Epic Games has tried repeatedly to get Nintendo's beloved characters into Fortnite, but to no avail. With recent comments from executives at both companies, the chances seem slim. However, hope remains that a collaboration could eventually occur. So, will Nintendo ever allow Mario and Link in Fortnite? Let's find out!
Will Nintendo Ever Allow Mario and Link in Fortnite?
Fortnite is known for its crossovers, having brought in characters from Star Wars, Marvel, DC Comics, and many other franchises. Yet one holdout has been Nintendo. According to Saxs Persson, Epic's head of ecosystem, the company has exerted significant efforts to incorporate characters such as Mario, Link, Zelda, Donkey Kong, and others, striving to negotiate and make a deal possible:
"I don't know what the word for, like, making diamonds is. Nintendo has their strategy and we have our strategy, and we hope at some point [to use their characters]. Our players would love it."
Persson admits negotiations have gone nowhere, but Epic has not given up.
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Nintendo's Reasons to Decline
Kit Ellis, a former Nintendo PR manager, believes Nintendo turning down Epic makes total sense from their perspective:
"They don't need Fortnite. They're bigger than Fortnite. The stuff that they do is bigger than Fortnite."
- He argues that the Nintendo brand and its characters do not need the exposure from Fortnite.
- After decades building them up, Nintendo can generate billions in revenue from movies and games without any help.
- Additionally, the idea of Mario or Link shooting guns conflicts with Nintendo's family-friendly values.
While there is speculation around Nintendo not wanting its characters on rival platforms, Ellis feels the brand is simply too big to need that kind of promotion.
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Fortnite x Nintendo Door Is Still Open
Despite the stark assessments, Persson made clear that Epic has by no means given up on getting Nintendo IP into Fortnite at some point down the line. Only time will tell whether continued efforts lead to a surprise collaboration. Players seem eager, but Nintendo looks happy to keep going it alone.
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Summary
Will a Nintendo x Fortnite collaboration happen in the future? It's difficult to say definitively, but unlikely in the near future.
- Epic remains hopeful and committed to making it happen one day, buoyed by Fortnite's previous high-profile collaborations.
- However, Nintendo currently sees little need or incentive to put its family-friendly characters into Fortnite's violence-filled world.
While the door is still open and players eagerly await the possibility, Nintendo seems intent to go its own profitable way without partnerships for now. Unless perceptions change down the road, fans probably shouldn't get their hopes up to find Mario and Link in Fortnite soon.
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