‘Fortnite went downhill’: Here’s how the Ninja skin left some gamers feeling

On Jan. 16, Fortnite introduced a new skin to the game modelled after Ninja, the gaming streamer. (Epic Games/Fortnite)

The feature was only available for a few days before it was gone

Gamers reacted with mixed emotions after Fortnite dropped its first-ever limited edition streamer skin on Jan. 16.

For a few days, players were able to buy a skin — or graphic that changes the way your character looks in a game — inspired by the hugely-popular U.S. gaming streamer Richard Tyler Blevins, a.k.a. Ninja.

Ninja, who's been known to defend Fortnite against accusations that the game is on its way out, made headlines last year when he made the jump from one streaming platform (Twitch) to another (Mixer).

His limited-edition skin cost about $15 (or 1,500 V-Bucks) and disappeared from the Fortnite shop on Jan. 19.

The Ninja skin was part of the Icon Series line created by Epic Games, the company behind the free-to-play battle royale game, which will feature various skins based on top creators. 

Features of the Ninja skin include his trademark spikey blue hair, face mask, a dual katanas pickaxe and his Pon Pon celebration dance.

Although some gamers have lost their enthusiasm for Fortnite in recent months, others have shown nothing but excitement over the Ninja collaboration.

Others, meanwhile, weren't overly thrilled.

Some gamers said the outfit was taken down before they even got the chance to buy it.

Others said they couldn't afford it.

Fortnite spokespeople wouldn't give CBC Kids News a comment regarding reactions to the skin's price or limited availability.

However, they said all cosmetics (not just Ninja's skin) are regularly rotated in and out of the shop.

They also said the price of the Ninja skin is in line with similar skins.

Plans for new celebrity skins follow allegations by various artists that Epic Games stole their moves.

Now the company is collaborating with gamers, musicians and entertainers to create in-game moves that purposely copy their dances.

"We're bringing the artistic vision, personality and attitude of our top creators to Fortnite with the Icon series, starting with Ninja," the company said in a tweet from the Fortnite account on Jan. 15.

Which creators will get skins next? 

Fortnite is teaming up with TikTok to launch emotes for top gaming influencers, including Jordan Fisher and Pokimane, with their own in-game dance moves.

These collaborations will build on previous ones with DJ Marshmello and artist Major Lazer, according to a news release published by the Fortnite team on Jan. 15.

The Icon Series is also expected to feature other popular streamers, including Loserfruit and TheGrefg.

As for exactly when those skins will drop, Fortnite is telling players to stay tuned.

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