Nike teases momentous collaboration with Epic Games
However, contrary to the fans' expectations, there will be no NFTs involved in the new sneaker hunt
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In an exciting turn of events, Nike has unveiled a collaboration with Epic Games, the developers of the popular online game "Fortnite." With the combination of these two powerhouse brands, players and enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the monumental engagement this collaboration will bring.
The new game makes the worlds of "Fortnite x Nike Air Max" intersect. Through a teaser clip, Nike showcases the presence of their iconic .Swoosh logo alongside the Unreal Engine logo from Epic Games, teasing the collaboration that has already got fans in a frenzy.
As Fortnite described the new game Airphoria, “It’s time for an airy adventure — Airphoria is a sky-high celebration of sneakerhead culture, complete with stomping (lightly) grounds like “Station 97,” “Shoebox Tower,” and “Museum Max.” Explore the city to find the missing Air Max Grails!”
Twitter users were excited when Nike announced that the drop is slated for June 20, signalling the commencement of the ultimate Sneakerhunt. While specific details about the collaboration and its offerings remained secret, industry insiders predicted that Nike and Epic Games may introduce a new Air Max shoe model connected to NFTs distributed within the Fortnite gaming universe.
However, Epic Games denied any involvement of NFTs in Airphoria: “The connection between Fortnite and Nike doesn’t integrate any NFTs or digital item trading marketplaces into the Fortnite world or its economy. Items recognized across these two ecosystems are purely for the enjoyment of the purchaser, and aren’t tradeable, transferrable, or sellable, as has always been the case in the Fortnite economy,...”.
The decision to choose Fortnite as the platform for this meaningful collaboration is a strategic one on Nike’s part. Since its debut in 2017, Fortnite has skyrocketed in popularity, boasting an impressive 290 million active monthly users as of May 2021. By tapping into the game's vast player base and cultural influence, Nike aims to expand its reach and capture the attention of a broader audience, particularly among the younger demographic.
