User-Generated Content: Creating a Hub for Fortnite
Haley aka Dummblond discussed her path into the world of gaming, shared some insights into using the creative toolkit for Fortnite, and gave a few tips on how to get noticed in the community.
Introduction
Hey! My name is Haley aka Dummblond. I would say I am an unconventional content creator because I have a background in luxury retail working for Tiffany and Co and Louis Vuitton. I have been gaming for over 25 years, but Fortnite is the first game design experience I have had.
About Fortnite Content Creation
I have been playing Fortnite since day one and loved anything new and exciting being added to the game. Creative came out in December of 2018, and I haven't played any other game since. Fortnite Creative just opened up a world of possibilities for designing and producing unique content. Before Fortnite, I had no idea you could create your own game in a game.
About the Creative Toolkit in Fortnite
Fortnite Creative gives you access to all the virtual assets via a cellular phone. This includes various assets such as houses, trees, lights, water cubes, etc. There is also a device section that allows you to customize your game mode whether it's free for all, gun games, or adventure. You also have access to light settings, team sizes, UI score conditions, etc. It is very user friendly and anyone could hop in and create their own island!
Insights into Workflow
As crazy as it sounds, I usually dream about something and then will build it. My hub was no exception, it was based on a book I wrote as a child. I envisioned this sunken ship against the rocks and knowing how the players need to spawn in the hub, I built it from there. A hub is a different beast to tackle. You are given such a restricted space to work with, and it really pushes the creative limit. You also have to be mindful of where the players spawn in, while making it visually interesting, fun to look around and add a personal twist. Almost every map I make I write a poem for it.
Adjusting the Assets
I start every build with an idea. I will select the specific assets I know I want to use that align with my creative vision and pair well with each other. Then, I find all assets matching my theme. A lot of new builders throw down every asset they can, while I find that to be overwhelming and clouds the creative vision. Find common colors, themes, even pixels... as some vary. This is my favorite part of the creative process. Having reference photos, videos, or sketches can also help.
Lighting
Creative has amazing water, particle, and fog galleries. Which makes it pretty easy. The water was just placed on the ceiling to give that underwater look and I used various floating particles to give the effect of you floating, little fog was added towards the top of the rocks. The particles are really easy to use. Lighting is kinda what I am known for, and I consider it my specialty. You can only change the time of day, light brightness, light color, fog color, and fog thickness. So you have to be creative in what you use. I actually use various lamps and place them under the ground to give a glowing effect. In one of my most recent maps Elysium city, I used a hundred or so teal lights to create an underwater glow against a huge underwater city. Underwater was definitely my theme for this summer.
About Fortnite Kit Enhancements
There is always room for improvement. I personally would love to see more customizable lighting, terraforming, increased island sizes, or the ability to link islands via portals. My dream is to make a seamless full-size game within the game, I already have the perfect starting island already. The potential is limitless! I hope to see big things from Creative in the future.
Tips and Tricks on How to Get Noticed in the Community
Consistency, visibility, and having various social platforms. I was fortunate to have a Fortnite fan base before I switched from BR to Creative. The more platforms you share on, the better. Epic does have a feature form that you need to submit to and that is where they are chosen from. Each map is playtested by Epic and approved by Epic. My first Creative Hub from January 2020 was found via social media. Epic is super active on all socials and they truly have created an amazing platform. They have featured me a few times via their Twitter handle and feature a variety of other creators as well.
Thank you for the opportunity! If you need anything else, feel free to reach out!
Best,
