Epic Games Delays 'Fortnite' Season 3 in Wake of Black Lives Matter Movement
The company states “recent events are a heavy reminder of ongoing injustices in society.”
Epic Games postponed Fortnite‘s Season 3 start date and its end of season live event, The Device, due to the Black Lives Matter protests against police brutality and racism. The Device is expected to take place on June 15, while Season 3 is slated to launch June 17.
“The team is eager to move Fortnite forward, but we need to balance the Season 3 launch with time for the team to focus on themselves, their families, and their communities,” Epic said in a blog post. “Recent events are a heavy reminder of ongoing injustices in society, from the denial of basic human rights to the impact of racism both overt and subtle against people of color,” the post continues. “We’re acutely aware of the pain our friends, families, team members, players, and communities are experiencing.”
This marks the third delay for the start of Fortnite: Chapter 2‘s new season. The first postponement was announced in April, while the second was announced last week. This is also the second delay for The Device event, which was delayed for the first time last week.
Many gaming events have been delayed in light of the recent Black Lives Matter movement, including Sony’s broadcast for its upcoming PlayStation 5. Sony stated that it wants “to stand back and allow more important voices to be heard.”
Activision has delayed Call Of Duty: Warzone‘s fourth season because “now is not the time,” while EA has gone on to delay the announcement of Madden NFL 21.
In related gaming news, Pokémon Go will donate $5 million USD minimum from Go Fest 2020 ticket sales.
— Fortnite (@FortniteGame) June 3, 2020
