The Fortnite partnership is the first time physical clothing will be released in step with a digital collection. The release will also be followed by a 3 November Twitch live stream, hosted by gamers Kelly Link and SypherPK, and featuring a performance by rapper Polo G. The next day, the brand will co-host the Polo Stadium Cup, a Zero Build tournament (meaning players don’t need to build as well as fight), marking the first time a brand has hosted its own tournament on the platform. Players will have the chance to win in-game rewards, including first access to Ralph Lauren’s outfit and item offerings. Ralph Lauren skins and associated in-game accessories (such as a pick-axe and a glider) will drop in the Fortnite Item Shop on 5 November.

A second physical clothing drop will follow on 1 December, bookending the collaboration with more physical apparel. Here, players will have had the month of November to wear the Ralph Lauren skins on Fortnite, and will then have the chance to wear physical clothing to match their virtual branded outfits.

“Authentically expressing yourself is core to the player experience inside Fortnite,” said Adam Sussman, president of Epic Games, in a statement, adding that Ralph Lauren’s Polo design history combined with the style of Fortnite “have resulted in an inspired campaign and timeless looks”.

Fortnite’s cultural resonance was a draw for the brand including strong ties with sport, music, and fashion. “Our partnership represents a completely fresh take on the Ralph Lauren brand — designing for the metaverse first — that is thoroughly focused on the future,” Lauren said.

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