As the 2024 presidential election approaches its final stages, campaigns are employing innovative tactics to sway undecided voters. The Harris/Walz campaign has ventured into the gaming world by launching a map in the popular online multiplayer game, Fortnite.
The “Freedom Town, USA” map, available at the code 7331-5536-6547, diverges from typical Fortnite matches. Rather than featuring firearms, the map emphasizes car racing and parkour activities. Additionally, it displays campaign signs and decorations promoting Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz’s presidential bid.
Video gaming has become a fundamental component of the Harris/Walz campaign strategy. The campaign has established a Twitch page that streams games such as World of Warcraft and the latest Madden title to encourage conversation with voters. However, the Fortnite map has not yet significantly captured players’ attention, with fewer than 300 active players at the time of reporting.
The incorporation of political advertisements and outreach within video games is not unique to this election cycle. The concept gained prominence during Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign, which purchased advertisements in 18 games, including Need for Speed: Carbon and Madden NFL 13, on Microsoft’s Xbox Live service, as well as the mobile version of Tetris, according to NPR.