As the U.S. Presidential election draws closer, the Democratic campaign is tapping into an unconventional space: the world of Fortnite. Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz have launched a custom Fortnite map, titled Freedom Town, USA, hoping to appeal to younger voters and gaming enthusiasts. This map, accessible with the code 7331-5536-6547, features engaging locations that showcase key campaign promises, such as small business support, affordable housing, and incentives for first-time homeowners.
Freedom Town presents Harris and Walz’s vision in an interactive format, offering players an engaging, immersive experience with political messaging woven in. To further boost visibility, popular Fortnite streamers like Jordan “Huskerss” Thomas, MODELMORG, Himalyahs, and Khairi “Kdot” Harris are hosting dedicated streams set within Freedom Town, introducing their followers to the campaign’s themes.
Although Harris isn’t a regular gamer, Walz has shared his gaming roots, reminiscing about his days as a Sega Dreamcast fan, with Crazy Taxi being a particular favorite. Walz recently played the game on a stream with Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, even noting the presence of a mod that includes him as a playable character—a playful nod to his enthusiasm for gaming culture.
Meanwhile, the opposing Republican ticket led by Donald Trump and J.D. Vance hasn’t yet responded with their own Fortnite map or digital initiatives in the gaming space. With only seven days until the election, this last-minute effort to win over the gaming community might provide Harris and Walz a unique edge. The campaign’s venture into Fortnite reflects the evolving landscape of political outreach, where candidates look beyond traditional platforms to connect with diverse audiences in new, creative ways.