A lawsuit filed in North Carolina alleges that Ronald Sykes broke a non-disclosure agreement and shared information about Chapter 2 in Fortnite before it launched.
Fortnite emerged from a two-day "black hole" with fresh Chapter 2 content, but a major leak ruined that rollout for Epic Games, according to a new lawsuit.
After Epic Games took its popular title offline, it wanted players to be in the dark about what was next. However, someone shared key details about Chapter 2 on social media and with media outlets, stealing Epic's thunder. Now, Epic Games thinks it knows who's behind the leak.
A lawsuit filed in North Carolina alleges that Ronald Sykes broke a non-disclosure agreement and shared information about Chapter 2 in Fortnite, Polygon reports. Sykes, known as @invisiblellama9 on Twitter (the account has since been deleted), worked with Epic Games as a user experience tester. Epic Games say he got early access to Chapter 2, but broke his NDA by sharing details prior to the game's public release.
In late September, Sykes tweeted about the eleventh season in Fortnite and alluded to "new stuff." He then tweeted an image of the new map and stated the ability to swim would be added. Leaks continued, and all information turned out to be true. Chapter 2 arrived on Tuesday, Oct. 15.
Epic Games isn't handling the situation lightly. In the lawsuit, the publisher-developer calls for maximum damages, citing breach of contract. The lawsuit claims he misappropriated trade secrets while testing Fortnite and its unannounced content.
"As a direct result of Sykes' beach of contractual obligations under his NDA, Epic has sustained and will continue to sustain damages in an amount to be determined," the lawsuit reads.
Despite the leaks, Twitch and Twitter broke viewership records when a black hole replaced the game. Afterward, Fortnite attracted existing and new players eager to check out Chapter 2 in all its glory.
Chapter 2 includes a new map, activities such as swimming and fishing, weapons, and achievements. It's free to download, but Fortnite still offers V-Bucks for in-game customization and fast progression.
The game is available on Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android, and PC.
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