Fortnite is known for its collaborations and themed events that keep up with the latest trends in pop culture. For their next in-game event, Epic Games is choosing to wind back the clock with "March Through Time," highlighting Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have A Dream" speech delivered in Washington, D.C. in 1963.
The historic event takes players back to the "re-imagined" Lincoln Memorial to witness history from a new perspective. According to PlayStation blogger Ryan Broseker, "March Through Time" will teleport players nearly 60 years in the past to a re-imagined Washington, DC called D.C. 63. Players will embark on an "immersive journey," and the event includes museum-like quotes and quests that relate to Dr. King Jr.'s monumental address that stands as one of the most defining moments of the Civil Rights Movement.
A short trailer from PlayStation demonstrates that players can attend the speech, hold up signs, and participate in the gathering at the United States National Mall. The "March Through Time" event has been subject to backlash as expressed frustration over Epic Games' decision to host the event. The online conversation had many questioning why a civil rights icon is likened to a video game character.
The new virtual experience for Fortnite is unlike the past promotions that the game has launched through its platform. The surprising crossover hails from TIME Studios and has been influenced by "The March," an interactive project created by TIME. "The March" resided in the DuSable Museum of African American History in Chicago during February 2020.
"We continuously strive to move Dr. King from the history books and place his legacy directly into the lives of younger generations," managing director and general counsel of the King Estate Eric D. Tidwell said, "Presenting his most famous speech in such an interactive format helps us achieve that goal."
This is Fortnite's first time creating an event around a historical figure and the developers of the game are hoping to share more information about the Civil Rights Movement with the youth who log in during "March Through Time." Fortnite players can interact with the "March Through Time" experience by selecting the event link in the Discover Menu or through a special island code: 3815-8892-143.
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