Epic Video games is killing three widespread Fortnite sport modes after shedding 1,000 staff

Following the information that Epic Video games is shedding 1,000 staff, it has been introduced that three modes are being faraway from Fortnite. In recent times, Epic has gone arduous on including completely different experiences to its signature battle royale sport, making it a platform that goes past the core mode. Now, nonetheless, it is pulling again on a few of its extra experimental content material.

In an official assertion through Fortnite Standing, Epic Video games notes that it has “constructed plenty of Fortnite modes, and in some instances [it has] didn’t construct one thing superior sufficient to draw and retain a big participant base. We’re going to shut these modes down on the schedules outlined beneath – we’re grateful for everybody who performed.”

The three modes that shall be leaving Fortnite quickly are Rocket Racing (the Rocket League crossover mode), Ballistic (the Valorant-style area shooter), and the Battle Stage half for Fortnite Pageant. Whereas all of those modes have been widespread at launch, their participant bases have dwindled since, alongside the drop in engagement with Fortnite typically.

Rocket Racing shall be eliminated in October 2026, together with all UEFN islands with Rocket Racing templates. Ballistic shall be taken down on April 16, 2026, as a part of the 40.20 replace. Lastly, the Battle Stage aggressive mode of Pageant will not be playable as of April 16, 2026, however quests shall be out there till then. The rest of Fortnite Pageant is unaffected and can proceed to remain stay in the interim.

This information comes after Epic Video games laid off over 1,000 staff at the moment. The assertion from Tim Sweeney, which was additionally shared internally at Epic, reads: “In the present day, we’re shedding over 1,000 Epic staff. I am sorry we’re right here once more. The downturn in Fortnite engagement that began in 2025 means we’re spending considerably greater than we’re making, and we have now to make main cuts to maintain the corporate funded. This layoff, along with over $500 million of recognized value financial savings in contracting, advertising, and shutting some open roles places us in a extra secure place.

“What we now have to do is evident: construct superior Fortnite experiences with recent seasonal content material, gameplay, story, and stay occasions; speed up developer instruments with larger stability and functionality as we evolve from Unreal Engine 5 and UEFN to Unreal Engine 6.”

How these modifications will have an effect on Fortnite additional down the road stays to be seen, however no different modes are being modified or eliminated in the interim.