The Fortnite Fandom and Doja Cat’s Epic Rant Against Power-Ups
The Fortnite fandom has found an unexpected ally in the ongoing battle against power-ups. Doja Cat, the renowned singer of “Paint the Town Red,” recently joined the fight with a powerful blow-up, labeling anyone who uses these mechanics as “losers.” This explosive rant caught the attention of both gamers and major game developers alike. It is rare for game developers to take immediate action in response to celebrity rants, but this case might be an exception.
Doja Cat took to X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, expressing her frustration with Fortnite’s continued allowance of waterbending and Chains of Hades in its lead playlists. She called it “f—king embarrassing” and expressed her desire to join lobbies where players with actual aim skills and FPS experience can play without having to face opponents who rely on these abilities.
Ironically, shortly after Doja Cat’s rant, Chains of Hades was vaulted. However, this removal was likely due to a confirmed gamebreaking bug rather than a direct response to Doja Cat’s tirade. Nevertheless, the removal of Chains of Hades was met with instant celebration from both Doja Cat’s camp and the wider Fortnite community.
Many players and fans of Fortnite requested that Epic Games also “get rid of waterbending” from ranked games. Some even suggested the implementation of separate lobbies, where one lobby is dedicated to players who enjoy the FPS side of Fortnite, while another is designed for those who prefer the “extra sh*t” abilities and weapons. This demand aligns exactly with what Doja Cat was advocating for.
Implementing a separate playlist offering for different playstyles would allow players to choose whether they want to use the so-called “broken” no-skill weapons and abilities or participate in a true FPS match. It would cater to different preferences and create a more inclusive environment for players with varying skill levels and playstyles.
However, not everyone agrees with Doja Cat’s perspective. Some players mentioned that they enjoy Fortnite primarily for its building mechanics and aren’t particularly skilled at FPS games. They prefer to use abilities like throwing lightning bolts and rely on luck, as it allows them to enjoy the game in a different, non-FPS-focused way. Having these power-ups and abilities available in the game enables a broader player base to participate and enjoy the battle royale experience.
Whether the vaulting of Chains of Hades was a result of the bug or Doja Cat’s rant, it remains uncertain. As of now, the Chains of Hades has been vaulted in competitive for the rest of the season. Doja Cat has not added any further comments or elaborated on her explosive rant.
In conclusion, Doja Cat’s passionate and full-on blow-up against power-ups in Fortnite has sparked a conversation within the gaming community. It highlights the ongoing debate about balancing game mechanics and accommodating different playstyles. The removal of Chains of Hades, whether influenced by Doja Cat’s rant or not, demonstrates that the voices of the Fortnite community can have an impact on the game’s development and future updates.