Why did Fortnite vault the drum gun?
The drum gun, a fan-favorite weapon in Fortnite, has been a topic of discussion among players since its introduction. In September 2018, Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite, vaulted the drum gun, which means it is no longer available in the game. But why did they make this decision?
The Reasons Behind the Vaulting
According to an interview with Epic Games, the main reason for vaulting the drum gun was the changing meta-game of Fortnite. The meta-game refers to the current trends and strategies in the game, which are shaped by the balance of weapons, items, and gameplay mechanics.
At the time, Fortnite was shifting towards a more defensive playstyle, where players focused on building and defending their bases rather than engaging in close-quarters combat. The drum gun, with its high rate of fire and moderate damage, was no longer an effective weapon in this meta-game.
Impact on the Game Balance
Vaulting the drum gun also helped to balance the game’s firepower. With the drum gun gone, players were forced to adapt to new strategies and use other weapons to compensate. This change led to a more diverse range of playstyles and weapon choices, which helped to maintain a healthy balance in the game.
Why Players Felt the Drum Gun’s Absence
Many players were disappointed when the drum gun was vaulted, citing its removal as a nerf (a nerf is a game development term for a change that makes a character, item, or ability weaker). Players felt that the drum gun was a key part of the game’s identity and its removal changed the overall gameplay experience.
Did Fortnite Learn from its Mistake?
Epic Games listened to the feedback from players and responded by adding similar weapons to the game. For example, the Burst Assault Rifle was introduced as a replacement for the drum gun. This shows that the developer is willing to listen to the community and adapt to changing player preferences.
Comparison of Drum Gun and Burst Assault Rifle
| Weapon | Damage per Second | Magazine Size | Fire Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drum Gun | 60 | 100 | High |
| Burst Assault Rifle | 40 | 40 | Medium-High |
The Burst Assault Rifle, although not as powerful as the drum gun, shares some similarities with it. Both weapons have a high rate of fire, making them effective at close range. However, the Burst Assault Rifle has a higher damage per second and a more manageable magazine size.
Conclusion
The vaulting of the drum gun was a deliberate decision by Epic Games to balance the game’s firepower and encourage new playstyles. While players initially felt the removal as a nerf, the developer responded by introducing new weapons that addressed these concerns. The drum gun’s absence may have changed the game’s dynamics, but it also forced players to adapt and explore new strategies.
As Fortnite continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the game balances its weapon roster and how players adapt to these changes. Whether or not the drum gun returns to the game, its legacy lives on as a reminder of the dynamic and ever-changing nature of Fortnite.