Bot players to the new season. In addition to the Bots, they are implementing “skill-based matchmaking” — something many fans strongly oppose.

Fortnite has previously held tight to their every-player-for-themselves platform style that never factored player’s stats, or even skill level, when creating Battle Royale matches.

But, Epic says in recent years, “the range of player skill has grown considerably,” and their decision to include Bots is an effort to bridge the gap between old and new players. “They (Bots) will behave similarly to normal players and will help provide a better path for players to grow in skill.”

There are many complex elements to Fortnite, such as harvesting materials to build defense platforms, and inexperienced players often bump elbows, or shotguns, with highly skilled — sometimes even professional — players.

Surprisingly, Fortnite’s elite gamers are some of the loudest opposers of “skill-based matchmaking.” Streamers have started voicing their concerns about only being matched with other professional players. Some streamers are even brainstorming ways to cheat their stats to be placed in lower level matches.

Mind you — these are the same players who spent countless hours trolling and complaining about noobs playing the game in the first place. Perhaps the predator is missing the prey?

Mouse = Fortnite Noob

One outspoken critic is the famous gaming streamer known as Ninja. He argues, “Good players don’t always want to play against good players.” Many professional gamers ironically express their concern with being forced to only play skilled players — the very thing Epic is trying to improve for noobs.

Many fans went straight to Epic’s Twitter account to express their thoughts and concerns regarding the new season.

While others are taking the opportunity to comedically troll these not-so-artificially-intelligent players.

Trolling AI Bots

Amidst all the complaining, there is a glimmer of optimism from fans who expressed how excited they are for an entirely new map, which rolled out with the release of Chapter 2.

The Fortnite map has changed cities and themes many times throughout its two-year, 10-season run, but never has the map been completely different all at once.

Season 1 map: Left — Season 10 map: Right

The “Chapter 2" map was filled with gray clouds and mystery locations until you “discovered” the new area.

This slow reveal was one of the many exciting elements to the new season, along with the addition of things like speedboats, fishing poles, the ability to fish and swim, and of course — new weapons.

While it’s clear the opinions are mixed when is comes to Fortnite: Chapter 2, there is no sign of Fortnite’s popularity slowing down anytime soon.

What are your thoughts? Have you played the new season? Do you hate the Bots? Love them? I want to hear about it!

Tara Mendenhall

Written by

Radio Journalist

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