In short, a classic Fortnite scenario. May 4, Star Wars day, saw Marvel skins come up for sale, but the Star Wars contingent got zilch. Their emptied hearts now form a giant lightsaber causing pandemonium in the online world.
Actually, here’s what went down. On May 4th, Epic Games decided to bring back FIVE Marvel skins in the Item Shop. Think about the caliber of people: Spider-Man, Venom, Carnage, Doctor Strange, and even the brooding antihero himself, Moon Knight. Truly a worthy lineup of skins. Now here’s the interesting bit-May 4th is Star Wars day (May the Fourth be with you, anyone?). Fortnite used to have some bombing Star Wars collaborations; Stormtroopers, The Mandalorian, and even Darth Vader have come and gone sometime back in the game. So what about this year? Nowhere to be found.
Expectations were there for an older Star Wars skin to get a re-release or an emote or back bling, something that would really celebrate Star Wars day. Instead, we again got Marvel. And while Marvel is tremendous (because who isn’t excited just to swing around like Spider-Man?), the timing just felt…off. Like showing up to someone’s birthday party with a cake for somebody else.
Reactions have been a mixture of confusion, disappointment, and meme food. A few players threw in some jokes to the effect that Epic presumably forgot what day it was. Others speculated there could be some behind-the-scenes drama with Disney, who own both Marvel and Star Wars. Or maybe Epic is just saving all the Star Wars stuff for some bigger event later. Nobody really knows.
Yet, another thing is that a Fortnite is no stranger when it comes to leaving its fans hanging. Remember when the collab with Dragon Ball seemed to never happen? BAM! There was Goku, all of a sudden! Think about that random whole concert drop that was Ariana Grande! Epic plays by its secluded set of rules, and most times they make their fans wonder.
All these Marvel skins mean a lot to this universe, at least. And if your generosity profile is full to the brim, feel free to use the creator code “HYPEX,” supporting one of the biggest Fortnite leakers. And as for the Star Wars fans… well, back to replaying the Mandalorian quests, then. Pretend that Baby Yoda is still relevant to you.
Uh… but I have to say the anticipation surrounding Fortnite is what makes it completely amusing. Or aiming with a problem in hand. It depends on whom you ask. One thing remains certain: the Item Shop is a fast-moving river; maybe next week, we finally get the Boba Fett skin that everybody has been asking for. Or perhaps a My Little Pony collab from Epic. At this moment, nothing should be surprising anymore.
What’s next? Keep your eyes wired on the leaks because if history is anything to go by, Fortnite has got a hell lot of surprises tucked up in its sleeves. Maybe Star Wars will get its payoff later this season. Until then, may the Marvel skins be with you…or something.
