Epic is the next big game developer cutting physical esports tourneys from its schedule as it deals with the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic. The company has canceled the 2020 Fortnite World Cup outright in addition to moving all other Fortnite events online. While it was no surprise that an in-person event wasn’t going to happen, Epic added that the “limitations of cross region online competition” also made an internet-based tourney impractical.
The company said it was “hopeful” it could put on a Fortnite World Cup in 2021, but was otherwise focusing on FNCS (including official broadcasts) and Cash Cups. Third-party events will get support, but they must be internet-only “until further notice.”
The move isn’t completely surprising. An in-person World Cup might have had few attendees even if lockdowns lifted overnight, and issues like lag and time zones make a truly global competition impractical. Still, it’s a significant blow to Epic’s esports plans for the year. The World Cup is supposed to be Fortnite’s marquee esports event, and its absence leaves a conspicuous void in the competitive calendar.
Physical Events - For the rest of 2020, all Fortnite competitions will be held online. Due to the limitations of cross region online competition, there will not be a Fortnite World Cup in 2020.
— Fortnite Competitive (@FNCompetitive) April 30, 2020