Epic Games will bring legal action against the organizers behind the recent unofficial Fortnite event, “Fortnite Live.” The festival was sold as a two-day long event which would feature activities and entertainment based on the popular battle royale game but reports emerged over the weekend of its disastrous execution and unfulfilled promises. Despite bearing the name “Fortnite Live,” the event had no official ties with Epic Games and in the aftermath of its failed launch, Epic Games has announced they will be suing the organizers, Exciting Events.
News of the lawsuit comes from Eurogamer who received a statement from Epic Games earlier today which states that the company has issued a claim against Exciting Events in the High Court of London. Unlicensed use of the Fortnite brand aside, Epic Games’ statement makes it clear that the quality of experience for the player is paramount to the company and it is evident that “Fortnite Live” did not provide attendees with such an experience. Citing official Fortnite events such as “Fortnite Pro-AM” as the intended Fortnite experience, the statement makes it clear that Epic Games were in no way affiliated with the U.K.-based festival.
The announcement of the legal action by Epic Games has sent the organizers into chaos, culminating in the closure of the business this afternoon. An email obtained by Eurogamer details the information sent to customers by the head of Exciting Events Limited, Shaun Lord. According to the email, Lord states that the negative media attention paired with Epic Games’ recent legal action has made it impossible for Exciting Events to trade anymore, forcing him to cancel two upcoming events. The company’s assets will be turned into cash and distributed among corporate creditors and those who are seeking refunds for the event.
Lord goes on to explain the human toll this scandal has had on his team, including the threats and abuse leveled at the families and directors of the business. Despite the massive backlash, Lord also states that the majority of kids actually loved the event and that had this legal action not been sought, Exciting Events would have gone on to host more Fortnite festivals.
These comments do not align with the public reaction to the event which emerged over the weekend as disgruntled festival goers began talking to the media and posting on Twitter about the experiences they were having. Lines were reportedly stagnant for hours and once admission to the festival was granted, the approximately 3,000 attendees had to wait for access to several of the advertised activities, such as the archery station which could hold only four children at a time. “Fortnite Live” also apparently charged attendees to play in the PC gaming area, which is an ironic choice given that Fortnite is, in fact, free-to-play in your own home.
