Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, has recently hinted at the possibility of integrating blockchain technology into Fortnite. However, he made it clear that this would not involve cryptocurrencies or NFTs. The conversation started when Jonah Blake, Co-founder of Game Fund Partners, tweeted that there might be a 50% chance of blockchain integration into Fortnite and Unreal Engine within the next five years. Sweeney responded, acknowledging the potential of blockchain but emphasizing that it would not include financial elements.

Focus on Technical Capabilities

Sweeney highlighted that the interest in blockchain technology is centered on its technical capabilities rather than its financial uses. He described blockchain as a “decentralized solution to distributed transactional evolution,” suggesting it could serve as an alternative to traditional databases. This approach mirrors other projects, like Pirate Nation, which plan to use blockchain for managing transactions across multiple systems.

Broader Applications of Blockchain

In a recent interview with author Matthew Ball, Sweeney discussed the broader applications of blockchain technology. He pointed out its potential in areas such as zero-knowledge proofs and cryptographic consensus protocols. Sweeney is a proponent of an “open metaverse,” advocating for decentralization and interoperability in digital environments through open protocols and standards. He mentioned the efforts of the Metaverse Standards Forum to establish industry-wide technical standards.

Overcoming Blockchain’s Negative Perception

Despite blockchain’s association with cryptocurrency, which Sweeney believes has negatively impacted its perception, he remains confident about the technology’s future. He acknowledged the current challenges and uncertainties surrounding blockchain but expects that its value will be recognized over time. Sweeney’s stance is clear: while blockchain technology holds promise, it will not be used for cryptocurrency or NFT trading in Fortnite.