[Atlanta, GA, June 24, 2024] - The Network of Academic and Scholastic Esports Federations (NASEF) is excited to announce a new partnership with LearnBuildWin™ to host "The Summer Games,” a global game design challenge that leverages the educational potential of Fortnite Creative.

In this exciting competition, students will design and build their own unique sporting events within Fortnite Creative. The contest consists of three progressively more challenging tasks designed to help students learn and master the tools of Fortnite Creative:

• Round 1 - Quarterfinals: Design an opening ceremony for “The Summer Games”
• Round 2 - Semifinals: Re-create an existing real-life sporting event in Fortnite Creative
• Round 3 - Finals: Invent a brand new sporting event that is totally unique to Fortnite

An elite panel of video game professionals will identify the top entries, and the winners will be selected by their peers during a Gold Medal livestream event, receiving $1,000 (Gold), $500 (Silver), and $250 (Bronze) cash prizes.

Additionally, everyone who submits an entry will be eligible for our random drawing to receive one of four “Lucky Loot” giveaways—each valued at $250.

Learning more about the contest by visiting LearnBuildWin.com. Educators, coaches, and parents are encouraged to share this opportunity with their students. Register now to stay up-to-date on the latest contest news. The contest ends on July 29, 2024.

Fortnite as a Learning Laboratory

STEM educator Andrew Vanden Heuvel designed the challenge. He said, "Fortnite is more than just a popular video game; it is a powerful learning tool that can be used to teach students essential 21st-century skills." While many people are aware of Fortnite's "Battle Royale" mode, the “Fortnite Creative” mode offers a unique opportunity for students to transition from players to creators as they design, build, and publish their own games.

Fortnite Creative provides a sophisticated suite of tools that mirror those found in professional game design software. These tools allow users to create intricate virtual worlds, complete with prefab structures, custom-built environments, and interactive game mechanics. By engaging with these tools, students learn valuable transferable skills such as UX/UI design, logical reasoning, and algorithmic thinking.

Connecting Fortnite Creative and Careers

"This challenge fits perfectly with NASEF's mission to help youth develop career skills in the fun environment of esports," said Gerald Solomon, Executive Director of NASEF. "Mastering the tools in Fortnite Creative equips students with transferable skills that are in high demand across multiple industries."

While the video game industry itself generates more revenue than the movie and music industries combined, the ability to create and manipulate interactive 3D environments extends far beyond gaming. Industries such as engineering, real estate, and advertising increasingly rely on interactive 3D technology, demonstrating the broad and varied applications of these skills.

Fortnite Creative serves as a crucial gateway for players to develop advanced skills using professional-grade technology like Unreal Editor for Fortnite and the Unreal Engine. By participating in the “Summer Games” contest, students can take the first steps toward a career in interactive 3D technology. Visit LearnBuildWin.com to get started. 

About NASEF

NASEF is on a mission to provide opportunities for all students to use esports as a platform to acquire STEM/STEAM-based skills and critical communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills needed to thrive in work and in life. NASEF operates under the umbrella of the World Wide Scholastic Esports Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit headquartered in Atlanta, GA. The International Esports Federation has entrusted NASEF with training and supporting its 130+ member federations as they undertake development of scholastic esports programs. Find NASEF at NASEF.org and on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

About LearnBuildWin™

LearnBuildWin inspires players to become creators. Through education and competitions, we empower young people to level up their knowledge, skills, and creativity. Founded by gamer-dad and STEM educator Andrew VH, LearnBuildWin was born from a MegaGrant from Epic Games, the creators of Fortnite and Unreal Engine. Find us at LearnBuildWin.com and Facebook. 

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Media Contact: Claire LaBeaux, [email protected]

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