Fortnite Gaming Competition with Inflatable Characters

Just a few years ago it would have been unheard of that online video gaming could draw in over 125 million players worldwide and offer total prize money running into the millions of dollars. But since its release in 2017, the multi-award-winning game Fortnite has indeed become such a global phenomenon. For the uninitiated, Fortnite is an online game of survival involving one hundred gamers at a time playing against each other in combat situations until there is just one player standing. It is amazingly popular, being fast-paced, action-packed and relying on strategic thinking – similar to the premise of the film ‘The Hunger Games’. However, in the video game, everyone can be a hero.

The explosion in popularity of all the different formats of the Fortnite gaming experience has naturally led to the development of live tournaments whereby fans can compete in prestigious venues across the world. Rather than confining themselves to a bedroom and communicating with other players exclusively online, fans can now meet up at regular conventions all over the world.

In the UK, EStars planned to begin their three-month run of solo Battles Royale at Glasgow’s Celtic Park Stadium in January 2019 with potential prize money of £25,000. This thrilling occasion would inevitably attract thousands of gamers and their families to enjoy not just the tournament but the carnival atmosphere of such a major event. Attractions would include meeting VIPs, the purchasing of Fortnite merchandise and fun activities such as dance competitions; Fortnite is famous for its trademark dance moves such as ‘the floss’.

Maeve Finnegan from EStars described how the tournament would bring the game to life, promising “an engrossing extravaganza that will be spectacular for the gamers.”

Estars commissioned the design consultants Weebox, who specialise in combining creativity with technology, to bring their event to life. Having been impressed with their previous work, Weebox then contacted Glow Inflatables asking them to supply the event with some amazing 3D inflatable versions of the characters from Fortnite.

Glow was the obvious choice for the recreation of these vividly coloured, cartoon-like characters which would include a Llama, Fortnite’s primary mascot, complete with its own textured fur, a giant inflatable Tomato and a Hamburger with the iconic tongue hanging out.

These familiar figures were then strategically placed to give the participants the feeling of being watched by their favourite Fortnite characters, adding to the feeling of excitement and realism. As bizarre as these characters sound to the uninitiated, Fortnite fans would immediately feel as if their games had come to life.

The team at Glow Inflatables were also tasked with creating a gigantic version of the iconic Battle Bus, which is the portal through which the games traditionally commence. At the tournaments, participants would be able to enter the arena providing a high-impact and thrilling initiation into the whole experience.

With the clever addition of netted windows to the 12 metre-long construction, players would be able to take a peek at the events already taking place in the gaming areas they walked through the inflatable bus. Adding to the excitement would be the incorporation of LED headlights, tail-lights and a striking balloon for use at any future, larger venues. All installations would be of the highest quality and able to be reused in future tournaments.

As always, the team at Glow Inflatables rose to the challenge and worked closely with Weebox creating bespoke designs from high resolution images provided by EStars.

All original artworks were created by Glow Inflatables, drawing on their extensive knowledge of the link between careful design, high quality manufacturing and professional installation services. Fortnite were delighted with their designs and signed them off, ready for Glow Inflatables to commence with the manufacturing process. At all times, close collaboration and communication with the clients ensured that every aspect of the promotion went smoothly.

The results were magnificent! Gamers were thrilled that their familiar two-dimensional characters and settings had been miraculously brought to life giving them a unique, immersive experience. As the games took place, fans could enjoy being surrounded by their favourite characters as well as providing them with plenty of opportunities for sharing the event on social media. Never had their battles seemed so real! It also gave previously bewildered family members a glimpse of the incredible appeal of the gaming world.

Weebox were really impressed with the energy and commitment that Glow Inflatables brought to the event. Not only did they supply these wonderful inflatable installations but throughout the process they felt like an extended part of the team, providing hands on assistance in the preparation and development of the site – nothing was too much trouble. Weebox subsequently reported that they’d be more than happy to work with Glow Inflatables again with any future big productions.

Once again, the Glow Inflatables team proved that they are the company to trust for ‘Ideas Made Visual’.