Epic Games, the developer behind the hugely popular battle royale title Fortnite, has shed light on the reasons why Nintendo characters, like the iconic Samus Aran, have never graced the game’s roster. Former Chief Creative Officer Donald Mustard recently shared insights into behind-the-scenes discussions at Epic, revealing Nintendo’s unwavering stance on keeping its characters exclusive to their own platforms.
Mustard explained that Nintendo has consistently maintained that they are open to collaborations but only if their characters are featured exclusively on their platform. This policy extends not only to Fortnite but also to other cross-platform games. For instance, in Rocket League, which is also available on a wide range of platforms, Nintendo-themed vehicles like Mario and Luigi are exclusive to the Nintendo Switch.
Epic Games, on the other hand, prioritizes ensuring that Fortnite delivers a consistent experience across all platforms, regardless of the device or screen used. Mustard emphasized that Epic strongly believes in making the game accessible to all players, regardless of their gaming platform.
While Nintendo’s policy has prevented collaborations between Fortnite and its beloved cast of characters in the past, there’s always the possibility that the company may change its stance in the future. However, for the time being, fans should not expect to see iconic Nintendo characters like Bowser or Samus Aran battling it out in Fortnite’s battle royale matches.
