Some people drop into Fortnite for loot. I drop in to shop. And lately, Epic Games has been feeding my pop-loving soul. I’m not just chugging shields and dodging sniper fire, I’m adding singers to my personal pop pantheon. And you know what? I’m here for it.
I’ve owned the Ariana Grande skin for a bit. There’s nothing quite like sparkles, a shotgun, and ponytail physics that laugh in the face of gravity. More recently, I picked up Sabrina Carpenter, and yes, of course, she slays in the lobby. Picking up a Victory Crown while dressed in a pastel dream is pure icon behavior.
But my collection is tragically, heartbreakingly incomplete. Billie Eilish continues to evade me. Lady Gaga was in the shop for a bit, and I let that one pass me by. And don’t even whisper “Mariah Carey” near me. I had one job during the holidays and I failed her. I failed myself. I failed Christmas. But this year? Oh, she’s mine.
If It’s Wrong To Love Pop Collabs, I Don’t Wanna Be Right
Now, I know the complaints: “It’s just all celebrity promo now.” To which I say: and? Let me glide into Tilted Towers with a glitter trail while Doja Cat plays in the background. Let me sing Espresso mid-battle like I’m in a stadium. Gaming is supposed to be fun, and what’s more fun than having your favorite pop queens along for the ride?
But here’s the thing – this shift isn’t just about having a good time. Growing up, gaming rarely rolled out the pink carpet for girls. We got the occasional Barbie CD-ROM or Nintendogs, but mainstream titles rarely felt like they were speaking to us, let alone featuring artists we loved.
These pop collabs feel like more than just licensing deals. They give younger girls encouragement to enter a space that historically wasn’t made with them in mind. And for those of us who’ve been here a while, it feels like overdue recognition. When I log in and see a server full of sparkly Sabrina Carpenters and silly dancing, it feels like gaming is evolving to include more kinds of joy.
Let Me Cook (In Heels)
I’m not done yet. The pop girl Pokedex still has several blank entries. Epic Games, I’m looking for Taylor Swift in her Bejeweled outfit. Lorde, in all her indie, windblown glory would be fantastic. Britney Spears deserves her comeback. And if Beyoncé doesn’t get a Fortnite skin soon, I’ll spiral out.
So yes, I may be casually sweating in Zero Build matches with a Holo Twister in hand, but let’s be honest, I’m also here to stunt. To collect. To sparkle. To wipe out a squad as Sabrina Carpenter in platform boots. To ask “Have you ever tried this one?” as I shoot my opponent in the face.
This is girlhood. And I, for one, am here for it.
Fortnite
- Released
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September 26, 2017
- ESRB
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T for Teen – Violence
- Engine
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Unreal Engine 5