New Rule for Screen Resolutions in Fortnite Sparks Controversy Among Pro Players
Epic Games has recently implemented a rule regarding screen resolutions in Fortnite: Battle Royale competitions, which has received backlash from professional players. The rule states that the screen resolution has been locked to native 16:9 for PC players in Arena Mode and other online Fortnite competitions, effectively banning the use of stretched resolution.
Stretched resolution allowed players to gain an advantage over others by widening their horizontal or vertical field of view compared to the native settings. This gave them the ability to see more of their surroundings, including environmental elements and opposing players that would otherwise be hidden.
Despite the complaints from professional players, there are a few reasons why allowing stretched resolution in professional competitions would be unfair for Fortnite’s competitive system.
Stretched Resolution is Exclusive to PC Players
Only PC players have the ability to adjust their game settings to achieve a true stretched field of view in Fortnite. They can make small changes to the in-game settings and adjust a game file outside of the game to change their resolution. This allows PC players to reach a 21:9 or 4:3 ratio.
On platforms like PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and others, it is impossible to achieve stretched resolution. The best players can do is adjust their resolution to 16:9 on monitors and TVs that don’t have it as their standard, but they cannot stretch it further to 21:9 or 4:3.
Since Fortnite’s online competitions are cross-platform, including PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and mobile players, allowing PC players to have a wider field of view than their opponents would give them an unfair advantage. PC players would be able to spot opponents in situations where their opponents would be unable to see them, creating an unfair playing field.
The advantage PC players would have is due to their ability to change their game settings in a way that their opponents cannot, not because they are more skilled.
Changing to Stretched Resolution is Not Intuitive
Even in a theoretical match where all players are on PC, those using stretched resolution still have an unfair advantage.
The 21:9 and 4:3 resolutions are not available in the in-game settings. The widest field of view a player can achieve through the settings is the one provided by the native 16:9 resolution or similar resolutions. This means that players who are unaware of the possibility of changing game files to go beyond that ratio will never be able to stretch their screen using the Fortnite Settings menu.
Players who have never heard of stretched resolutions and the increased field of view they provide will not be able to intuitively change their settings to be on the same level as opponents who are using it. This hidden setting can create an unfair advantage for those who are unaware.
This change in resolution is taking place before the qualifiers for the Fortnite World Cup, an event that aims to provide equal chances of qualification to all players. Epic Games is ensuring a fair playing field for players who aspire to compete in the World Cup, from popular streamers to less-known players who play from home.
Epic Games’ decision may have upset some professional players and streamers, but it is a step towards creating fairness for the many players who dream of playing in the Fortnite World Cup.