What are Live Events?
Live events are in-game occurrences that unfold in real-time, only accessible to players who are online during the event. These events are often announced beforehand with a specific date and time. Some events, like the Travis Scott concert in Fortnite, may take place multiple times. Players must log in and remain online during the designated time to experience the event. Live events are typically limited-time experiences, serving as promotions for crossovers (like Star Wars x Fortnite or Travis Scott x Fortnite) or advancing the game’s storyline, as seen in Fortnite’s Season 4 Rocket Launch event.
Live events generate significant buzz due to their exclusivity and limited-time nature. They often come with in-game rewards such as banners, sprays, or even crossover cosmetics available in the Item Shop. To ensure fairness and accessibility, developers like Epic Games have implemented features in games like Fortnite that disable weapons and player damage during the event, preventing players from disrupting the experience for others.
Live events also have a strong online presence, with recordings and streams shared widely. These events usually take place on weekends at times convenient for players in various regions. Players can experience these events in squads, with friends, or individually. While some events may incorporate cutscenes, most are player-controlled, creating a unique shared experience.
What is Fortnite’s The Device live event?
The Device was Fortnite’s seasonal live event for Chapter 2: Season 2. This event, which occurred on June 15th, 2020, marked Fortnite’s commitment to offering one major event per season. Epic Games advised players to be in the game lobby at least 30 minutes before the event to avoid server overload issues that plagued previous events. The event began at 11:00 am PDT, with thousands of players logging in simultaneously.
What other games have Live Events?
While Fortnite has popularized live events, other games have begun to incorporate them. One notable example is Destiny 2, which attempted its first live event in 2020. The Almighty event focused on a planet-destroying ship called “Almighty” and promised significant changes to the game. However, the event fell short of expectations, offering a slow, cutscene-like experience that did little to alter the narrative or gameplay. The event was a disappointment compared to the dynamic events of Fortnite, highlighting the challenge of replicating their success.
What do live events mean for the future of videogaming?
Live events serve as a powerful tool for game developers, achieving three key goals:
- Generate hype: Events create anticipation and excitement among players, building buzz for weeks leading up to the event.
- Get players together: Live events draw players back to the game, bringing together new and returning players to participate in a shared experience.
- Keep the game fresh: Events provide a mechanism for developers to introduce new content, advance storylines, and even experiment with new gameplay mechanics, revitalizing the game for existing players.
The potential for online multiplayer games to leverage live events is vast. Even Fortnite, known for its established events, has incorporated player feedback by creating polls asking players to choose which weapons to reintroduce.
Endnote
Live events are a recent development in the gaming industry, but their impact is undeniable. These events attract widespread attention and keep games engaging for players. The lasting impression they leave on players is evident, as many long-time Fortnite players remember every live event they’ve experienced. The future of gaming holds immense potential for innovative and engaging live events, creating unforgettable moments and fostering lasting connections among players.
Leave a Reply