Fortnite to lose three game modes amidst mass layoffs at Epic Games

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Epic states it will shut down Fortnite modes that failed to build a sustainable fan base.

In the wake of the layoff of 1,000 employees announced last Tuesday (March 24), Epic Games has confirmed the closure of three specific Fortnite modes. According to the company, Rocket Racing, Ballistic, and Festival Battle Stage will soon be removed from the massive platform.

“We built many Fortnite modes, and in some cases, we failed to build something incredible enough to attract and retain a large user base,” the company justified. According to Epic, the first to be discontinued will be Ballistic and Fortnite Battle Stage, both scheduled to end on April 16.

• Ballistic: Described by many as a “clone” of Counter-Strike, this mode offered a direct 5v5 PvP experience.
• Battle Stage: Linked to the musical Festival mode, it allowed players to battle one another to determine who could perform songs with the highest accuracy.

Fortnite Rocket Racing ends in October

Epic Games also explained that the Rocket Racing mode will have a slightly longer lifespan, remaining accessible until October of this year. However, starting next week, the company will remove access to the mode’s quest systems and disable the ability to create new tracks within the UEFN software.

Removals beyond Fortnite

Outside of the main game, the company confirmed it will soon delist Horizon Chase and Horizon Chase Turbo from digital storefronts. Developed by Aquiris Game Studio before its transition into Epic Games Brasil, these racing titles will no longer be available for purchase starting June 1.

Financial context and market impact

According to Epic Games, these decisions stem from the fact that the company is spending more on Fortnite than it is currently earning from the game. This comes despite the title recording $6 billion in revenue in 2025 ($500 million per month). While engagement remains very strong, it has been seeing a decline.

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Amanda Torati

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Amanda Torati is a linguist and postgraduate researcher who specializes in the intersection of storytelling and interactive media. With a deep fascination for the gaming ecosystem, she focuses on deconstructing game narratives and technical trends to make them accessible to players of all levels. At ABWaves Game, Amanda combines her academic background with in-depth research to deliver reviews and guides that are both precise and engaging, ensuring readers stay informed in a fast-paced digital world.

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