This week, Fortnite gamers bought their first glimpse at one thing by no means seen within the recreation earlier than: nipples. Particularly, Homer Simpsons’ nipples. And massive ones too, at that.
Sure, an upcoming Fortnite mannequin will function a giant-sized model of Homer carrying simply his underpants, with the whole lot else (together with his nipples) on present. Why is that this such an enormous deal to Fortnite’s devoted? Properly, it is as a result of the sport has refused to depict any form of areola beforehand.
Whereas by no means publicly said, Fortnite developer Epic Video games has seemingly mandated that its battle royale must be nipple-less. The obvious rule was first discussed amongst followers all the best way again in 2019, when the sport’s high-profile Travis Scott live performance (and his purchasable in-game pores and skin) each confirmed the rapper with a clean, nip-free chest.
Since then, quite a few Fortnite-original characters and an entire parade of different well-known figures have appeared within the recreation shirtless, but in addition nipple-less. A non-exhaustive checklist contains God of Conflict’s Kratos, Avatar: The Final Airbender’s Aang, WWE’s John Cena, Dragonball Z’s Goku, and Marvel superheroes akin to Drax and The Hulk.
IGN has typically requested Epic Video games if it will like to touch upon the shortage of nipples in Fortnite, however has by no means obtained an official, on-the-record response.
Curiously, we have famous that Fortnite’s nipple-free decree additionally extends to Fortnite’s third-party modes. Earlier this yr, Philips launched Physique Royale, a promotional mode designed to spotlight its newest OneBlade shaver. On Philips’ web site, images for the product depict its use throughout all sorts of physique hair, by male fashions who undoubtedly have nipples in actual life.
However inside Fortnite, in Physique Royale, the motion performs out in opposition to the backdrop of an in-game mannequin who’s distinctly nipple-less. Did Philips have to take away the nipples at Epic Video games’ request, so as to get this expertise within the recreation? (Philips has additionally not responded to IGN’s requests for remark.)
Now, Homer Simpson appears to be like set to change all of that. However why? Is there one thing about Homer’s design that permits his nipples — nothing greater than a pair of black dots — on his animated physique? It appears unlikely — different cel-shaded characters have nonetheless been nipple-less earlier than.
Does The Simpsons include its personal set of brand name guidelines that require nipples and supercede Epic Video games’ personal? Or maybe there’s one thing particular right here about the truth that nearly-naked Homer’s in-game look has to match up with the identical design proven in The Simpsons’ accompanying Fortnite crossover Disney+ shorts.
Alternatively, followers say, this might all level to one thing of a wider coverage change inside Epic Video games. As Fortnite shifts to its new Chapter Seven period and collaborates with Quentin Tarantino, maybe now’s the time to ease this specific restriction. After nipples, what’s subsequent? If Epic Video games ever acknowledges this, we’ll let you understand.
Tom Phillips is IGN’s Information Editor. You possibly can attain Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or discover him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social