Fortnite, the popular battle royale game, is set to introduce a new feature that will allow players to hide a selection of emotes that have been deemed as “confrontational”. This decision comes after the developers acknowledged that these emotes are sometimes used in ways that can be seen as problematic. The move is aimed at addressing the issue of toxic behavior within the game’s community.
The Offending Emotes
One of the emotes that will be hidden is “Laugh it up”, which has been identified as the most-used emote in Fortnite’s history. This particular emote is often deployed as a taunt after a player eliminates an opponent, leading to feelings of humiliation or disrespect. By allowing players to hide these emotes, Fortnite is taking a step towards creating a more positive and inclusive gaming environment.
In addition to “Laugh it up”, three other emotes have been classified as “confrontational” and will also be eligible for hiding. These include “Take the L”, a dance move featuring a loser’s L signal, “Whipcrack”, a snapping whip animation, and “Make It Plantain”, which releases a flurry of bananas in a show of extravagance. The common theme among these emotes is their potential to evoke feelings of humiliation or suggestiveness.
Addressing Toxic Behavior in Online Gaming
The decision to allow players to hide confrontational emotes raises important questions about toxic behavior in online gaming communities. The prevalence of taunting and disrespectful actions, such as “teabagging” in first-person shooters, highlights the need for measures to promote a more respectful gaming environment. While shadow-banning emotes may not be a permanent solution, it is a step in the right direction towards addressing inappropriate behavior in online games.
This is not the first time Fortnite’s emotes have sparked controversy. In the past, some emotes have been the subject of lawsuits filed by creators of dance moves featured in the game. These legal disputes date back to 2018 and have raised questions about intellectual property rights in the gaming industry. Despite the legal challenges, Fortnite has continued to feature a wide range of emotes for players to express themselves in-game.
The decision to allow players to hide confrontational emotes in Fortnite is a positive step towards promoting a more respectful gaming environment. By addressing the issue of toxic behavior within the game, Fortnite is sending a clear message that disrespectful actions will not be tolerated. As the gaming community continues to evolve, it is important for developers to take proactive measures to create a safe and inclusive space for all players.
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