Perhaps this was to put more focus on the gameplay, but in that case why create a story in the first place? (playstationing.com)
Epic are calling this test 1 and they are using it to test various small features but will mostly focus on the gameplay mechanics. (nonfictiongaming.com)
In a game so focused on gameplay and fun, its hard to have a story worth a second glance, but this isn't a bad start. (n4g.com)