Popular Twitch streamer Jack “CouRageJD” Dunlop excuses himself from this weekend’s Fortnite Twitch Rivals Tournament after a particularly upsetting encounter with a B.R.U.T.E. mech.
Sitting in a duo queue alongside playing partner Timothy “TimTheTatman” John Betar, Dunlop finally broke down. “There’s no rewarding part of this thing, dude,” he exclaims in reference to the mechs. “I can’t find anyone that likes these. When you use them, they feel terrible. Like it’s making my blood boil! There’s no actual reasoning behind this, bro,” he continues.
CouRageJD—a typically light-hearted and easy-going personality—proceeds to apologize to TimTheTatman and exit the game entirely, forfeiting a chance to win a share of the tournament’s $400,000 prize pool. “I love this game so much, and how incompetent is this decision, dude. I’m not playing anymore, bro! I’m off this game. I’m sorry.”
During the outburst, TimTheTatman offered a dispassionate but sympathizing response. “No, I agree. I’m with you.” He states cooly. “It’s all good. I get it.”
It’s no secret that Fortnite’s mechs have been a polarizing force since their introduction at the start of season 10. Even in the face of heavy criticism from players, Epic Games has not been quiet in its pursuit to keep casual players engaged.
The mechs are simply the latest installment in a long line of “game-breaking” updates that aim to close the skill-gap between newcomers and experienced players. Epic is standing behind its decision and, after a slight nerf, is keeping mechs in the game
Whether Epic Games is making the right decision is still up for debate. For a number of players in the professional Fortnite community, the mechs are enough of a reason to stream other games.
Man...I really do love Minecraft.
The streams are 100% positive from start to finish. We keep breaking viewer records every time on the game.
So grateful for the support. I’ve decided I’m not playing Twitch Rivals/Fortnite tomorrow. Just Minecraft.
— Jack “CouRage” Dunlop (@CouRageJD) August 22, 2019
With so much of Fortnite’s power stemming from Twitch viewership and impressionable young players that watch players like CouRageJD, it’s safe to say that the mechs don’t bode well for the game’s image. But, for now, players will just have to deal with them.