Giannis Antetokounmpo Suits Up as Video Game Character

On Tuesday, Greek-Nigerian basketball star Giannis Antetokounmpo shared a video on Instagram showing behind-the-scenes footage of him dressed up as a character from the video game Fortnite.

The video appears to have been promotional content for a Giannis Antetokounmpo “skin” that has been available to Fortnite players since December. Fortnite players can purchase the skin to play as Antetokounmpo in the game.

Fortnite is a video game developed and published by Epic Games. It features sandbox, shooter, and survival gameplay elements. Fortnite’s Battle Royale game mode is free-to-play but features microtransactions, whereby players can purchase cosmetic items which affect their player’s appearance like the Antetokounmpo skin.

Video game fans can now play as Giannis Antetokounmpo

On Tuesday, renowned basketball star Giannis Antetokounmpo shared a video on Instagram of himself suited up as a Fortnite character.

The video was a behind-the-scenes look at the trailer that was released five months ago for the release of the Giannis Antetokounmpo Fortnite skin. He appeared to be wearing the same outfit as the “Hoplite Giannis” skin.

The skin, which changes the appearance of the player character, depicts the athlete as a combination of an Olympian god, an ancient Greek hoplite soldier, and a modern-day superhero. Alluding to the latter, Antetokounmpo could be seen mimicking the “Wakanda forever” gesture from the Marvel superhero series Black Panther.

In addition to the “Giannis Hoplite” skin, video game fans can also acquire the “Giannis Antetokounmpo” skin, which depicts the athlete wearing a futuristic sleeveless white trench coat.

The skins can be purchased from the in-game Item Shop for 2,000 V-Bucks, the virtual currency of Fortnite. V-Bucks can be bought with real-world currency to purchase items in the game. The Antetokounmpo skins are worth just over $15.

Fortnite

Fortnite is a popular online multiplayer video game developed by Epic Games. Set in a vibrant, cartoonish world, Fortnite combines elements of action, survival, and building gameplay.

The game revolves around the concept of a “Battle Royale,” where up to 100 players compete against each other until only one remains standing. Players are dropped onto an ever-shrinking island and must scavenge for weapons, resources, and equipment while eliminating opponents. The last surviving player or team is declared the winner.

What sets Fortnite apart is its unique building mechanics. Players can gather materials from the environment and construct various structures like walls, ramps, and platforms. This aspect adds a strategic layer, allowing players to defend themselves, create vantage points, or navigate the terrain quickly.

Here's another style of Giannis Antetokounmpo ICON skin 🔥 pic.twitter.com/QgiO4aPGGd

— Shiina (@ShiinaBR) December 22, 2022

Fortnite also offers a cooperative game mode called “Save the World.” In this mode, players team up to fight against hordes of AI-controlled enemies while completing missions and objectives. It emphasizes teamwork, resource management, and base building.

The game’s popularity is further fueled by its frequent updates, introducing new content, limited-time events, and crossover collaborations with pop culture icons, such as the recently released Giannis Antetokounmpo skins. It features a lively community, and players can communicate through voice chat or text, fostering social interaction and competition.

Fortnite’s free-to-play model, coupled with its accessibility across multiple platforms, including PC, consoles, and mobile devices, has contributed to its immense success and widespread popularity.