Nike, Fortnite Collaboration: Airphoria Bridges Physical And Digital Realms

Nike NKE and Fortnite, Epic Games' free-to-play online battle royale, have officially launched a collaboration: Airphoria, a project that merges the physical and digital worlds.

At the center of the collaboration is Airphoria Island, a visually captivating city within the game, created using Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN).

See Also: Epic Games Adapts Its Unreal Editor For 'Fortnite'

This collaboration highlights Nike's Air Max line and includes five popular models: Air Max 1, Air Max 97, Air Max TW, Air Max Scorpion and Air Max Pulse. Players can collect these exclusive "Air Max Grails" in the game and receive the Air Max 1 '86 Back Bling as a special in-game reward.

In addition to the gaming experience, Nike has released two new skins for purchase within Fortnite: Airie and Maxxed Out Max. These virtual characters incorporate design elements inspired by the Air Max line. Players can also explore various thematic items such as pickaxes, a glider, an emote, a loading screen, and more.

FORTNITE x NIKE 🔥 pic.twitter.com/CLDbCRKEO6

— HYPEX (@HYPEX) June 20, 2023

Nike simultaneously launched a limited Airphoria collection, featuring T-shirts celebrating the collaboration. The collection is available for purchase on Nike's website, with prices ranging from $35 to $40.

Furthermore, players have the opportunity to link their Epic Games and Nike accounts to unlock an achievement on .SWOOSH, a web3-enabled platform created by Nike. This achievement grants exclusive early access to the future .SWOOSH Air Max Virtual Collection.

"Fortnite continues to be a primary destination for new cultural moments in entertainment, fashion, and sport, and we’re proud to launch Airphoria alongside Nike," Nate Nanzer, vice president of Global Partnerships at Epic Games, said in a blog post.

Ron Faris, vice president and general manager of Nike Virtual Studios, added: "Airphoria represents a new, immersive experience for Nike as it amplifies its efforts in gaming and virtual products."

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Photo: Courtesy of Epic Games.