Fortnite isn’t an obvious choice when it comes to making a positive impact on the planet. That’s all set to change as Difference Makers partners with Guild Esports to promote STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) and sustainability through the action-packed world of competitive videogames.
To inspire youth audiences outside of the STEM bubble and shine a light on sustainable saviours, the Difference Makers campaign (an initiative from the IET – the Institution of Engineering and Technology) is working with Guild Esports to craft a Fortnite tournament with a unique difference. Harvesting wood is a fundamental part of Fortnite, with players gathering materials to build cover, give themselves a height advantage and win games. Now, for every in-game tree cut down in during the tournament, Difference Makers will be planting one in real life.
Playing for the planet, the tournament will see players compete in a normal PVP match, with a big twist – they will be encouraged to chop down as many trees as possible. With a ‘tree-o- meter’ keeping score, for every felled tree, Difference Makers will plant a real one to replace its digital equivalent. In addition, the estimated carbon footprint of the tournament – running all those gaming PCs and streaming it out to the world – will be offset, to ensure a net zero environmental impact.
The closed tournament, which kicks off on Friday 27 August 2021, will pitch some of Guild’s best Fortnite players and biggest content creators against Guild’s young Academy students – with participants discussing transferable skills and how a love of gaming can be a gateway into the world of STEM. Guild’s world-championship winning stars Hen and Anas, will be joined by content creators Gee Nelly and TN25, to take part in this once in a lifetime event, which is set to be released and promoted to Guild’s global audience.
IET President Professor Danielle George MBE said,
“The future scientists, technicians and engineers, who might one day save the world are likely to be found today – in front of their consoles. With STEM and sustainability so integral to modern life, we’re proud to be creating the world’s first Fortnite tournament where players are fighting for more than just the win; they’re also fighting to make a positive impact on the world around them. Partnering with Guild was the ideal choice for this initiative, with their Esports expertise and sustainable initiatives within the organisation.”
Guild’s Director of Partnerships Michelle Tierney, said,
“By working together with Difference Makers, we’re ensuring that sustainability is at the heart of this tournament. Difference Makers doesn’t just demonstrate that gaming can be green but shows us how the visionaries of the world can be found in unexpected places.
As an Esports organisation co-owned by David Beckham, we understand the importance of an academy structure and the educational benefits for young people as they’re developing.
We’re proud to be educating the next generation with the skills to understand the critical importance of sustainability for our future”.
Find out more about the Gaming for Good tournament and get inspired over at the Difference Makers website
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