In October 2024, ESPN launched its first-ever Fortnite activation with a custom football map that merged iconic gameplay with the thrill of live sports. Players joined teams, battled across a purpose-built field, and lived the drama of every play in Fortnite’s creative universe. The activation captured massive attention, proving that sports brands can thrive as immersive, playable experiences inside the game.
ESPN set out to reimagine how football could reach younger audiences in the spaces where they already play. The goal was simple yet ambitious: translate the excitement of America’s favorite sport into Fortnite, making it accessible, interactive, and unforgettable.
The ESPN Football map delivered a bold re-creation of the sport within Fortnite Creative. Players hit the field, formed teams, and competed in fast-paced matches designed to echo the tension and celebration of real football. Every moment — from touchdowns to tackles — was adapted into Fortnite’s gameplay loop, blending the spirit of ESPN with the platform’s creative energy.
The activation lit up Fortnite, attracting massive player engagement and sparking conversation around ESPN’s innovative leap into UEFN. It set a new precedent for how live sports can extend into gaming, validating Fortnite as a dynamic platform for cultural and brand storytelling.
