The popular video game Fortnite was admitted to the university. In fact, Ashland University in Ohio will be offering scholarships to Fortnite elite players, whose Battle Royal version has over 45 million players and shatters attendance records.
In this hour shooter, created by Epic Games, 100 players are parachuted on the same island. They have nothing more in their possession than their clothes and a pick. Upon landing, players must seize firearms and equipment from the island. As the game progresses, players are confined to an area called “the eye of the storm.” The last survivor then wins the game.
“Fortnite appeals to both the core and casual gaming audience,” the school’s esports head coach Josh Buchanan said in a release, as per TechCrunch. “We’re excited to provide this platform for gamers who want to showcase their skills in a more competitive space. Fortnite facilitates an environment that allows players to get creative, innovate, and show off their mastery of their skills.”
Royal Battle, Fortnite’s most popular mode, is free. Violence in the game is not graphic; even if the player has to eliminate his opponents, there is no bloodshed.
Here in the U.S., a dozen universities are trying to attract the best e-sports sports through specific programs. In teams, they are part of the national network, in the United States, like the university basketball and football leagues.
The bet: electronic sport will become a popular game thanks to such competitions, which can be international.
Watch the Fortnite Trailer: Battle Royale.
Letisha Kadri graduated from Columbia University in 2005. Letisha grew up in Pittsburgh but moved to The US after school. Letisha has written for several major publications including Buzz Feed and the Huffington Post. Letisha is a community reporter and also covers world events.
