We recently reported on how players have taken issue with how Epic implemented Fortnite cross-platform play. Players basically did not like being unable to opt out of cross-platform when using Fortnite‘s new skill-based matchmaking feature. Now, Epic has finally responded to the community’s outrage.
In a recent blog post, Epic Games explained why it implemented cross-platform play with the skill-based matchmaking feature. In it, the studio ties to quell fears that the system is unfair with how it matches up players from different platforms—some of which are seen to have control advantages. The studio confirmed that players’ control inputs are taken into account when matchmaking.
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“We’ve seen a lot of discussion about potentially unfair competitive advantages from pooling players together across platforms and input devices,” Epic stated in the post. “The new matchmaking system, however, accounts for various skill levels across different platforms and control inputs, and groups players of similar skill levels together.
“Our goal with the new matchmaking system is to create fairer matches for all of our players, which includes special considerations for each platform. This means that where similar skill exists, players may be paired against opponents from all platforms – whether they’re using mouse and keyboard, a controller, or touch input.”
Despite confidence that the matchmaking system is matching players up fairly regardless of platform and control input, the post did state that the studio would be monitoring the situation closely. “We are closely monitoring match analytics and your feedback,” stated the post. “And we’ll make adjustments to ensure everyone is playing a fair match.” However, it did not mention the possibility of undoing the change or adding a means to opt out of cross-platform when using the skill-based matchmaking.
In addition to this, the studio also addressed the issue of “smurfing,” where players use alternate accounts to be matched up against less-skilled players. Here, Epic reminded people that smurfing is a bannable offense and that it would take appropriate action against anyone caught doing it.
