In a move to combat toxic behavior among players, the popular battle royale game Fortnite has announced that they will be allowing players to hide certain emotes that are deemed “confrontational”. This decision comes after the developers acknowledged that some emotes are often used in ways that promote a negative gaming experience.
One of the emotes that will be hidden is the “Laugh it up” emote, which has been identified as the most-used emote in Fortnite’s history. This particular emote is often used as a taunt after eliminating an opponent, leading to feelings of humiliation and disrespect. Alongside this emote, three others, “Take the L”, “Whipcrack”, and “Make It Plantain”, have also been flagged for their confrontational nature.
Players will have the option to hide these confrontational emotes by adjusting their settings. They can choose to completely block these emotes from view or limit them to only be visible when performed by friends. This way, players can still use the emotes themselves, but they will not be displayed to others in the game.
The decision to implement these filters raises questions about the impact of taunting and provocative behavior in online gaming communities. While it may seem like a small change, the ability to hide certain emotes could potentially create a more positive and inclusive gaming environment for all players. By reducing the visibility of confrontational emotes, Fortnite aims to curb toxic behavior and promote respectful communication among its player base.
This is not the first time that Fortnite’s emotes have sparked controversy. In the past, some emotes have been the subject of lawsuits filed by creators of popular dance moves. While many of these legal battles have been resolved or put on hold, it demonstrates the impact that virtual gestures and animations can have on the real world.
The introduction of filters for confrontational emotes in Fortnite represents a step towards creating a more positive and respectful gaming environment. By giving players control over their gaming experience, Fortnite is taking proactive measures to address toxic behavior and promote a culture of inclusivity and sportsmanship in the gaming community. While there may still be challenges ahead in addressing online toxicity, initiatives like these are a step in the right direction towards fostering a more welcoming and enjoyable gaming experience for all.
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