Hasbro is teaming up with Epic Games to Make Fortnite Games and Toys
The year’s biggest video game is getting even bigger. Fortnite, the online multiplayer sensation, is moving beyond pixels into the physical world with a new line of Fortnite Toys and board games. Epic, the maker of Fortnite, recently announced a major partnership with toy industry powerhouse Hasbro.
Here’s an in-depth look at what this team-up means in terms of toys. If your kids are Fortnite fans, this is info they’ll want to know:
Fortnite 101: A Guide for Parents
You’ve probably heard about Fortnite but maybe you’re not quite sure what it is. Well, Fortnite is an online video game created by Epic Games. It’s available to play on PC, Mac, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. A slightly modified version of the game was also recently released on Nintendo Switch, iOS and Android.
When people talk about Fortnite, they’re usually referencing a specific game mode called Fortnite: Battle Royale. Here, 100 players connect online to duke it out fighting one another until only one survivor (or surviving team) remains. The game mode supports solo play, duos and squads of four.
The second mode is called Save the Night. Here, players work together to fight against computer-controlled monsters. While Battle Royale mode is free, Save the Night must be purchased. Battle Royale is the more popular mode by far.
What Do Kids Like Fortnite?
Fortnite is more than a video game; it’s a legitimate cultural phenomenon. Over 80 million people play the game each month and that number is only expected to rise.
While the game is free, it’s reached a level of popularity that goes far beyond most free games. So, why is the game so popular? The fun, cartoony graphics are certainly part of the appeal. So is the game’s accessibility. Each round is fast-paced and, if you lose, you can jump into a new game quickly.
Additionally, kids love the characters. Players can customize the look of their character seemingly endlessly. Even the Fortnite in-game dances are popular at playgrounds across the country. Ever seen your kid and their friends doing that weird dance where they swing their arms around stiffly? That’s from Fortnite.
What is Epic’s Partnership with Hasbro?
Those dances aren’t the only way Fortnite is expanding into the real world. Their deal with Hasbro is set to unleash a few new toys on toy shelves starting for Christmas and continuing into next year.
First, a Fortnite version of the game Monopoly will be released in both the U.S. and the U.K this fall. The game will then be released in other countries in early 2019.
Next, Hasbro (which owns Nerf) plans to release a line of Fortnite-inspired Nerf Blasters. Each blaster will be based on a popular weapon from the game. These will start appearing in U.S. stores in early 2019.
Currently, the only other official Fortnite merchandise are collectible figures based on popular game characters. Made by Funko, these figures are set to be released this holiday season. The announcement recently sent Funko stocks soaring.
It’s difficult to overstate just how popular Fortnite is among kids and teens. But until now, there’s been a lack of physical merchandise available. However, that’s about to change. Fortnite Nerf blasters, collectible figures and board games are all due to launch soon – and kids are certain to be thrilled!
