In a groundbreaking collaboration, Shohei Ohtani, the star player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, has made history by being the first MLB player to feature as an Icon Series character in the hugely popular online game, Fortnite. This exciting announcement, revealed by MLB on their official Instagram, has generated a thrilling buzz among fans of both baseball and gaming.
The Ohtani skin went on sale starting at 9 AM JST on March 18, 2025, coinciding with the opening game of the MLB Tokyo Series between the Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs. The skin is available in three styles: home uniform in white, away uniform in gray, and a unique LEGO Fortnite style, appreciated by many gamers and baseball enthusiasts alike.
Alongside the skin, players can also purchase back accessories modeled after Ohtani's beloved dog, Decoy, and a pickaxe named 'Venerable Two-Sword Style,' reminiscent of a pitching machine. The pricing is set at 1500 V-Bucks (approximately $15) for the standalone Ohtani skin, while a bundle that includes emotes costs 2800 V-Bucks (roughly $28).
Ohtani's collaboration with Fortnite is being celebrated as a significant milestone. "I feel very honored to be a part of this project," Ohtani said. "Fortnite is popular here in Japan and in America, so it's a great opportunity for people who aren’t interested in baseball to see it. I hope many players can enjoy this experience!" With an estimated 500 million registered accounts globally, Fortnite presents a unique platform for Ohtani to connect with a broader audience.
This partnership comes with innovative features, including a special emote dubbed 'Doggy Home Run,' showcasing Ohtani as he swings at a baseball tossed from Decoy’s mouth. The MLB's official Instagram account even shared a video, enhancing the excitement around this collaboration.
Prior to the official launch of the Ohtani skin, a tournament called the 'Shohei Ohtani Cup' was held on March 15, 2025. Top performers in this battle royale event would receive an exclusive 'Samurai Shohei' skin, a nod to Ohtani's character and style. Coincidentally, during the tournament, Ohtani played in an exhibition game against the Yomiuri Giants, making an impressive impact by hitting a two-run home run, further solidifying his star power.
Fans have expressed their enthusiasm surrounding the new skin. One player remarked, “It’s surreal to see Ohtani wearing a baseball uniform and wielding a gun,” highlighting the unusual combination of baseball and the gaming world. Another added, “Ohtani-kun's skin is too much fun!” Following the launch, social media platforms were flooded with comments from players sharing their experiences playing as Ohtani.
In what is sure to be a historic moment for MLB, Ohtani’s crossover into the gaming realm brings hopes of bridging the gap between baseball fans and gamers alike. Ohtani remarked, "I hope this can spark interest in baseball for those who typically have not had the chance to engage with the sport. If people who love baseball but rarely play games feel inspired to try playing with Ohtani, then that would make me very happy!"
The excitement around the collaboration is underscored by the attention it has garnered in various locales, with teaser ads appearing in Tokyo and creating a sizable buzz on social media. Ohtani noted his satisfaction with the response, saying, “The advertisements were very cool.” Echoing the positive feedback he received from friends and teammates, he added, “Everyone is looking forward to this collaboration!”
This partnership is part of a broader trend, as Fortnite has previously collaborated with various celebrities, including sports figures like LeBron James and Lionel Messi, alongside pop culture icons such as Lady Gaga and Billie Eilish. Ohtani's entry as the first MLB player further exemplifies the game's reach and appeal.
The various features incorporated into Ohtani's Fortnite character, including emotes that replicate baseball actions, show the attention towards both gameplay and representation. Ohtani expressed delight at how smoothly the emotes function, stating, “The movements are very smooth, and the design really captures my batting style.”
As the MLB Tokyo Series approaches, excitement continues to build around Ohtani’s inaugural game in Japan since joining the Dodgers. He conveyed his eagerness, noting, “I want to play my best to ensure that the Tokyo Series is a fantastic experience for everyone!” With this synergy of sports and gaming, Ohtani's influence may very well reshape how baseball is perceived in the digital age.
