by Maximiliano Crocamo
Interviews: FVG governor, Massimiliano Fedriga; CEO of NOVO Esports is Emanuele Acerbis
Starting September 20, players of the globally popular video game Fortnite will be able to explore a custom map featuring some of Friuli Venezia Giulia’s most iconic locations.
Regional president Massimiliano Fedriga presented the initiative in Trieste, calling it the first project of its kind in Italy. “We are the first region to introduce ourselves through a video game like Fortnite, which has more than 110 million active users every month worldwide,” he said. “With this project, we aim to reach a younger audience, especially those under 25, and promote our territory through interactive experiences.”
The project, developed by PromoTurismoFVG in collaboration with Novo Esports, recreates five major cities in 3D—Trieste, Udine, Pordenone, Gorizia, and Palmanova—using the game’s signature cartoon-style graphics. Other sites included in the map are Piancavallo and Tarvisio ski resorts, the Fusine lakes, the Marano lagoon, and the Tagliamento and Isonzo rivers. Players will also encounter elements of local culture, from frico cheese and San Daniele prosciutto to regional wines and grapes.
Fedriga praised the developers of Fortnite for balancing realistic representation with the game’s immersive features. “It’s a complex goal that has been achieved perfectly,” he said.
A tournament will be held using the custom map, allowing players to compete daily for points. The top 10 participants will advance to a live showdown at Milan Games Week in November, Italy’s largest gaming convention. Prizes include winter getaway vouchers for two in Tarvisio, complete with ski passes.
At Milan Games Week, Friuli Venezia Giulia will have a dedicated space at Novo Esports’ stand, where visitors can try the map and experience the region in virtual reality.
Founded in 2023, Novo Esports fields seven competitive teams nationally and internationally, making it one of Italy’s most active esports organizations.
A trailer for the initiative has been released and is available online.
