ESPN Launches Football-Themed Island in ‘Fortnite’ Following Disney’s Mega Investment in Epic Games

Disney and Epic Games have revealed their next big collaboration following the Mouse House’s $1.5 billion investment in the gaming company. Launching Tuesday, “ESPN Football Island” is an addition to Epic’s popular online game “Fortnite” that Disney advertises as a way to gamify the sports network’s slogan of “serving sports fans anytime, anywhere.”

According to the project’s description, “With persistent progression and exclusive island-specific unlockable cosmetics, this all-new experience features multiple activities, challenges, and minigames all built around the Island centerpiece – Touchdown Rush, a multiplayer competitive ‘Payload Push’ take on football gameplay.”

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ESPN “SportsCenter” anchors Randy Scott and Gary Striewski will “welcome” players to the new “Fortnite” island, and will hear “SportsCenter” and NHL content host Arda ?cal as announcer throughout the island.

Per Disney, features for “ESPN Football Island” include:

• Touchdown Rush: Team up with friends and enter the stadium to navigate rocky terrain, a lava moat, and the other team! Avoid getting taken out by the competition as your team moves a giant football downfield and then defend your endzone as you switch to defense!

• Ocho Obstacle Sprint: Navigate a challenging obstacle course across platforms high above the stadium for incredible views and rewards as you leap to the center of the Jumbotron, featuring EPSN8 The Ocho!

• The Boxtagon – Enter ‘The Boxtagon’ and face off 1v1 against other players in high-intensity box fights, in collaboration with the UFC!

• Minigames & Activities: Test your throwing arm with Quarterback Challenge, launch your avatar across the arena on an ATV in Field Goal Jump, grind around the island in Rail Race, and show off your moves in the Dance Off Zone!

• Level Up to Redeem ESPN Football Store Exclusives – Earn rewards across gameplay sessions to unlock new loadouts exclusive to ESPN Football Island.

Disney and “Fortnite” say “regular updates” will be coming soon to “ESPN Football Island” to “celebrate the biggest moments and games this football season, including promo reels and live ESPN News Ticker updates.”

“ESPN Football Island” was developed using Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN) in collaboration between ESPN, Disney Games, Epic Games and Meta4 Interactive. The island can be accessed in “Fortnite” using code 4481-0077-4190.

Watch the trailer for new “Fortnite” offering “ESPN Football Island” via the video below.

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