Epic Games wasn't especially known for listening to Fortnite's professional players. However, the fact that they apply a reverse balance to what was expected is a big premiere. While update 12.61 was definitely intended to be the chosen patch, which would bring balance between controller and keyboard/mouse players, it was decided differently.
Players were surprised to discover that the long range controller aim assist has been buffed in the battle royale. The short-range aim assist has been reduced by about 20% according to several sources, but none of them are official. Epic Games has refrained from releasing any patch notes or data related to this balancing.
The video that ignited the fire is shot by Clix, a Misfits pro player which went viral in the competitive scene in a single day:
Very quickly, professional players from all over the world expressed their incomprehension about this decision.
It should be remembered that the controller aim assist is a feature that has been causing heated debate in the competitive community for months. Epic Games has made several attempts to defuse the conflict, either by abandoning the Legacy Settings. Veterans and keyboard/mouse enthusiasts still feel that the controller aim assist is too much of an advantage when competing.
It must be said that this debate is inherently intractable: as long as both controller and keyboard/mouse players compete in the same competitions, the difference in peripherals will always create feelings of inequality.
Both sides now need to be patient. The reception of this buff is catastrophic, but Epic Games has to be careful and take its time, visualizing the impact of small changes over time. The main thing is that this issue must be solved for the real competitive comeback in Season 3.
Original content by Romain "Zorg" Becquelin.
Once again this season, Epic Games has shaken up the calendar to slightly delay the beginning of Season 3, that will follow the Top Secret era of the battle royale.
