This year’s World Cup is a little different, as I think we all understand. Amidst headlines on migrant worker conditions, LGBTQ+ rights and criticism of the tournament from both players and fans, it’s been interesting to see how brands – and video games – are noting Qatar 2022.
Fortnite has a history with football – and its governing bodies. Some of its most popular skins are based on football kit designs, and the game’s meme-like dances were a fixture of England’s 2018 World Cup squad. Last year, Epic Games officially licensed the likenesses of England’s Harry Kane and Germany’s Marco Reus for the delayed 2020 Euros, and featured an in-game “UEFA Euro 2020 Cup” tournament with cash prizes.
Prior to that, Fortnite has added skins wearing the officially-licensed football shirts of 23 top teams worldwide, including many from the Premiership. Fortnite also has an officially licensed Neymar Jr. skin, and an emote where you can punch the air that was launched in a collaboration with Pelé.
