Universal Studios Florida is about to welcome a franchise that millions of gamers know instantly.
Universal Orlando Resort has officially revealed that a popular video game property will make its way into the park in 2026. The announcement comes after years of conversations about gaming becoming an even larger piece of Universal's Orlando lineup.
Some of the biggest rumors have centered on permanent lands and attractions that could reshape existing parks. And this time, there's no need to rely on rumors
Universal Has Become a Destination for Gamers
The idea of Universal leaning further into video games isn't difficult to imagine anymore.
Epic Universe made gaming a major part of Universal Orlando Resort when it opened in May 2025. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD gave guests an entire area filled with familiar Nintendo characters, environments, and attractions.
Mario, Luigi, and Donkey Kong all became part of the Universal Orlando experience. Attractions inspired by Mario Kart and Donkey Kong also showed how extensively Universal could turn a video game into a physical theme park destination.
Naturally, fans started wondering what could come next.
The Legend of Zelda has appeared in speculation surrounding the future of Universal Islands of Adventure. Pokémon has repeatedly surfaced in conversations about Universal Studios Florida. Sonic the Hedgehog and other popular gaming properties have also become part of the discussion.
Universal hasn't announced permanent Orlando projects involving those franchises.
But another gaming powerhouse has officially made the jump from speculation to reality.
What Is Headed to Universal Studios Florida?
Fortnite will officially become part of Universal Studios Florida through FORTNITEMARES, a new scare zone coming to Halloween Horror Nights 35.
Universal is drawing inspiration from Fortnite's Halloween event to create an outdoor experience that brings the game's darker side into the park.
Guests won't enter a Fortnite haunted house. Instead, they'll walk directly through the experience as part of the Halloween Horror Nights scare zone lineup.
Universal plans to incorporate familiar Fortnite elements into the area, including the Battle Bus. Scareactors, sets, props, lighting, and effects will help turn the game into a physical environment surrounding guests.
Universal has also teased the Storm, warning guests about the horrors it could bring.
Although Fortnite isn't traditionally considered a horror game, FORTNITEMARES has connected the franchise with Halloween for years. That allows Universal to introduce the gaming giant without abandoning the horror atmosphere guests expect from HHN.
Other Gaming Rumors Aren't Going Away
Fortnite's arrival doesn't mean Zelda or Pokémon will follow.
FORTNITEMARES is a seasonal Halloween Horror Nights experience, while the other rumors involve potentially permanent additions requiring far larger investments.
Still, Universal's decision to bring Fortnite into Universal Studios Florida gives gaming fans another interesting development to follow.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD already occupies a major piece of Epic Universe. Fortnite will now have a presence at Universal Studios Florida, even if that presence only lasts through the Halloween season.
Meanwhile, speculation continues about a potential Zelda land at Islands of Adventure and a Pokémon presence at Universal Studios Florida. Neither project has received an official announcement from Universal.
For now, those possibilities remain firmly in rumor territory.
But Universal's willingness to bring another massive video game into its parks makes the company's growing connection to gaming difficult to overlook.
Universal Orlando Resort's Growing Lineup
FORTNITEMARES also arrives during a packed year for Halloween Horror Nights.
Halloween Horror Nights 35 runs on select nights from August 28 through November 1, 2026, at Universal Studios Florida. Universal says guests can expect 10 haunted houses alongside scare zones and live entertainment.
The confirmed haunted houses include Jack & Oddfellow: Chaos & Control, Sinners, Stranger Things 5, Hellraiser, Evil Dead Burn, Cybergoria, H.R. Bloodengutz Presents: A Halloween Fright-Tacular!, INVASION: Alien Abduction, and MADLANDS: Caged Cannibals.
An Ozzy Osbourne-themed house has also leaked ahead of an official announcement, though Universal has not confirmed it.
FORTNITEMARES brings something different to that lineup. Instead of relying on a traditional horror franchise, Universal is pulling one of the world's biggest video games into its signature Halloween event.
There is no indication yet that Fortnite will remain at Universal Studios Florida beyond Halloween Horror Nights.
Even so, its arrival gives fans another reason to wonder whether Universal Orlando's video game presence is only getting started.
