Fortnite debuts its first-ever VTuber collaboration, bringing Japanese VTuber Kizuna AI into the game on 16 January.
Fortnite’s next collaboration marks a historic partnership with the VTuber community, with the shooter set to welcome Japanese VTuber Kizuna AI into the game.
Kizuna AI is a virtual online character and a pioneer of the VTuber genre. Not only was she one of the earliest VTubers, but she was also the most-subscribed VTuber on YouTube from 2016 to 2021. The producers behind the character remain anonymous in order to preserve Kizuna AI’s virtual idol persona, and are believed to be a collective of animators, producers, and video editors.
Kizuna AI bundle arrives in Fortnite
On Friday, 16 January, Fortnite will feature the Kizuna AI Bundle in the Item Shop.
Players will be able to purchase two Kizuna AI skins: her signature outfit and a “jersey” variant. Both skins also include LEGO styles. The bundle includes two Back Blings–Chibi AI-Chan Wings and Lovely Kizuna Wings–along with a “Hello Morning” emote, a hot pink Assault Rifle wrap, and the “It’s Kizuna AI” loading screen. Kizuna AI will also have Fortnite Festival gear, including a themed microphone and guitar, as well as a special “Hello, Morning” Jam Track.
Players can also obtain the outfit and Back Blings for free before Kizuna AI officially arrives in Fortnite. Simply participate in the Kizuna AI Cup on Tuesday, 13 January, to unlock the freebies.
Initially, the announcement received mixed reactions, as some community members mistakenly believed that the “AI” in Kizuna AI referred to artificial intelligence. In reality, Kizuna AI is a company-created virtual character, and some fans have pointed out that “AI” can also be interpreted as meaning “love” in Japanese.
This collaboration is particularly uplifting for the VTuber community, as it represents a major step toward mainstream recognition. Kizuna AI's success in the game could pave the way for more VTubers to appear in Fortnite in the future.
