Nike’s Fortnite Collaboration Stops Short at NFTs

Earlier in the week, Nike teased an exciting collaboration between Epic Games’ Fortnite and its .SWOOSH Web3 platform. Back then, we speculated what it might mean, now however, it has officially launched and we can give you all the juicy details.

First up, despite its connection with the .SWOOSH ecosystem, the ‘Airphoria’ experience does not include an NFT element as anticipated. Instead, it features Fornite’s own brand of digital assets that remain non-transferable between players and are not connected to the blockchain. Effectively, ensuring that the new development does not encroach on Fortnite’s existing revenue stream.

Through the experience, gamers can enter a Nike themed wonderland built using the ‘Unreal Engine for Fortnite (UEFN) in collaboration with development studio, Beyond Creative. Inside which, players must embark on a mission to recover the coveted ‘Air Max Grails’ and receive an ‘Air Max ’86 Back bling’ for their troubles.

“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.” – Epic Games

Are you ready to experience Airphoria? Find the never-before-seen #AirMax world in @FortniteGame, and join in the Ultimate Sneakerhunt before it disappears into thin air on 6.27 👟 🌏 pic.twitter.com/I0bMiIGWFW

— Nike (@Nike) June 20, 2023

What Does .SWOOSH have to do with Nike’s Fortnite Collaboration

Despite not including any of its NFTs in the project, Nike’s .SWOOSH platform still has a role to play in the Fortnite collaboration. As a result, those who link both of their Epic Games and .SWOOSH accounts together will receive a special non-tradable achievement on the .SWOOSH platform. This achievement will then effectively serve as a whitelist position for the upcoming Air Max virtual collection. In addition, those purchasing an Airphoria pack within the Fortnite environment can claim an additional, purely cosmetic, achievement.

Even though Nike and Epic Games stopped short of including NFTs within their collaboration, it still marks a shift in sentiment where Web3 firms have a part to play in the future of video gaming.

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