Fortnite Invitational 2022

Working with longtime collaborator Sig Greenbaum and Danish Esports producer Blast.tv, Lightswitch created an immersive, API-controlled lighting design for Epic Games’ 2022 Fortnite invitational. Our team had the pleasure of working on a giant stage — over 300 feet wide — as well as in a variety of smaller areas throughout the competition, including crafting a time-coded intro and cues for player walk-ons.

This show was unique in its scope. Our team was asked to light the 300-foot wide stage — which held 100 players — for both live and broadcast audiences. Lightswitch was also responsible for controlling the built-in scenic lighting and all other immersive lighting around the convention center.

Perhaps most excitingly, we worked with Epic and Blast to allow game API data to directly control the show’s lighting depending on what was happening in-game (for example, if a player went down, the front light would flash and the backlight would turn red). These cues happened in real-time, creating a fast-paced and engaging experience that would have been impossible for a human operator to accomplish.

Due to the fact that Fortnite often attracts a younger demographic, our team worked with Epic to ensure we were not using any strobe lights that could harm attendees. We were also careful not to blind younger attendees with intense lights streaking through the audience.

Because this event was intended for both broadcast and live audiences, it required Lightswitch to implement a wide range of lighting strategies. By introducing real-time game data into the console, we were able to give all audiences the most exciting and spontaneous show possible.

Additionally, the live audience enjoyed multiple merch and concessions areas, all of which featured immersive lighting by Lightswitch. We made sure that once the audience entered the space, they were immediately plunged into the Fortnite environment!