On March 7, 2025, the online game "Fortnite" launched a new feature titled "GUN GAME in 東京工科大学／日本工学院," which replicates the campuses of Tokyo University of Technology and Nippon Engineering College Hachioji. This exciting addition allows players to immerse themselves in a battle royale experience, providing a unique blend of gaming and education.
Located in Hachioji City, the two campuses offer an interesting backdrop for the gameplay. Players can engage in thrilling battles using the in-game environments, which include key locations such as the first floor of a research building, a lobby area, the central plaza, and a library lounge. This setup not only promotes interaction among players but also serves to introduce prospective students to the schools in a fun and engaging way.
The gaming experience accommodates a maximum of six players per match. To participate, players ride in helicopters, giving them a bird’s-eye view of the stunning virtual representations of the campuses while they strategize their gameplay. According to a representative from Katayanagi Institute, which oversees both educational institutions, participants are challenged to defeat opponents by using a variety of weapons. "Weapons will change every time an opponent is defeated, and the order of the weapons is fixed, ensuring players face a dynamic challenge throughout the game," the spokesperson explained.
As players engage in combat, the objective is to be the first to eliminate 20 opponents, leveraging purchasable support items and an array of available weapons to gain the upper hand. The gaming platform aims to create an exhilarating experience while enhancing players' knowledge about the Hachioji campus.
In April 2025, the collaboration with Nippon Engineering College at Hachioji will expand with the introduction of additional content. Thirteen first-year students from the Design College CG Imaging Department are currently working on this new material under the supervision of a production company. Utilizing the newly renovated library lounge, which features furniture designed by IKEA, the students will craft environments that reflect their innovative ideas and designs.
A representative for the schools emphasized that the project was created not just to entertain, but also to provide a platform for potential students and current citizens to enjoy and learn more about the campuses. "We aim to enhance the appeal of our Hachioji campus while enabling students to participate in a trending game they love," the representative mentioned. Plans are also underway to organize competitions for current students and local high school students who want to engage further within this gaming format.
Overall, "GUN GAME in 東京工科大学／日本工学院" is a unique initiative that merges education with entertainment. As students and gaming enthusiasts take advantage of this innovative project, it promises to elevate community interest in the institutions and potentially bolster enrollment for future years.
