PUBG, Fortnite studios go head-to-head over Fornite’s new battle royale mode

Following a recent scenario involving Epic Games’ Fortnite and the crossplay event that saw the studio remove its feature, calling it a “technical issue”, it seems that the studio has found itself in hot water once again only this time it involves one of the biggest games of the year, PlayerUnknown’s Battleground (PUBG).

While there have been plenty of battle royale games in the past, PUBG has been the more successful title, smashing records on Steam as it enjoys its rise as one of the top games we have seen. However, Bluehole Studios seems to be quite unhappy regarding the new mode for Fortnite and the approach Epic Games took.

At the heart of the situation is Fortnite’s recent battle-royale-style-mode which has drawn plenty of parallels with PUBG as the mode drops 100 players on a map in a last-man-standing match. The mode which is set to drop on September 26, will be free for players on PC and console as the entire game will eventually be a free-to-play title next year.

In response, Bluehole Studios spoke out about the Fortnite mode and sharing its reaction to the announcement. According to Bluehole Studios’ VP Chang Han Kim, he stated his “growing concerns” over Fornite similarities with PUBG in a statement released by the developer:

“We’ve had an ongoing relationship with Epic Games throughout PUBG’s development as they are the creators of [Unreal Engine 4], the engine we licensed for the game.

“After listening to the growing feedback from our community and reviewing the gameplay for ourselves, we are concerned that Fortnite may be replicating the experience for which PUBG is known.”

While the game not only mirrors the last-man-standing theme in both games, it goes further by replicating the game’s mechanics and user interface just to mention.

Han Kim further stated that it bothered the studio when mentioned by Epic in reference to Fortnite’s new mode.

“We have also noticed that Epic Games references PUBG in the promotion of Fortnite to their community and in communications with the press. This was never discussed with us and we don’t feel that it’s right.”

There’s a possibility that the matter could turn legal as Bluehole Studios threatens “action” against Epic as Han Kim stated that they will continue to work with the community to provide further evidence against Epic while they consider legal action.

As this has become a growing thread of games slightly mirroring other titles, was Fortnite and Epic Games right to somewhat, replicate PUGB as a sign of respect? Or could this spell trouble for Epic Games ahead of the launch of its battle royale mode? Let us know in the comments section below or follow Xbox Players SA on Facebook and Twitter.