Many of 2020's major gaming events were understandably curtailed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As 2021 beckons, it seems that the coronavirus will continue to make its presence felt, with some publishers already forgoing plans for large gatherings in the new year.
Epic Games, publisher of the biggest title on the planet, Fortnite, has already announced that it will not be holding any in-person live events for the duration of 2021. While online tournaments, streams, and presentations will take place - including the heralded Fortnite Championship Series - Epic is not ready to start cramming international crowds into arenas across the glove. Quite sensibly, I might add.
"With so much still unknown about what is practical and safe, we do not plan to hold in-person events in 2021, including a Fortnite World Cup," said Epic in a press release. "We will continue to provide online competitions throughout 2021 with the hopes that physical events, in some form, can return at some point in the future."
"FNCS (Fortnite Championship Series) will be the constant measure of success in competitive Fortnite, but we’re looking at other avenues for high-level competition 2021. Beyond our biggest competitions, in 2021, we’re putting together a schedule featuring more weekly tournaments, unique tournaments, and Creator Cups throughout the year. There will be plenty of competitions (not just Trios!) to scratch the competitive itch between FNCS seasons."
While Epic Games is the first company to err on the side of caution when it comes to planning its 2021 schedule it seems - with the COVID-19 pandemic still heavily prevalent throughout North America and much of the world - that it will not be the last.
Epic won't hold in-person Fortnite events in 2021 [GamesIndustry.biz]
