“Even he prefers no build”: Fortnite creator and Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney quietly bought over 40,000 acres of U.S. wilderness to keep it untouched

Key Takeaways:

• Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, bought more than 40,000 acres of land to keep it undeveloped
• He donated 7,000 acres to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and 7,500 to the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy
• Sweeney worked with The Conservation Fund to expand North Carolina’s Mount Mitchell State Park
• He currently owns 54,000 acres across 15 counties
• Fortnite fans have praised him for using his wealth to conserve natural habitats

Tim Sweeney’s Expanding Conservation Efforts

Tim Sweeney, the CEO of Epic Games and creator of the worldwide gaming phenomenon Fortnite, has emerged as a significant conservationist. Over the last decade, Sweeney has quietly acquired over 40,000 acres of wilderness in North Carolina, aiming to ensure the land remains undeveloped. “Most of my big conservation land purchasing breakthroughs came when the economy was in poor shape,” Sweeney told The News & Observer. Buying parcels at prudent prices allowed him to focus on “getting large blocks of contiguous conservation lands” into permanent protection.

Partnering with Conservation Groups

Sweeney’s commitment to safeguarding ecosystems goes beyond simple land acquisition. He has donated roughly 7,000 acres of forest to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and another 7,500 acres to the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy. This year, Sweeney joined forces with The Conservation Fund to sell parcels of land to the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation, helping expand Mount Mitchell State Park. Currently, he owns 54,000 acres across 15 counties, focusing on preserving sensitive habitats that might otherwise be at risk from commercial development.

Reaction from Fortnite Fans

With Fortnite firmly established in pop culture, many of its fans took to social media to share their admiration for Sweeney’s environmental effort. One user quipped, “Damn dude even he prefers no build,” referencing a popular Fortnite game mode. Another wrote, “Using wealth to preserve nature instead of paving over it is such a power move,” reflecting widespread public support for Sweeney’s philanthropic choices.

Toward a Greener Future

Tim Sweeney’s approach underscores the belief that success in the tech world can align with environmental stewardship. His strategic purchases have not only kept developers from clearing swaths of forests but have also opened the door for various local families to acquire nearby land without compromising key natural habitats. As Fortnite continues to spark conversations about emotes and in-game events, Tim Sweeney’s real-world achievements stand as a testament to how a leader can leverage business success to champion unspoiled wilderness.