JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville-based company is making waves in the virtual world by creating custom maps for Fortnite, one of the world’s most popular video games.
Reddi Or Not Multimedia is bringing creativity into gaming by designing custom maps that offer players an immersive experience.
Alanna Jackson and David Layne shared their journey into video game design, explaining how a spontaneous idea led to the creation of maps that connect local businesses and promote tourism in Jacksonville.
“We ended up having, like, a spur the moment idea one day,” Jackson said. “It was like, hey, wouldn’t it be really cool if we could connect all the businesses that also not only builds businesses, but builds tourism in Jacksonville in itself.”
She said they make revenue when people play on the map they created based on the Hilltop area.
“We really didn’t expect it to be so big, but when we put out the Hilltop and it just took over, everybody went to sharing it,” she said.
The Hilltop map features notable Jacksonville locations, including the Hilltop Apartments and the Gate gas station on Moncrief Road.
The designer, an African American woman, discussed the challenges she faces in the industry.
“Because I’m a woman doing this automatically, people just feel like I’m just here for emotional support,” she said. “I’m a relentless person. I’m not gonna stop. ”So one way or another, my work is gonna speak for itself.”
The company’s goal is to boost tourism in Jacksonville by incorporating local businesses into the game.
“We want this to translate from just an in-game experience to real-life traffic,” Layne said.
She said they do plan on making a map based on the entirety of Jacksonville. Its something she estimates could take about a year.
“You might have an opportunity with somebody willing to invest. So you never know,” she added.
Click here to see the Fortnite map and learn how you can play it.