Olivier Lelardoux spent over 15 years in digital and TV media as director, manager and produceur. Continually seeking for innovation, his interest for video games became a business venture after meeting Merouane and Hassan, developers and co-founders of PlayNove. Let’s delve into his motivations and vision for creating unique Fortnite experiences that bridge the gap between metaverse and mainstream media.
As a manager and producer in mainstream media, how do you perceive video games? What are the similarities and differences between traditional media and video games?
Olivier: Olivier: As a CEO, director and producer in mainstream media, I see video games as a dynamic and immersive form of storytelling and entertainment. The key similarity between traditional media and video games lies in their ability to engage audiences and tell compelling stories. However, video games offer a unique level of interactivity and player agency that traditional media cannot. This interactivity allows for a more personalized experience, making each player’s journey through a game unique.
What motivated you to participate in the creation of Fortnite Studio?
Olivier: My motivation for participating in the creation of Fortnite Studio stemmed from a desire to explore new creative horizons. Video games, like Fortnite, represent the cutting edge of interactive entertainment, blending art, technology, a huge community and storytelling in innovative ways. After meeting Hassan and Merouane, I was truly impressed by their talents and deep understanding of Fortnite, as well as their broad knowledge of gaming culture as a whole. This was an opportunity to be part of a groundbreaking project that pushes the boundaries of what is possible in the intersection of traditional medias and Gaming, what I call the Metaverse!
How do mainstream media and Fortnite interact with each other?
Olivier: Mainstream media and Fortnite interact in a symbiotic way. Fortnite has become a cultural phenomenon, influencing popular culture and media beyond the gaming world. It’s not just a game; it’s a platform for social interaction, a showcase for new technologies, a new medium for storytelling and one of the best creator’s economy environment. Mainstream media often draws inspiration from Fortnite’s innovative approaches to engagement and community building.
What aspects of the Fortnite adventure excite you?
Olivier: What excites me most about the Fortnite adventure is its constant evolution powered by Unreal Engine for Fortnite, the best 3D engine in the world. Fortnite is more than just a game and grows with its community. The way it integrates new content, collaborates with global brands, and creates unique in-game events is truly groundbreaking. It’s exciting to be part of a project that is always at the forefront of innovation.
What are your ambitions for PlayNove, and which type of game do you aspire to create?
Olivier: My ambition for PlayNove is to create games that are not only entertaining but also meaningful and impactful. We aspire to develop a large variety of Fortnite experiences that blend engaging gameplay with compelling narratives, offering players both fun and thought-provoking games. Our goal is to push the boundaries of what games can be and to explore new ways to tell stories and engage players in the digital age. Our aspiration is to be recognized as the Pixar of Fortnite Creative, cultivating a community that eagerly and excitedly anticipates each of our new releases!
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