‘Fortnite’ Takes On Global Soccer

Epic Games continues to bring real-world entities into its titles. 

The developer’s wildly popular “Fortnite” will launch the “Kickoff Set” on Jan. 23, featuring professional soccer uniforms as in-game skins.

The list of 23 clubs includes Manchester City, Serie A giants like Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan; Major League Soccer franchises Seattle Sounders, LAFC and Atlanta United; and teams stretching around the globe from Latin America, Europe, Asia and Australia. 

Fortnite will also add a new emote based on Brazilian superstar Pelé’s iconic goal celebration. 

More “Fortnite” Crossovers:

• The game teamed up with the NFL in 2018 for a variety of special features, including Super Bowl-themed skins and a limited-time “NFL Rumble” game mode.
• It hosted an in-game Travis Scott concert that drew more than 12 million players.

• Marvel Comics launched a new storyline for the Marvel Universe in the game last fall.
• Batman, Star Wars and John Wick are among the other movie franchises to hold events within the game.

Epic wrapped up a $1.78 billion funding deal that valued the company at $17.3 billion last August. “Fortnite” had over 350 million registered players as of last May.