ARTE Riff Mountain (2025 – 2026)
The most metal island in Fortnite.
ARTE Riff Mountain is ARTE’s first creation in Fortnite: a free, immersive and gamified island that extends the universe of Hellfest, the legendary French metal festival. When the Riff Mountain rises from the earth, players join one of four clans, collect decibels to power the colossal Riff Divinity and open a portal against the threat of the Mainstream, while discovering metal culture, its subgenres and its lore.
Built with Unreal Editor for Fortnite by SoWhen? The CreaTech Company, and co-produced by ARTE France and SoWhen? in partnership with Hellfest, the island opened in November 2025 and grew with new activations: a musical runner with Pogo Car Crash Control, the Turbo Killer Experience with Carpenter Brut, and a special event during Hellfest in June 2026.
My Role
As co-author of ARTE Riff Mountain, alongside Freddy Koné (SoWhen?), I:
- co-wrote the concept, the universe and the narrative of the island;
- followed the production meetings between ARTE, SoWhen? and Hellfest throughout development;
- took part in the discussions with music labels and artists, and brought Carpenter Brut to the project;
- shared the making of the project as a speaker in the SoWhen? Dev Diaries and at professional events.
Credits
Project: ARTE Riff Mountain
Format: Immersive and gamified Fortnite island (UEFN), solo and multiplayer
Launch: November 21, 2025 – Hellfest event June 18–21, 2026
Island code: 9804-2098-9196
Co-production: ARTE France, SoWhen? The CreaTech Company – in partnership with Hellfest, with the support of the CNC
Core Team
- Writing & direction: Freddy Koné – Maud Clavier
- Original music & sound design: Saïf Kechrid
- Lead cinematics & environment: Florent Brillet
- Lead cinematics & lighting: Alexandre Astier
- Characters & motion capture direction: Laura Le Goff
- Technology, game & level design: Valentin Canaux
- Production: Benjamin Ban – Marouene Jarraya
- Executive production: Mohamed Marouene
- Brand management & communication: Alexandra de Tournemire
- Voice of Papy Metal: Pierre-Alain de Garrigues