Fortnite unveils thrilling first-person shooter game mode!

Christmas has come early for Fortnite gamers following the announcement that Epic Games have launched a new game mode.

This file illustration photo taken on 14 August, 2020 shows a person logging into Epic Games' Fortnite on their smartphone in Los Angeles. Photo by Chris Delmas for AFP

Epic Games has finally added an additional game mode to Fortnite called ‘Ballistic’.

The 5v5-person shooter game resembles the likes of Counter-Strike and Valorant, enabling players to earn money for kills and winning rounds – users are initially given a pistol and 800 credits before being able to upgrade their inventory each round.

Here are the rules:

Ten players break into two teams of five – the objective is to win seven rounds out of a possible twelve.
Teams are split into attackers and defenders.
Rounds are won by eliminating everyone or successfully planting a bomb, which is the attacker’s objective, while the defenders aim to defend their base.
Players are able to buy over ten items between rounds.

The $245-million settlement

Epic Games recently opted to settle a $245 million with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) following allegations that they had been tricking players into making unwanted purchases.

Lian Khan, FTC’s chair, broke the news over X, saying, “The @FTC previously ordered Epic Games to pay $245 million for tricking players into making unwanted purchases & letting kids rack up unauthorized charges. We are now sending the first round of refunds totaling more than $72 million to those harmed.”

Epic Games, who deny the allegations, responded saying, “No developer creates a game with the intention of ending up here,

“Statutes written decades ago don’t specify how gaming ecosystems should operate,

“The laws have not changed, but their application has evolved and long-standing industry practices are no longer enough. We accepted this agreement because we want Epic to be at the forefront of consumer protection and provide the best experience for our players.”