Fortnite is set to be introduced as an e-sport in high schools in the USA through a partner program. However, one state is now opposing this and banning Fortnite in their schools as part of the eSport program.
What is this partner program? Epic Games has partnered with the startup PlayVS from the USA. They want to introduce Fortnite as an e-sport in high schools and colleges across the country.
The goal of PlayVS is to implement e-sports in schools throughout the USA. They have already formed partnerships with the developers of Rocket League, SMITE, and League of Legends. These were the 3 e-sport games that could previously be played competitively in U.S. schools in student leagues.
The partnership with Epic Games was a significant step for the startup.
All high schools in Kentucky ban Fortnite
The high school sports association in Kentucky is not in agreement with this endeavor. They do not want to see Fortnite in their schools.
The Kentucky High School Athletic Association has banned Fortnite from all areas of tournaments, stating that it is too violent. The ban comes despite the game having a cartoonish appearance which is supposed to mitigate its violent nature.
Fortnite is very popular among players aged 12 to 25. Nevertheless, the Kentucky high school association does not want to see Fortnite in their schools. Commissioner Julian Tackett said, according to Dexerto:
“There is no place for shooter games in our schools. We knew nothing about adding Fortnite and we are strongly against it.”
What are the students missing out on? Now that the sports association of schools in Kentucky is banning Fortnite, the students from these schools cannot participate in the tournament. All schools in the U.S. state are affected.
What kind of tournament is this? The format will be similar to the Fortnite World Championship (Duos). It starts on February 26, 2020, and lasts for 8 weeks.
At the end of these 8 weeks, the best duos from each region will move on to the finals.
This is significant: Kentucky is considered one of the states in the USA with the most liberal gun laws. In the ranking “What is the best state for gun owners?” by Guns & Ammo, Kentucky ranks 6th out of 51.
Kentucky is also the state where the TV series “Justified” takes place, which revolves around a U.S. Marshal who carries his pistol quite loosely in a holster.
Nevertheless, there seems to be a problem here with the violent nature of Fortnite.
The Fortnite streamer Ninja wants to reach the top of the competitive scene in Fortnite again:
