Footwear giant Nike has launched Airphoria in Fortnite, a new gaming experience that’s designed to bring to life the future of sports experience at the intersection of games and culture.
The launch allows both Nike and Epic Games to build on their multi-year partnership. Airphoria is aimed at removing the barriers of physical products and merge Nike’s Air Max brand with the immersive world of Fortnite.
Powered by Epic Games’ Unreal Editor, Airphoria will allow players to explore a meticulously crafted Air Max-themed universe with friends. Players can celebrate the spirit of innovation and self-expression and engage with Air Max sneakers in a new way.
Ron Faris, VP/GM of Nike virtual studios said, “Airphoria represents a new, immersive experience for Nike as it amplifies its efforts in gaming and virtual products. As digital and physical worlds become more seamless across the products and experiences we offer, we’re always seeking authentic ways to deepen our connection with fans, expand access points to Nike across our digital ecosystem and inspire a love of sport and play.”
Faris went on to add that, “Nike is one of the first brands to use Epic Games Unreal Editor for Fortnite to build Airphoria, paving the way for a continued partnership that will further unlock the future of gaming.”
Explore the Airphoria Universe
Airphoria comes alive through five iconic Air Max ‘Grails’ (Air Max 1 OG, Air Max 97, Air Max TW, Air Max Scorpion, and Air Max Pulse), suspended above the city. These Grails symbolise key moments in Air Max’s history and enable the city to thrive in the ‘Air State’, a realm of imagination and creativity.
Nate Nanzer, VP of global partnerships at Epic Games said, “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. We know from past activations with Nike that players love the partnership, and Airphoria’s immersion, beauty and storytelling about the Air Max brand take things to a new level.”
In complementing the launch of Airphoria, Epic is currently allowing Fortnite players to purchase outfits showcased by the two main Airphoria characters, Airie and Maxxed Out Max, in the Fortnite Item Shop.
These outfits are part of the Airphoria Pack which also features a Pure Sole Boombox and Maxx Stacks Back Blings. There’s also a limited Airphoria-inspired collection which will be released on Nike’s official website in North America, connecting the virtual world of Airphoria in Fortnite with Nike Air Max.
The Airphoria island is currently available until June 27th at 8 pm ET and can be accessed via Fortnite Discover or island code 2118-5342-7190. Players aged 13 and up can claim Swoosh achievements by August 8th when they link their Nike and Epic Games accounts.
Isa Muhammad is a writer and video game journalist covering many aspects of entertainment media including the film industry. He's steadily writing his way to the sharp end of journalism and enjoys staying informed. If he's not reading, playing video games or catching up on his favourite TV series, then he's probably writing about them.
