In a surprising turn of events, Epic Games has partnered with Balenciaga to release their first set of high-end skins for Fortnite. But the partnership does not stop there. On top of releasing these virtual skins, the two companies will be releasing a clothing line as well. Players will now be able to purchase skins for characters online and don the same clothing in person as well.
This is not the first time a high-end fashion line has done this kind of deal with a game, as just last year, Louis Vuitton released set of similar skins on League of Legends. This is following a similar trend of main stream companies and celebrities beginning to collaborate with game companies more and more, as seen in Riot Games releasing collaboration with Zedd earlier this month.
So far, Epic Games has released four new skins with Balenciaga, pictured above. The company plans on releasing additional items, including a pickaxe based on the Speed Sneaker and new backpacks.
These new additions to the game will be available in Fortnite’s in-game storefront starting tonight, September 20th. The skins will also be available within the featured “Strange Times” creative hub, which will include “a virtual Balenciaga store” within the strange city. This special hub will be live starting tomorrow, September 21st, at 10 AM EST. The event will last until the same time on September 28th. Within the hub, players will be able to hang out with other players, change their look in various Changing Booths, and purchase “Balenciaga Fit Outfits.”
This hub will also include “live billboards” which will allow players to potentially be showcased via images. From now until September 23rd at 12 PM EST, players have the opportunity to join Fornite’s live lookbook campaign to have the opportunity to be showcased on these billboards.
While many younger fans celebrated the arrival of new “drip” to the game, many others scorned the collaboration, calling it a blatant cash grab. Many fans took to Twitter to either make fun or complain about the collaboration entirely.
Some even went as far as to call the collaboration lazy, claiming they could recreate the same clothing for far cheaper. Overall, the fan consensus is mixed. Many fans were quick to purchase the collaborative hoodies, while others were quick to make fun of them. Regardless of fan opinion, however, it is clear that Fortnite continues to make waves in pop-culture.