Summary
If there is one aspect ofFortnitethat doesn’t get talked about enough, it’s the sheer number of pop culture characters, as well as real-life celebrities being depicted with guns. Because it’s not just simply Goku, The Weeknd andElastigirl from The Incrediblesall existing in the same world asCyclops,Shaqand Naruto.
It’s all those characters actively trying to eliminate each other with a wide variety of weapons, including guns. That’s because, while Fortnite is effectively the metaverse, it’s also a battle royale.
However, that won’t be the case for every character added to the live-service shooter, particularlyDisneycharacters.When Disney announced it was investing $1.5 billion in Epic Games to create a “new persistent universe,” it wasn’t clear exactly what that would look like. However, via a new interview we have some added clarity.
Mickey Will Griddy, But Not Kill
As part of an interview with The Verge during Unreal Fest,Epic GamesEVP Saxs Persson explained some of the rationale that will factor into this partnership.
“Not every outfit will be able to do everything,” Persson said. “A [Lego] minifig doesn’t hold a gun. Brands should be able to enforce the brand guidelines to the degree that they’re comfortable with that brand being associated with particular ratings.”
In other words, Mickey Mouse won’t be blasting anyone in Fortnite anytime soon. The same can probably be said for Woody and Buzz Lightyear. “Some IPs are not teen IPs or mature IPs,” Persson added. “They are E for everyone IPs.”
That said, it’s interesting that The Incredibles are included in that bunch that can kill. It’ll be even more fascinating to see which franchises Disney believes can fit that bill and which ones won’t make the cut, particularly as the lines of fantasy violence are frequently blurred. It clearly sounds like it’s not nearly as cut and dry as a “Yes” or “No,” though Mickey is definitely a “Hard No.”
