Fortnite’s Qatar World Cup Skins

Amidst the news on migrant worker conditions, LGBTQ+ rights, and criticism of the tournament from both players and fans, it’s been awesome to see video games and brands – are noting Qatar 2022.

Fortnite has a history with football. Some of its most famous skins are based on football kit designs, and the game’s meme-like dances were a fixture of England’s 2018 World Cup squad. Last year, Epic Games officially licensed the likenesses of England’s Harry Kane and Germany’s Marco Reus for the postponed 2020 Euros and featured an in-game “UEFA Euro 2020 Cup” tournament with cash prizes.

Fortnite has added skins wearing the officially-licensed football shirts of 23 top teams, including many from the Premiership. Fortnite also has an officially licensed Neymar Jr. skin, and an emote where you can punch the air that was launched in a collaboration with Pelé.

Timed to release alongside the Qatar tournament, Epic Games has released new content of Fortnite skins and accessories under the branding “Let Them Know”.

Most notable here are eight highly-customizable skins dressed in football shirts, jerseys, and scarves, with nearly every element of each outfit, made customizable – down-to-boot designs, sock patterns, and the color of zippers.

There’s no official UEFA branding this time around, no mention at all of the “World Cup” by name, in fact – though it’s obvious why these skins are releasing now.

“Let them know! Specifically, let the squad know what you’re all about,” Epic Games stated, describing the range. “The upcoming Let Them Know Set includes 10 Outfits based on the beautiful game, all of which you can personalize with numerous patterns and colors. Personalize your Outfit to a look that’s uniquely you.”

These outfits were first announced in a blog post where one character’s skin is shown customized in colors akin to the bisexual Pride flag.

Fortnite has celebrated Pride in-game for the past two years with a range of skins and other free cosmetics featuring Pride designs, featured via in-game events titled “Rainbow Royale” and “Play Your Way”.