Nike is launching “Airphoria” in Fortnite, a first-of-its-kind gaming experience. Building on a multiyear partnership with Epic Games, Airphoria brings to life the future of sport experiences at the intersection of games and culture, removing the barriers of physical product and bringing together Nike’s iconic Air Max brand and the immersive world of Fortnite.
Airphoria combines the signature design elements of Air Max with the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of Fortnite. Powered by Epic Games’ pioneering Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN), Airphoria enables players and their friends to explore a meticulously crafted Air Max–themed universe. Celebrating the spirit of innovation and self-expression, Airphoria will allow fans to engage with Air Max sneakers in a new, captivating way as they embark on the ultimate sneaker hunt.
“Airphoria represents a new, immersive experience for Nike as it amplifies its efforts in gaming and virtual products,” says Ron Faris, VP/GM of Nike Virtual Studios. “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. What’s more, 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.”
The excitement for the partnership and the future is echoed by Nate Nanzer, VP of Global Partnerships at Epic Games. “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,” says Nanzer. “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. Airphoria demonstrates what’s possible when next-gen tools like UEFN are used by an iconic brand like Nike and creators in the Fortnite community to build immersive worlds together.”
Credit: Epic Games / NikeAirphoria is brought to life by the power of five iconic Air Max “Grails” (the Air Max 1 OG, Air Max 97, Air Max TW, Air Max Scorpion and Air Max Pulse) suspended in a majestic and pure air destination above the Airphoria city. These Air Max Grails, representing pivotal moments in Air Max history, allow the city to exist in the “Air State” — a place that represents pure imagination and creativity.
To complement the Airphoria launch, Fortnite players can purchase the Outfits showcased by the two main Airphoria characters, Airie and Maxxed Out Max, in the Fortnite Item Shop now. These two Outfits are part of the Airphoria Pack, which also includes the Pure Sole Boombox and Maxx Stacks Back Blings. A limited Airphoria-inspired collection is simultaneously dropping on nike.com in North America, directly linking the virtual world of Airphoria in Fortnite with Nike Air Max.
The Airphoria island is available now, from June 20 at 12 pm ET to June 27 at 8 pm ET. Access it via Fortnite Discover or island code 2118-5342-7190
Players who are at least 13 years old, live in the United States and link their Epic Games and Nike accounts between June 20 at 12 PM ET and June 27 at 8 PM ET will be able to claim an Achievement on .SWOOSH by August 8, 2023; terms and conditions apply. For more info visit: fn.gg/airphoria-swoosh-achievements
Source: Nike
