'The Device' Fortnite event and Season 3 handed further delay

The long-awaited Doomsday/The Device and the start of Season 3 for Fortnite have been handed a further delay this time in response to the political climate in the United States, which has been rocked by nine days of anger and protests sparked by the killing of George Floyd by officers of the Minneapolis police.

(Picture: Epic Games)

Both events were rescheduled last week with 'The Device' set for Saturday, 6th June, and Season 3 meant to begin on Thursday 11th June, seven days after the initial release date.

Epic now says that The Device event will be held on Monday, 15th June with Season 3 to start on Wednesday, 17th June.

Epic said in a statement that in light of recent developments, which have been "a heavy reminder of ongoing injustices in society", the development team have been given "time to focus on themselves, their families, and their communities."

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The statement was also a clear show of support for those angry about the treatment of black Americans especially at the hands of the police.

"From the denial of basic human rights to the impact of racism both overt and subtle against people of color," the statement reads. "We're acutely aware of the pain our friends, families, team members, players and communities are experiencing."

"We believe in equality and justice, diversity and inclusion, and these fundamentals are above politics."

Epic is one of a number of companies who have decided to reschedule events and updates to their game, this week with Infinity Ward delaying the release of Season 4 of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, while the Call of Duty League has also delayed this weekend's Minnesota RØKKR Home Series.

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The start of Season 3 has been eagerly awaited by fans of Fortnite, with this now set to the be the longest time between seasons since the game began. The previous record was the wait for last season, which after a delay had players waiting 100 days.

By the time Season 3 comes out it will have been 118 days. Some details about the Device event and Season change have already been leaked with all signs pointing towards a storm disaster flooding the map.