Kentucky just banned collegiate Fortnite

Shortly after Epic Games’ collegiate Esports partner PlayVS announced the move to Fortnite, Kentucky’s school governing board banned the state’s students from participating

PlayVS is the collegiate-level startup that is making waves within the Esports scene. After entering titles such as Smite, League of Legends, and Rocket League (now a subsidiary of Epic Games) - a recent announcement touted that the company would be expanding its operations to the popular battle royale shooter: Fortnite

Calling all Duos.

Fortnite, now on PlayVS, is FREE for all students.

Season kicks off 2/17.https://t.co/7gM4NEYhoi pic.twitter.com/RfNz3ukgfP

— PlayVS (@playvs) January 22, 2020

Despite overwhelming support from the players and students, school boards around the country took pause. Now, if you live in the state of Kentucky, you will not be able to participate in this national collegiate league

According to kentucky.com, Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) commissioner Julian Tackett noted in a Sunday email that “there is no place for shooter games in our school.” PlayVS, KSHAA’s partner in collegiate esports, did not previously notify the states of their move into Fortnite - a move that Tackett “is strongly against”

If you are a student or eligible collegiate player in the state of Kentucky - you’re out of luck. Tackett later added, “KHSAA member Kentucky schools may not participate in Fortnite with our partner PlayVS or in any other interscholastic competition.” Any states that aren’t willing to sanction competitive play means PlayVS cannot allow entry for those players

collegiate Fortnite players collect winning prize

The clash between school and player is an obvious showcasing of cultural divides. From a school’s administrative perspective - an era riddled with gun violence needs no reminder of lethal weapons. But students simply don’t see it this way. To many, Fortnite is a way to unwind. Fortnite is a way to relax. Fortnite is a beacon of positivity and enjoyment in a world full of hate and negativity

I am obviously on the side of the overwhelming majority. The connection between Fortnite and gun violence is basically straw-pulling. Fear mongering from intolerant adults who are too ignorant - or just too stupid - to understand a shift in youth culture

Fifty years ago, everyone was playing Football, Basketball, and Baseball. That was the dominant culture - and there wasn’t a whole lot of alternative entertainment. In 2020, we have so many ways to express ourselves that exceed physical, combat sports

Finally, why would a school prohibit a video game that may display weapons, when they fully support and oversee sports that have statistically injured and killed countless people? Football is one of the most dangerous modern-day sports, yet schools allow their 14 year old boys to hit the field… you can never start too early on CTE!

This argument is stupid. I’m basically preaching to the choir. Kentucky, fix your sh*t. Hindo out

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