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Epic Games has reportedly increased the speed and severity of its moderation in Fortnite’s new Delulu mode. Which is a limited-time game type centered around proximity voice chat. Players have noticed a rise in bans and disciplinary action, particularly for misbehavior in voice chat, according to community reports on social media and gaming news sites.
The Context of Delulu
Delulu is a no-build, solo-start battle royale for 80 players that is distinguished by its social dynamics. The core gameplay relies on proximity voice chat, which is a required setting for entry. This feature enables communication and temporary alliances with nearby players who are not in a pre-made squad. However, the unpredictable nature of proximity chat, combined with the “Everybody” setting, increases the potential for toxic behavior, harassment, and other violations of Epic’s Code of Conduct.
Players Report Stricter Moderation
Fortnite players and content creators are highlighting the rapid enforcement of voice chat rules in Delulu, leading to sanctions that appear to be quicker than in other game modes. Social media posts have cited bans for using offensive language, hate speech, and exploiting chat. Some players, however, have expressed frustration over what they perceive as unclear rules or unjust punishments.
One player tried to link this new feature as a testing ground as an excuse to “ban thousands of players.”
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Epic’s Response and Future Direction
While Epic has not released a specific statement on its increased moderation in Delulu, the company has confirmed that the mode requires all participants to enable proximity voice chat for matchmaking. Epic has also recently introduced more visible moderation features, such as in-game voice-reporting options, which allow players to submit audio evidence of violations.
Addressing Player Concerns
Some members of the Fortnite community are concerned about potential unfair bans resulting from misinterpretations of voice chat conversations or heightened toxicity.
In response to these concerns, players have suggested several improvements for Epic to consider, such as providing clearer, mode-specific guidelines on what constitutes a bannable offense and establishing transparent appeal processes for those who believe they have been wrongfully sanctioned.
Balancing Social Chaos and Player Safety
Ultimately, Epic faces the challenge of balancing Delulu’s unique, unpredictable social gameplay with the need to maintain a safe and non-toxic environment.
The company’s enhanced moderation reflects its efforts to curb problematic behavior, but the community’s demand for clear rules and fair enforcement highlights a need for further refinement. The success of Delulu and any future proximity chat-enabled modes will likely depend on Epic’s ability to strike the right balance between fostering social interaction and ensuring player safety.
