A behind-the-scenes disagreement between SEGA and Epic Games apparently has led to the indefinite suspension of highly anticipated Persona collaborations in Fortnite. According to several sources on Reddit and X/Twitter, Chapter 5 Season 2 of Fortnite would have introduced Persona and other SEGA characters during its mythology-themed season. However, the plans were abruptly halted after a disagreement over a potential Sonic the Hedgehog crossover.
The issue reportedly stems from how the titular blue blur would appear in-game. SEGA wanted Sonic as a full-fledged playable character while staying true to his classic design. Cartoonish giant head, elongated arms, and legs, the blue spikes, the works. Epic Games, however, would rather add a Sonic-themed costume for an existing character. It would’ve been similar to how Jonesy and Peely got Captain America and Wolverine costumes in Chapter 5 Season 4.
X user @ryanfrombronx also added that SEGA internally referring to Fortnite as “a competitor.” They claimed the company is positioning the upcoming Jet Set Radio and Crazy Taxi reboot as Fortnite competitors.
While no one knows for sure, we can safely guess the reason for this “Sonic dispute.” This disagreement was likely due to concerns about gameplay mechanics, mainly hitbox issues. Fortnite skins are typically made in a humanoid shape. Meanwhile, if SEGA wants Sonic added to the game wholesale, his unique proportions could make things complicated. Why should Epic Games make an exclusive model and hitbox just for one guest character?
But that’s only the tip of the iceberg. This dispute over Sonic reportedly ended up not only stalling that specific crossover but also forced SEGA to put on hold other planned crossovers. Yes, that includes Persona — and even Hatsune Miku x Fortnite collaborations, according to the rumor mill.
Of course, Fortnite is no stranger to crossover with Japanese media intellectual properties. Previously, Epic has partnered with Shueisha, owner of the weekly comic giant Shonen Jump. Players were able to get skins and gears based on the popular Dragon Ball, Naruto, Jujutsu Kaisen, and My Hero Academia series. Attack on Titan from Kodansha’s Shonen Magazine was featured in Fortnite as well. Although they didn’t originate from anime and manga, the inclusion of Hatsune Miku and Persona heroes would’ve been the game’s third biggest crossover with Japan.
For now, battle royale fans will have to wait and see if SEGA and Epic can resolve their differences. Whether the Persona, Miku, or Sonic collaborations will return to Fortnite is uncertain. But this rumor shows how even small disagreements can have a big impact on supposedly fun crossovers.
