Consequently, there has been a shift in the Fortnite Item Shop and the new top skin is not who you expect. Jack ‘CouRageJD’ Dunlop, a famous streamer and content creator, has recently launched his Icon Series skin bundle and the players of the game immediately made it their first choice in the best-selling list. Not only that they surpassed other skins but Kim Kardashian and her dog Louis as well. As CouRage said, “life is crazy LMAO”.
It was not ambiguous at all on Twittter where CouRageJD said: “THANK YOU FOR MAKING MY ICON OUTFIT THE #1 BEST SELLER IN FORTNITE TODAY!” He also drew attention to the ranking which is really funny: 1. CouRageJD, 2. Kim Kardashian, 3. Louis (his 6-month-old mini Schnauzer). The fact that a creator’s passion project, complete with a tiny digital dog back bling, was able to outsell a global star in the same 24-hour cycle is a clear indication of how strong the community is in gaming. The flex is crazy, and the replies were full of excitement, support, and a whole bunch of people using his creator code ‘COURAGE’.
This is not a usual skin release; for CouRage, it is a great achievement, a forever part of his legacy now ingrained in one of the biggest battle royale games on the planet. The bundle includes the main ‘CouRageJD’ outfit, the ‘Louis’ back bling (which happens to be the cutest little schnauzer), a pickaxe, and a glider. The community’s reaction was nothing less than overwhelming. One player, @legendsalwayslo, said that they ‘Brought the bundle instantly when it came.’ Another, @Exitual_, sounded as if they had felt the love in the making: ‘I feel like it will stay in the best sellers until it leaves ngl there’s so much thought and effort put into the bundle.’
The support came not only from the comments of players but also through replies that contained the screenshots of players who had bought using his code. @GareBearDood posted a picture with the message, ‘I got the whole bundle while using your code! 💜’ @Tage1630 even stated that they won ‘first game dub’ after buying it which shows that the skin might have some hidden good luck charm vibes. The message was very clear: this was a community celebrating one of their members who had made it big. @shzhv13 articulated it very well by saying, ‘Love seeing the community push a creator collab to the top of the shop. When players vote with their wallets, Epic pays attention and more good collabs happen.’
Also, with every major launch, there are some demands and requests. Some gamers instantly showed their great love for Louis the mini schnauzer. @Link_BOTW1 exclaimed, ‘HE IS A MINI SCHNAUZER, I HAVE 2 MINI SCHNAUZERS NOW I GOTTA BUY HIM.’ Others were less dreamy, more practical. @GreyJedi14K was like, ‘Can you ask epic to extend the date for when the skin leaves pls… I don’t get any vbucks until January 15th.’ And @j_gutierrez1425 was really curious about the reason behind the devs’ decision: ‘Why can’t we customize the dog?’ This is a valid point, really. Why not allow us to give Louis a little hat, Epic? Come on!
A little amusing drama even appeared. CouRageJD actually responded to a user who was showing off his skin with a different glider and stated ‘Take off that glider now!!’ Gotta represent the full bundle, I guess! The passion is real on both sides.
But the main theme was nothing but congratulations. From @GreatStoryCorey saying ‘Congratulations on an epic launch’ to dozens of simple ‘You deserve it’ messages, the thread felt like a victory party. @PandaXpress06 shared a lovely artistic rendering of the skin with the words, ‘So proud of you Jack! 💙💛’ It is instances like this that show how gaming culture is no longer about merely playing but about uplifting the people that make the scene what it is.
The business aspect of this is also interesting. The ‘EpicPartner’ label authorizing the push for his creator code suggests how these Icon Series drops are a symbiotic relationship. First, Epic gains a hot item energized by a dedicated fanbase, then the creator reaps the benefit of a direct revenue stream and superb visibility. When CouRage utters ‘please use my code COURAGE to support me and Louis,’ it is not just a catchphrase; it is a direct pathway from a fan’s purchase to the support of a creator. This dynamic is a key feature of the modern PlayStation and Xbox ecosystem.
