Epic Games Implements Mass Layoffs, Resulting in Shutdown of Various Fortnite Modes and Removal of Horizon Chase Turbo from Downloads

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Epic Games Implements Mass Layoffs, Resulting in Shutdown of Various Fortnite Modes and Removal of Horizon Chase Turbo from Downloads

Epic Games has made significant headlines today, March 24th, by announcing the layoff of over 1,000 employees. This news has been closely followed by the decision to permanently discontinue three modes in their popular game, Fortnite. In addition to this, Aquiris, the studio known for developing the Horizon Chase series, has revealed plans to withdraw downloads for the first two entries in their arcade racing series later this year.

The three Fortnite modes set to be taken offline are Rocket Racing, Ballistic, and the Festival Battle Stage. Epic Games announced via a tweet that these modes will cease operations at different times throughout 2026. The company acknowledged that while they have developed various modes for Fortnite, not all have succeeded in attracting and maintaining a substantial player base.

Ballistic and the Festival Battle Stage are the first to be eliminated, with their shutdown scheduled for April 16th, coinciding with the launch of Fortnite’s version 40.20. Players will continue to have access to these modes until their official discontinuation. Notably, while the Ballistic mode is ending, its associated FPS-themed tools for Fortnite’s Unreal Editor will remain available, alongside two other music-centered modes, the Festival’s Main Stage and Jam Stage.

Rocket Racing will continue to be available until October 2023, after which all Unreal Editor islands created using its template will also be removed. However, Epic reassured players that their Vehicle Locker will remain intact, allowing continued use of personalized vehicles. In an effort to support developers, Epic plans to introduce new features in April, such as car physics, hazards, and various track-building tools within the Fortnite Unreal Editor. This will enable developers to create custom racing islands that include jumps, boosts, and drifting capabilities, with a transition period for converting compatible Rocket Racing content to standalone islands before the October deadline.

In a related development, Aquiris has announced that both Horizon Chase and Horizon Chase Turbo will no longer be available for download starting June 1st. This decision may stem from the recent layoffs, reflecting a strategic shift towards supporting their latest release, Horizon Chase 2, which will still be accessible. The discontinuation of downloads for the earlier titles is disappointing for fans, especially for those who have enjoyed the retro-style gameplay of Horizon Chase Turbo.

As the gaming industry continues to evolve, these recent changes at Epic Games and Aquiris highlight the challenges faced by developers in maintaining player engagement and the impacts of larger corporate decisions on game availability. Both seasoned players and newcomers are encouraged to take advantage of the remaining time to access these beloved modes and titles before they are officially retired.

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No Games for Genocide Supporters Call for Xbox Boycott
No Games for Genocide Supporters Call for Xbox Boycott

**No Games For Genocide: Boycott Xbox to Challenge Complicity in Israeli Actions**

In a noteworthy shift within the gaming sector, a group referred to as No Games For Genocide has launched a campaign urging a boycott of Xbox. This effort calls on journalists, developers, streamers, and consumers to take part in the Palestinian-led BDS (boycott, divest, sanction) initiative against Microsoft. The group claims the tech company is complicit in Israeli war crimes, particularly regarding its recent actions related to its cloud services.

This campaign follows Microsoft’s decision to halt its cloud services for a division of the Israel Defense Forces which used them for extensive surveillance of Palestinians. Nevertheless, the group underscores that Microsoft continues to offer cloud services to additional military units, which they argue sustains its involvement in human rights abuses against Palestinians.

Microsoft’s Dominance in the Gaming Sector

Microsoft has established itself as a powerful entity in the gaming industry through various acquisitions, making a full boycott difficult for many employees and consumers, especially in the context of the ongoing employment crisis in this field. Nonetheless, No Games For Genocide insists that collective resistance is vital to garnering Microsoft’s attention toward their message.

Sara Khan, a key organizer and cofounder of Game Assist, expressed that the gaming industry resides at the intersection of entertainment and technology. She articulated the importance of tackling the connections between this industry and the violence inflicted upon Palestinians. Khan, alongside Austin Kelmore, founder of the IWGB Game Workers Union, galvanized industry participants to form this collective, concentrating on impactful actions against the bond between the gaming industry and the atrocities happening in Palestine.

Inspiration from the BDS Movement

The collective’s energy gained momentum when the Palestinian-led BDS movement designated Xbox as a focus for consumer action earlier this year. The organizers recognized this as a chance to synchronize their efforts with a larger social justice agenda, positioning it as a key campaign.

This appeal for unity encompasses various ways to participate: consumers are encouraged to abstain from buying Microsoft products, streamers should steer clear of Xbox-published games, journalists are invited to stop any coverage of these games, and developers are urged to avoid publishing their works on Microsoft platforms.

Addressing Concerns and Risks

The leaders of No Games For Genocide acknowledge the challenges tied to asking individuals to take such steps. They understand the associated risks concerning employment and job stability, promoting long-term strategies to foster collective strength among workers. This method aims to empower individuals by nurturing a supportive atmosphere for political involvement within the industry without risking personal livelihoods.

Despite many signatories currently representing consumer interests, there is hope to rally more studios and media organizations to pledge to the boycott. The call for collective power embodies the belief that united actions can provide a safety net for those taking a stand on contentious political matters.

Understanding the Context

The recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Palestine has brought up discussions regarding the relevance of the boycott. However, Khan and other organizers stress that the issue extends beyond a temporary halt in hostilities. They contend that resolving the conflict necessitates addressing the underlying structures of settler colonialism and rethinking the long-term consequences for Palestinian rights and sovereignty.

No Games For Genocide remains resolute in exerting pressure until Microsoft ceases its technological support for the Israeli military and complies with ethical standards in accordance with the principles of human rights and international law.

As the movement accrues visibility, it has attracted considerable attention from industry professionals and consumers alike, resonating with broader anti-colonial movements. The campaign’s aims closely align with the objectives of the BDS movement, seeking to instigate a ripple effect that demands accountability and transformation within the tech and gaming sectors.

For more information or to join the boycott, individuals can visit the No Games For Genocide website to sign the pledge and explore additional ways to get involved.