Tim Sweeney, the CEO of Epic Games, hinted at the possibility of integrating blockchain technology into Fortnite. However, he emphasized that this would not involve cryptocurrencies or non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
This revelation arose during an online discussion initiated by Jonah Blake, co-founder of Game Fund Partners. Blake suggested that there is a 50% chance of both Fortnite and the Unreal Engine adopting blockchain technology within the next five years.
In response, Sweeney acknowledged the possibilities of blockchain technology but firmly rejected the inclusion of any financial elements like cryptocurrency or NFT trading. He described blockchain as a solution for “distributed transactional evolution,” indicating a focus on its capability to enhance the technical foundations of gaming platforms without intertwining with financial controversies.
Fortnite is a free-to-play online video game and game platform developed by Epic Games. Released in 2017, Fortnite is a battle royale game in which 100 players fight to win the last man standing award.
Technical Over Financial Interest
The CEO’s interest lies in blockchain’s technological benefits, such as providing a decentralized framework for game transactions. This perspective aligns with Epic Games’ vision of fostering an “open metaverse,” where digital realms operate seamlessly across various platforms, supported by decentralized systems.
During a discussion with author Matthew Ball, Sweeney further elaborated on the use of blockchain for applications beyond conventional gaming. He highlighted areas such as zero-knowledge proofs and cryptographic consensus protocols, suggesting that these technologies could revolutionize how game systems manage and secure user data.