A team of gaming experts have brought Diriyah to life in the Fortnite video game with a strikingly authentic replica map of the At-Turaif UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Players can experience iconic landmarks such as Salwa Palace and the Imam Meshari bin Saud Palace through several modes including a speed run challenge, where the aim is to collect traditional artifacts scattered throughout the virtual city.
Developers from VCCP Media, Livewire and Beyond Creative built the map based on 3D scans of the birthplace of the Kingdom, capturing details as intricate as the hand-shaped triangles of the area's traditional Najdi mud brick architecture.
The painstaking recreation process also used extensive photographic documentation and historical references to pay homage to the original craftsmanship that shaped the area nearly 300 years ago.
Gamers can freely explore the intricate details of At-Turaif at their own pace, discovering its rich cultural heritage.
The development of the map, in partnership with Diriyah Company, comes as a new study reveals that more than half of Saudi gamers play every day.
Kiran Haslam, Chief Marketing Officer at Diriyah Company, said: "The innovative re-creation of At-Turaif, the UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of Diriyah, offers players a unique way to experience our rich history.
"As Diriyah continues to grow, we recognise the power of immersive storytelling in connecting people across the world with meaningful exchange around culture, traditions and values that resonate across diverse backgrounds.”
The birthplace of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the ancestral home of the Al Saud family, Diriyah is an important source of cultural heritage for the Kingdom.
Iconic places to visit at the site include At Turaif – which showcases the remarkable craftmanship of the Najdi culture – the cooling palm groves of Bujairi Par and dozens of the capital's coolest restaurants at Bujairi Terrace.
Diriyah is currently being transformed into an authentic Najdi-style community, set to host 100,000 residents and millions more visitors within a range of cultural, entertainment, retail, hospitality, educational and residential spaces.
Bab Samhan is set to become the first hotel in Diriyah when it opens later this year, providing a tranquil experience with panoramic views of Wadi Hanifah.
Click here to explore the Diriyah map on Fortnite
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