This week, Fortnite gamers obtained their first glimpse of one thing they’ve by no means seen in-game earlier than: nipples. Particularly, Homer Simpson’s nipples. Additionally, large ones.
Sure, the upcoming Fortnite mannequin will function a large model of Homer sporting simply his pants and all the things else (together with his nipples) on show. Why is that this such a giant deal for Fortnite trustworthy? Nicely, it is as a result of the sport has beforehand refused to depict areolas of any form.
Though it hasn’t been publicly said, Epic Video games, the developer behind Fortnite, seems to be requiring battle royale video games to be nipple-free. This apparent rule was first mentioned by followers again in 2019, when the sport’s high-profile Travis Scott live performance (in addition to a purchasable in-game pores and skin) each confirmed the rapper’s clean, unpinched chest.
Since then, quite a few Fortnite unique characters and different notable figures have appeared within the recreation not solely shirtless, but additionally with out nipples. The non-exhaustive listing consists of Kratos from God of Warfare, Aang from Avatar: The Final Airbender, WWE’s John Cena, Goku from Dragon Ball Z, and Marvel superheroes like Drax and Hulk.
videogameaddicted has repeatedly requested Epic Video games in the event that they wish to touch upon the dearth of nipples in Fortnite, however has not obtained an official response on the report.
Curiously, we famous that Fortnite’s nipple ban additionally applies to Fortnite’s third-party modes. Earlier this 12 months, Philips launched Physique Royale, a promotional mode designed to spotlight its newest OneBlade shaver. Philips’ web site options pictures of the product on male fashions with actual nipples, exhibiting it getting used on all types of physique hair.
Nonetheless, in Fortnite’s Physique Royale, the motion unfolds towards the backdrop of an in-game mannequin that clearly has no nipples. Did Philips need to take away the nipples at Epic Video games’ request to get this expertise within the recreation? (Philips additionally didn’t reply to videogameaddicted’s request for remark.)
Now, it appears to be like like Homer Simpson is about to alter all that. however why? Is there one thing in Homer’s design that will permit for nipples (only a pair of black dots) on his animated physique? That is unlikely – different cel-shaded characters have not had nipples earlier than or but.
Will The Simpsons have their very own model guidelines that require nipples and exchange Epic Video games’ personal model guidelines? Or perhaps there’s one thing particular right here about the truth that the practically bare Homer’s in-game look has to match the identical design proven within the Fortnite crossover Disney+ shorts that got here with The Simpsons.
Alternatively, followers say this might all be indicative of a broader coverage change inside Epic Video games. With Fortnite shifting into a brand new Chapter 7 period and dealing with Quentin Tarantino, maybe now could be the time to loosen this explicit restriction. What’s subsequent for nipples? If Epic Video games approves this, we’ll let .
Tom Phillips is videogameaddicted’s information editor. You possibly can contact Tom at tom_phillips@videogameaddicted.com or discover him on Bluesky. @tomphillipseg.bsky.social