Fortnite Announces Return To Real-Life Events With $1 Million LAN
Epic Games has quickly become renowned in the gaming world for their iconic in-game Fortnite events, quite literally revolutionising the first-person shooter arena genre by combining popular culture and the metaverse. Concerts with Ariana Grande, Travis Scott, and Marshmello paved the way for more esports-heavy events, as Epic Games tied in the most recent Rocket League Major by producing an in-game stadium to watch the event live.
Now, the developers are heading back to their roots, as they're stepping out of the metaverse, momentarily, and into real life with the production of an IRL esports event.
For the first time since the 2019 World Cup, Fortnite in-person events are back, starting with the FNCS Invitational.
Epic Games Announces $1 Million FNCS Invitational
As the return of live events seems to be growing, amid the easing of coronavirus pandemic guidelines and restrictions, Epic Games has now unveiled the first Fortnite LAN in 30 months, with the FNCS Invitational boasting a pretty tasty $1 million prize pool.
Taking place in Raleigh, North Carolina, the Fortnite Championship Series Invitational will see a range of selected duos from around the globe duke it out in the same arena, eliminating ping, adding spicy trash-talk, and creating many sweaty palms.
"Please note that our playersâ health and safety are the number one priority for holding any in-person event," said Epic Games. "If public health trends change, or regional laws or recommendations shift at any point this year, we may have to reschedule or change these plans."
Fortnite Offline Events Are Back
The FNCS Invitational will be Fortnite's first official LAN since a 16-year-old Kyle "Bugha" Giersdorf won $3 million in the World Cup Solo Finals. Bugha will likely be looking to keep his title, having now switched to a duos player, coinciding with the FNCS Invitational's format.
Recently, the Twitch Rivals Streamer Bowl did see Fortnite be hosted on a LAN once again, although the event was held outside of the professional circuit. The likes of Nick "NICKMERCS" Kolcheff and Aydan "Aydan" Conrad rolled back the years by colliding in Tilted Towers again, showcasing how a LAN setting can up the ante.
More details will be shared regarding the FNCS Invitational in the coming weeks, but they have urged fans and players alike to check government travel guidelines before planning any trips.
