Epic Games Converge

“Fortnite is the canvas and LEGO is the paint.” This phrase was the unofficial motto for a recent event in New York City at which Brick Fanatics got an early look at the new collaboration between Epic Games and the LEGO Group. While the event was billed as an opportunity to get hands-on with LEGO Fortnite, by far the most fascinating part of the entire experience was getting the chance to speak candidly with Eric Williamson, Creative Director on LEGO Fortnite. Hidden away on a busy street in downtown Manhattan, Epic Games hosted a collection of journalists from around the world for a secret hands-on preview of the next evolution of Fortnite. The attendees were an eclectic group – the majority of guests were games journalists, used to these kinds of events and used to rubbing shoulders with game developers. Approximately a third of the guests, though, were instead LEGO journalists and influencers. Grouped together for a series of presentations, a roundtable, and gameplay sessions, this group received by far the most attention from the LEGO Fortnite developers, who seemed particularly interested in winning our approval for reasons beyond simply selling the game.