With the hashtag "#RemoveTheMech" gaining steam on social media, Epic Games has finally responded to the divisive B.R.U.T.E.
Added this season, the B.R.U.T.E. gives players the ability to jump into a giant mech and raindown missiles upon enemy players or stomp buildings and structures into oblivion. Initial reaction to the mech has been divisive to say the least with many players complaining it's too overpowered. While Riot has toned down certain elements of the B.R.U.T.E. — adjusting its spawn rate and adding a targeting laser when the missiles are preparing — it's still incredibly strong.
Some argue it gives less-skiller players an unfair advantage. But according to Epic, that seems to be the goal of it. In a "
Fortnite Philosophy Update" today, the developer justified the B.R.U.T.E.'s existence in the battle royale game.
The mission of Fortnite is to bring players of all skill levels together to have a fun experience where anyone can win. For example - everyone having a shot at that first elimination or Victory Royale moment and the satisfying feeling that comes with it. Right now, we know there are players out there who have never had that opportunity.
Another part of the mission is to provide spectacle and entertainment when playing Fortnite. Bringing these moments to the game every week means there is always a new way to enjoy and experience the game.
The B.R.U.T.E. was added at the start of Season X with this mission in mind. Since then, we have seen players who had previously struggled with getting eliminations acquiring more, while the number of eliminations earned by more experienced players remained steady.
To hammer home their point that the B.R.U.T.E. isn't as overpowered as players claim, Epic even provided two graphs highlighting the average B.R.U.T.E. eliminations per game and the percentage of B.R.U.T.E. eliminations per game in each mode. Neither seem terribly out of line or game-breaking which could explain why Epic is hesitant to just remove the mech. It seems they are content with the current numbers, despite what appears to be unrest among the core players.
"We regularly have and will continue to release content that shakes up gameplay in Fortnite in unexpected ways," Epic concluded.
"And we’re committed to providing a constantly evolving, entertaining and fun experience to all players."