A little less IRL: Futures First Gaming amps up safety protocols for its Fall Brawl

We might start seeing more of this soon.

With the COVID-19 Delta variant surging as we head into autumn, Futures First Gaming (FFG) has made some adjustments to its Sept. 18 Fall Brawl event, with several tournaments and panels switching from in-person to virtual.

Penn Cinema by the Wilmington Riverfront will still host limited in-person programming, including the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate tournament. That one will be run by Training Grounds, FFG’s official Fighting Games Community and event organizer. Exclusive gaming sessions in one of the theaters will also be offered for some members and sponsors.

Remote programming now includes the Fortnite, Call of Duty: Warzone and Rocket League tournaments. The Rocket League 3v3 tournament is a qualifier for the Esports Combine, an opportunity to receive esports scholarships.

There will also be two new FFG signature panels: one on the gaming-collegiate pipeline (“From Da’ Games to Degrees”) and one on gaming and mental health (“Get Ya’ Mind Right”), which will feature Technical.ly’s Holly Quinn (hey!) as a moderator.

“We strive to be on the cutting edge of innovation,” FFG cofounder Malcolm Coley said last month. “This new model for esports events demonstrates our commitment to building the industry for the region and supports our vision to make esports accessible to all.”

Event attendees who participate in the in-person part of the event at Penn Cinema will be required to follow the COVID-19 safety measures implemented by FFG, including mandatory mask wearing and a temperature check, with sanitizer and distanced seating available. FFG will adjust its safety protocol as necessary.