Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights is embracing the world of video games once again, this year featuring Fortnite's annual Fortnitemares event. The popular haunted attraction has created unique scare zones at both its Orlando and Hollywood locations, offering fans a chance to experience the spooky side of the battle royale phenomenon firsthand.
Working in collaboration with Epic Games, Universal's creative teams aimed to "HHNify" the Fortnitemares property, going beyond simple aesthetics to create an immersive experience. In Orlando, guests are dropped into a rendition of Freaky Fields, a location featured in recent Fortnite seasons. The scare zone is populated with iconic Halloween elements like pumpkins, scarecrows, and cornfields, but with a distinct Fortnite twist.
Upon entering the Orlando zone, visitors are presented with a character-select screen, featuring the popular Skull Trooper Jonesy skin. The objective is to navigate through Freaky Fields to reach the Halloween Horror Nights area, where the Battle Bus awaits, signaling an endgame scenario reminiscent of Fortnite's gameplay loop. Along the path, guests encounter costumed characters embodying popular Fortnite skins and original characters.
Key to the Fortnitemares experience at Halloween Horror Nights are the "Shadows," characters derived from the Shadow Midas lore, who act as monsters within the zone. These, along with "Husks" from Fortnite: Save the World, roam the area, interacting with and startling guests. While some characters, like Skeleterra, are designed for interaction and photo opportunities, their presence may vary.
The scare zones also incorporate significant technological elements, most notably an attempt to recreate the intensity of being caught in Fortnite's storm. This is achieved through extensive LED lighting, purple floodlights, and smoke machines, all synchronized to simulate the visual and atmospheric effects of the in-game storm closing in. The experience is designed to make guests feel the consequences of the encroaching storm, with characters reacting to its presence.
Another impressive technical feat is the use of projection mapping to simulate a Fortnite character building structures to reach an enemy, depicted as Jack Gourdon. This brief but dynamic scene adds another layer to the immersive environment.
While the outdoor scare zones offer a unique take on Fortnitemares, the potential for a dedicated haunted house based on the event is also acknowledged. The controlled environment of a soundstage could allow for greater focus on lighting and directed scares, with audio elements like storm alarms and elimination sounds playing a more prominent role. However, as it stands, the Fortnitemares scare zones at Universal Studios Orlando provide a surreal and enjoyable experience for Fortnite fans, blending the game's familiar elements with the thrills of Halloween Horror Nights.
Halloween Horror Nights is currently running at Universal Studios Orlando and will open at Hollywood's Horror Nights on September 3. Both events conclude on November 1 and feature attractions based on various horror films, television series, and music artists.