Ballatw is out of this season's FNCS broadcast.
One of Fortnite's most prolific casters - Arten "Ballatw" Esa - will not return for this season's FNCS broadcast. The former competitive Counter-Strike and Starcraft 2 player turned Fortnite commentator announced the news this evening on Twitter.
Balla Out of This Season's FNCS
I am sad to say I won't be a part of this season's FNCS broadcast.
While super sad, I am proud of the growth in my casting and analysis - and what I've been able to contribute to the broadcast overall, outside of casting ability. Excited to see what's to come on the broadcast.
— Ballatw (@Ballatw) September 26, 2020
Balla did not explain as to why, but it seems that Epic Games did not ask him to return this season.
"I am sad to say I won't be a part of this season's FNCS broadcast," stated Balla on his Twitter account. "While super sad, I am proud of the growth in my casting and analysis - and what I've been able to contribute to the broadcast overall, outside of casting ability. Excited to see what's to come on the broadcast."
Related: FNCS Chapter 2 - Season 4 Dates, Rules, Prize Pool, Scoring System & More!
This news is rather unfortunate - especially because Balla is one of the popular Battle Royale's premiere casters. In Fortnite's three-year history, Balla has attended and commented on some of the most significant events, including the Fortnite World Cup and nearly every FNCS competition. He even journeyed to DreamHack Anaheim with fellow caster Shyowager earlier this year to provide an unofficial broadcast. Both players and fans appreciate Balla's broadcasting ability and insight into Fortnite, which adds to the overall confusion not to bring him back this season.
The Content Will Continue
However, I am happy, because this opens me up to get closer to the community again, allows me to push my own endeavors forward completely in my own way.
I'll be covering every week of FNCS, and creating content around it as best as I can from my own channels.
— Ballatw (@Ballatw) September 26, 2020
Despite not returning for FNCS Chapter 2 - Season 4, Balla promised to continue providing content for competitive Fortnite followers in a follow-up Twitter post.
"...I am happy, because this opens me up to get closer to the community again, allows me to push my own endeavors forward completely in my own way," clarified Balla. "I'll be covering every week of FNCS, and creating content around it as best as I can from my own channels."
I'll be launching a number of my own comp fn related individual projects that have taken a back burner, over the next month as FNCS starts. Podcasts, interviews, hype videos, production tools for broadcasts/viewing parties.
I'll be covering MORE competitive 3rd party events.
— Ballatw (@Ballatw) September 26, 2020
Whatever Balla decides to pursue for the remainder of this season should be top-notch content. He has a great rapport with multiple top players, meaning we could see some interviews before and after the FNCS Qualifiers. I doubt Epic Games will comment on why Balla is not returning - or who will be replacing him - but the broadcasting lineup should be available soon.
Related: FNCS Chapter 2 - Season 4 Preview
Players and Personalities React
not getting one of the best and most knowledgeable casters 🙂 very epic
— Chap (@LiquidChap) September 26, 2020
Well-known professional players and casters echo the sentiments of many who read Balla's announcement earlier this evening. Former Team Liquid member Chap threw shade at Epic for their decision to remove Balla from the casting lineup; "not getting one of the best and most knowledgeable casters 🙂 very epic."
Fellow Fortnite caster MonsterDFace offered words of encouragement to Balla in the wake of his unfortunate announcement. "The most talented I know , I'm looking forward to watching you go crazy with the content again bro ; you know you can achieve anything you put your mind towards," said MonsterDFace in a Twitter response.
The most talented I know , I’m looking forward to watching you go crazy with the content again bro ; you know you can achieve anything you put your mind towards
— MonsterDface ☕️ (@MonsterDface) September 26, 2020
FNCS Chapter 2 - Season 4 will begin on October 9, where trios will across the world will compete for nearly a $5 million prize pool.
The post Fortnite: Ballatw Will Not Return For This Season’s FNCS Broadcast appeared first on Esports News Network | ESTNN.