After the beginning of Season 3: Splashdown in Epic Games’ Fortnite, players began to note the disappearance of police cars all across the map on social media. As of this writing, no official statement has been put out by Epic Games, but multiple anonymous sources have confirmed to different reporters that this removal came in response to worldwide Black Lives Matter protests about police brutality following the killing of George Floyd.
The Wall Street Journal spoke to a “person familiar with the game’s development” for a piece published Sunday that said the removal was not a “political statement,” rather it was Fortnite’s developer looking to be “sensitive” about issues its audience are dealing with. Earlier today, that was followed up independently by esports consultant Rob Breslau on Twitter who said, “This is indeed real and not satire.”
While it is strange that Epic Games has elected to be quiet about this removal on official channels, it would not be unprecedented for the studio to change its plans following this large-scale social movement. Fortnite Season 3 was delayed a third time in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter protests, which Epic Games said were “a heavy reminder of ongoing injustices in society,” and that it felt the fundamentals of equality, justice, diversity, and inclusion were “above politics” in a June 3 update.
The launch of Fortnite Season 3 was not the only thing about the popular battle royale affected by these protests. Epic Games also decided to delay the release of “Icon Series” items based on Australian streamer Kathleen “Loserfruit” Belsten, though they finally saw an official release yesterday.
Cars are a new addition to Fortnite as of this season, which is currently focused on a flooded map with relevant items to unlock such as a skin based on the DCEU’s Aquaman but will eventually make cars drivable vehicles. In a game based around gunplay and being the last player standing, it makes sense that Epic Games would want to avoid associations with police once this mechanic becomes available.
In the meantime, water skiing behind loot sharks is a new means of transportation that players can take advantage of while the Fortnite map is flooded. It’s currently unclear whether Epic Games will make a statement on its police car removal, but either way, their absence should not make a huge difference in terms of gameplay.
Fortnite is available now on Mobile, PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.
Sources: The Wall Street Journal, Epic Games
