Fortnite and the Contradiction to Heritage Conservation: A Collision of Values

In an era where digital entertainment dominates the attention of younger generations, the cultural and educational impact of video games cannot be overlooked. Among these, Fortnite stands as a global phenomenon, engaging millions in its virtual world. However, at its core, the gameplay of Fortnite—which encourages players to break down structures, harvest materials, and rebuild in utilitarian fashion—stands in stark contradiction to the values of English Heritage, the National Trust, the Landmark Trust and the broader efforts to protect historic buildings. The destruction and disposability inherent in Fortnite starkly contrast with the philosophy of preservation, restoration, and appreciation that underpin the safeguarding of Britain’s architectural legacy.

The Philosophy of Preservation vs. the Culture of Destruction

The National Trust and other heritage organisations are dedicated to maintaining and protecting historic sites, ensuring that they remain standing for future generations to appreciate. These places tell the story of England’s past, reflecting centuries of architectural skill, cultural evolution, and societal development. Each brick in a medieval castle or each carved wooden beam in a Tudor manor represents craftsmanship that has survived through war, industrialisation, and modernisation.

By contrast, Fortnite conditions young minds to view structures as temporary and disposable. The game’s mechanics reward players for smashing walls, roofs, ornamental details and entire buildings, all in pursuit of resources for their own immediate survival. There is no regard for architectural beauty or history—what matters is efficiency and destruction. This fosters a mindset where structures exist purely for utility, to be used and discarded at will. Such an attitude, when taken beyond the game, risks eroding an appreciation for real-world heritage sites that require constant care, funding, and advocacy to survive.

What the Young are Learning

One of the most alarming aspects of Fortnite is how it subtly shifts perceptions of value in relation to buildings and spaces. Young players spend hours immersed in a world where history, artistry, and craftsmanship mean nothing. Instead, every structure is a means to an end—broken down for personal gain. Boxes are not opened for their contents, by contrast, they are totally smashed. This mindset runs directly counter to the values instilled by heritage organisations, which teach that buildings are irreplaceable cultural assets, not expendable resources.

Consider the skills and knowledge that young people could be absorbing instead—learning about how a medieval castle was constructed, how Georgian mansions reflected Enlightenment ideals, or how Victorian engineering revolutionised urban spaces. Yet, rather than fostering curiosity about the built environment, Fortnite conditions them to see buildings as obstacles to be torn down. In doing so, it risks diminishing their respect for the painstaking effort required to restore and maintain historic structures.

The Broader Cultural Impact

Beyond mere entertainment, Fortnite reflects a broader societal shift toward disposability. We live in an age where fast fashion, mass production, and short-term thinking dominate many aspects of life. Historic preservation stands as a direct counter to this trend, emphasising longevity, sustainability, and reverence for the past. When young minds are conditioned to value destruction over preservation, it becomes harder to foster future generations who will champion heritage causes.

There is also a deeper philosophical question at play: what does it say about society when we teach children to destroy rather than to protect? Throughout history, deliberate destruction of architecture has often been associated with conquest, loss, and erasure of culture. If we trivialise such actions in gaming, are we subtly eroding the instincts that would otherwise drive young people to protect and cherish their heritage?

Bridging the Gap: Encouraging Appreciation for History in Gaming

To counteract these trends, there is an opportunity—perhaps even a responsibility—to integrate heritage appreciation into digital platforms. What if, instead of Fortnite’s rampant destruction, young players were introduced to games that encourage historical exploration and architectural creativity? Titles like Minecraft have already demonstrated how gaming can be used to build and appreciate architectural beauty, rather than simply demolish it.

Heritage organisations could also engage more directly with the gaming industry, promoting virtual tours of historic sites or even collaborating on educational game content. If young people are spending hours immersed in virtual worlds, then why not create experiences where they can discover the beauty of a Gothic cathedral, the grandeur of a Palladian villa, or the engineering marvel of a medieval bridge?

Conclusion

The cultural contradiction between Fortnite and the principles of English Heritage and other heritage organisations is clear: one promotes destruction, while the other fights for preservation. As organisations like the National Trust continue their mission to safeguard historic buildings, it is crucial to recognise the influence of modern gaming on young minds. If we want future generations to appreciate and protect heritage, we must ensure they are not simply trained to tear it down and ruin what remains. Instead, we should find ways to inspire them with the beauty, significance, and resilience of the past—before the mindset of destruction takes too firm a hold.