Fortnite players shocked after Epic Games BANS communicating with opponents in sudden rule change

FORTNITE players are in shock after Epic Games announced a major change to the game's rules.

Players will essentially no longer to be able to communicate with their opponents while playing as in-game 'signalling' is now banned.

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The rule change has surprised some Fortnite fansCredit: Getty - Contributor

Any players caught signally during official tournament matches will be punished.

Signalling means communicating with opponents via various methods in the game such as swinging an axe or moving in a way that grabs attention.

Fortnite explained: "Throughout last year, players have been sending or receiving signals more commonly during official Fortnite competitions to the point where many players are confused around the ruling.

"For 2020 (starting 1/20/20), we are taking action against any kind of in-game communication between opponents via signalling in official tournament matches. This includes, but is not limited to: Pick-axe swinging, Emoting, Toy tossing, Jumping."

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The rule will apply in official tournament matchesCredit: Getty - Contributor

Players who are caught signalling will now receive a penalty.

Fortnite added: "We want to be explicitly clear that pacifism-style gameplay is still allowed, but if signalling is involved, we will review and take appropriate action for the teaming/collusion penalty. Repeat offenders may be subject to increased penalties."

Fortnite star Ninja tweeted in response: "I can see where epic is coming from, as a spectator seeing teams and players rotating and not shooting and swinging pick axes can seem odd but with no rotation items at all professional players understand when the time to fight actually is.

"Also, jumping? Best way to dodge snipes."

Pro player Chap replied: "Cant wait to switch to a pickaxe by habit and get banned".

What is Fortnite, anyway?

FORTNITE is an online video game played by up to 250 million people across the world.

In it, 100 players compete on their own or with a small group of pals to grab weapons, gather resources and build defences, before fighting it out to be the last man (or team) standing.

Matches take about 20 minutes, and you can drop into a new game within seconds of your previous one finishing.

It's bright, it's cartoony and it's fiendishly compelling.

Skill is rewarded but luck also plays a huge role, meaning no two games are ever the same and everyone feels like they have a chance of winning.

Fortnite has also made its developer billions.

In Europe it's rated 12+, meaning it's suitable for those aged 12 and up.

The battle royale mode is free to play, but there is also a story-driven single player and co-op mode called Save The World that players have to pay for.

Pop culture crossover events are very common because of the game's huge audience.

These involve players being able to buy themed outfits for the movie, TV show or brand, as well as getting some themed activities in-game to do too.

These might be new places to explore, new challenges to complete to win themed accessories, or new game modes that are loosely related to the theme of whatever is being crossed over with.

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Are you shocked by the Fortnite talking ban? Let us know in the comments...

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