The Eiffel Tower, one of France's most iconic landmarks, has been transformed into a giant Fortnite dance machine, leaving tourists and locals alike in shock.
The modification was made by Epic Games, the developer of the popular online multiplayer game, Fortnite. The tower now flickers in colorful lights, synchronized to the beat of the in-game music, as players perform their signature dances on the tower's observation deck.
While some tourists have described the spectacle as "otherworldly" and "mesmeric," the French government is outraged by the transformation of the tower. They have accused Epic Games of cultural appropriation and disrespecting French culture.
However, Epic Games quickly quelled the controversy by pledging to donate all profits generated from the Fortnite dance machine to rebuilding Paris, which suffered extensive damage in the devastating fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral last year.
Despite the controversy, Fortnite players from around the world have been flocking to Paris to witness the phenomenon for themselves. The dance machine has become such a popular attraction that there are now daily queues of tourists waiting for their turn to dance on the tower.
"It's amazing to see how something as simple as a video game can bring people together and create such a unique experience," said one American tourist, who had been waiting in the queue for over two hours.
Although the controversy has died down, some French citizens still remain skeptical of the Eiffel Tower's transformation. "It's nice that they're donating the profits to rebuilding Paris," said one local resident. "But I can't help but feel like we're selling our culture to the highest bidder."
The internet, on the other hand, has remained divided on the issue. While some have praised Epic Games for their innovative approach to cultural tourism, others have criticized the company for their blatant disregard for French culture.
Despite the criticism, it seems that the Eiffel Tower will remain a Fortnite dance machine for the foreseeable future. Tourists continue to pour in from all over the world to witness the spectacle, and Epic Games remains committed to their promise of donating all profits to rebuilding Paris.
Only time will tell whether the Eiffel Tower's transformation will be remembered as a crass act of cultural appropriation or a groundbreaking moment in the history of cultural tourism.
