Kamala Harris Campaign Engages Gamers with ‘Freedom Town’ Map on Fortnite
4 min read
Kamala Harris Campaign Targets Youth with “Freedom Town” Map on Fortnite for 2023 Elections.
In a fresh bid to engage younger voters ahead of the November 5 elections, the Kamala Harris and Tim Walz campaign has launched a customized map on the popular video game Fortnite, titled “Freedom Town, USA.” This digital move marks a significant step toward mobilizing Gen Z voters in the online gaming sphere, building on similar strategies used in the 2020 campaign, such as the Biden-themed island on Animal Crossing. By teaming up with Epic Games, the developers behind Fortnite, the Harris-Walz campaign aims to tap into Fortnite’s massive audience and spark interest in the upcoming election.
The custom “Freedom Town” map, introduced on Wednesday, offers players an engaging experience while highlighting central themes of Harris’s campaign. Key policy points are woven into the map’s features, including slogans like “Fight For Freedom” and visuals that emphasize campaign priorities, such as tax incentives for small businesses and affordable housing—issues highlighted throughout the Harris-Walz platform. In partnering with Epic Games, the Harris-Walz campaign follows the growing trend of political campaigns integrating with gaming culture, which enables them to connect with younger demographics in ways that traditional outreach can’t always achieve.
Kamala Harris campaign made a Fortnite map…
Great example of how she uses money effectively. 🤡🤡 pic.twitter.com/macgIvLObq— clipme (@dramaclip4u) October 28, 2024Advertisement
Accessing the “Freedom Town” Map on Fortnite
To access the “Freedom Town, USA” map, Fortnite players can enter the Fortnite Creative section and use the designated code, 7331-5536-6547, to load the map. For those who prefer to watch rather than play, popular Fortnite streamers have shared gameplay footage of the map online, offering a glimpse of its unique elements and how it reflects the Harris campaign’s messaging. This new addition makes “Freedom Town” one of several politically-themed Fortnite Creative maps, joining a growing list that has included other custom environments, models, and sounds.
The Harris-Walz campaign shared a promotional video for the map on X (formerly Twitter), set to Megan Thee Stallion’s song “Neva Play.” Megan Thee Stallion’s past involvement with the campaign, including a live performance at a Harris rally in Atlanta earlier this year, adds another layer to this youth-focused strategy. Additionally, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Harris’s running mate, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) have both reached out to young male voters by streaming a Madden NFL game on Twitch, further demonstrating the campaign’s commitment to engaging with young voters on their own platforms.
Kamala Harris is making a Fortnite Map to get gamers to vote for her💀 #Fortnite pic.twitter.com/bfkFFNoo7t
— Peely Fortnite Leaks! (@PEELY_LEAKS1) October 28, 2024
Social Media Buzz: Support and Criticism
The release of “Freedom Town” has sparked varied reactions on social media. Many users praised the campaign’s use of modern platforms to reach young voters, with one user commenting, “Kamala HQ just launched a custom Fortnite map to reach young gamers and make sure they know the stakes of this election. Fully expanding the meaning of youth organizing.” However, not all responses were positive, with critics calling the initiative an unnecessary expense and questioning the effectiveness of campaign funds spent on gaming collaborations. One user remarked, “Kamala Harris campaign made a Fortnite map… Great example of how she uses money effectively,” followed by clown emojis.
This is incredible. Kamala HQ just launched a custom Fortnite map to reach young gamers and make sure they know the stakes of this election.
— Santiago Mayer (@SSantiagoMayer) October 28, 2024
Fully expanding the meaning of youth organizing. I love it. pic.twitter.com/D5yiyanVZU
In an increasingly digital world, reaching young voters through gaming may become a staple of campaign strategy. For Harris and Walz, it’s a bold step that combines policy messaging with interactive media, aiming to resonate with a generation accustomed to blending online entertainment with real-world engagement. As election day nears, this effort could play a role in driving turnout among the game’s large and diverse audience, and it might serve as a model for future digital political campaigns.
i visited the kamala harris fortnite city, a fever dream pic.twitter.com/hGN0Xg9WoM
— Gene Park (@GenePark) October 28, 2024
Shivam Kumar
Hi, I'm Shivam Kumar. I'm pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day....
