Epic games have always pushed the boundaries of what is possible in their games, and now they are taking that approach to esports. ESL and FACEIT have combined forces to launch an innovative new esports circuit, developed in Unreal Editor specifically for Fortnite. In a twist from traditional Fortnite esports, this new initiative, dubbed 'ESL Featuring Fortnite', will incorporate different game modes beyond Battle Royale.
This gaming collaboration heralds the return of ESL to Fortnite esports. They are leveraging the expertise of UEFN developer 404 Creative to construct unique competitive game modes, such as Capture the Flag and Hardpoint. These new modes aim to provide a refreshed and exciting offering for players and viewers alike.
Alongside 404 Creative, the esports event planner will design team-oriented game modes within Fortnite’s custom islands. Well-known esports entities like Karmine Corp, Team Heretics, ZETA Division, and Dignitas are part of this initiative. The event will even feature a “mystery Brazilian team”, sparking curiosity among players and fans.
The first map of the project, named Capture the Flag, is already live. Players keen on testing their skills in this new environment can sign up to play it competitively in weekly events hosted by FACEIT.
'ESL ft. Fortnite' presents a fresh perspective on competitive Fortnite, introducing a team-based format that hasn't been seen in the game until now. Making use of the UEFN creator, this 4v4 esports venture will encompass a range of game modes like Capture the Flag, Hardpoint, and the Shrinking Zone. Players can select from six specialist roles - each restricted to one per team - to match their preferred approach to the game.
Notably, how 'ESL ft. Fortnite' will coexist with the Esports World Cup remains unclear. With two compelling esports competition platforms running concurrently, it may generate intriguing dynamics within the Fortnite international player community.
This novel esports circuit, however, is not sanctioned by Epic Games. The primary competitive circuits for Fortnite and Rocket League were given to BLAST. This is interesting because Epic chose BLAST over ESL and FACEIT.
The launch of 'ESL ft. Fortnite' is said to be a reactive move from ESL, initiated in response to Epic Games going with BLAST for its esports competitions instead of the Saudi-backed organization. This revelation came from esports insider, Rod 'Slasher' Breslau.
Senior Director of Game Ecosystems and Growth Titles at ESL/ FACEIT Group, Brian Krämer, counters Rod 'Slasher' Breslau's claim. According to him, ESL has been planning this project for a considerable time. Krämer said that they have been examining UEFN's potential over a long period, identifying it as something players would enjoy competing in.
Krämer's statement: “We’ve actually been looking at UEFN for a long time as we see its potential. We wanted to start with something that players love to compete in across various shooter titles to make it easier to access. All these modes can deliver hype comp matches, esp with team rivalities on top.”
The future of this ambitious esports circuit inside Fortnite, however, remains uncertain at this point. Therefore, its potential to gain traction within the Fortnite and wider esports communities is yet to be seen. It may spark a new wave of competition, or it could struggle to compete with already established esports tournaments.