Fortnite has revealed that thousands of players were banned for abusing the new proximity voice chat feature. Since its launch in 2017, Epic Games has been working hard to bring frequent updates to Fortnite. These patches present adjustments, new features, and content, aiming to enhance the player experience and make the game engaging and entertaining.
One of the most recent updates was released on September 19, adding a new Fortnite limited-time mode called Delulu. Adding a new twist to the Battle Royale experience, Fortnite players won’t see the familiar Battle Bus in Delulu mode. Instead, 80 players start solo. Using the proximity chat feature, Fortnite players can form squads of up to four people to improve their chances. The opposite is also possible, as gamers can leave a formed squad and battle their former teammates. Delulu offers many fun possibilities to Fortnite players thanks to its voice chat feature. However, the feature is leaving the community divided.
Fortnite Players Banned for Abusing Proximity Voice Chat
On Twitter, Epic Games revealed that it has banned thousands of players who used proximity voice chat in Fortnite‘s Delulu mode to hurl insults and hate speech. The information was shared on the game’s official updates profile, which reinforced the importance of players reporting any toxic behavior via voice chat. The tweet also showed step-by-step instructions for Fortnite players to report the conversation. This way, Epic Games will have evidence of the toxic player and will apply the appropriate sanctions to them.
In response to the tweet about reporting inappropriate voice chat in Fortnite, some players shared their experiences with the feature while playing Delulu mode. One said they had a “fun and relaxing” match with adults, but that a lobby with kids was a “toxic hellzone.” There are even more reports on social media, such as Reddit user Kilr_Queen75Xx, who asked women what it was like to play Delulu. Several said they were the target of misogyny, with one reporting that they saw male players hunting women on purpose as soon as they heard their voices.
While Epic Games has yet to comment on the proximity voice chat controversy, players will have another opportunity to play Fortnite Delulu in a few days. The mode will be available again from Friday, September 26, through Monday, September 29. If they manage to win a match on Delulu, the reward will be the Crashbella, a new free glider shaped like a colorful umbrella with a heart on top.