Video Game Skins Are Getting Too Weird, Bizarre, and Out of Place

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Recently, there’s been a lot of discussion in the gaming world about how crossover skins can create an unusual fit with a game‘s original aesthetic. For quite some time now, cosmetic items (also known as skins) have been evolving into an extensive range of options – one aspect being the incorporation of characters or elements from other franchises that seem out of place in the games they’ve been added to, leading to a shift in the game’s intended mood and atmosphere.

Essentially, these changes aren’t problematic because they only affect the appearance and not the gameplay; however, it suggests a change in focus towards microtransactions, which frequently overlook a game’s unique artistic qualities. In other words, we’re moving into an age where such transactions might prioritize profits over preserving a game’s distinctive character.

Modern instances like Bungie’s Destiny 2, Activision’s Call of Duty, and not forgetting Epic’s Fortnite, demonstrate the sheer creativity behind these cross-game collaborations.

Games such as Destiny 2, Call of Duty, and Fortnite are a testament to the strange but exciting combinations that can occur when different games team up.

In a more casual and understandable way, we could say: The collaboration content in Destiny 2 has really stepped out of its comfort zone. At first, costumes inspired by The Witcher and Mass Effect seemed fitting. However, the addition of Ghostbusters took things to another level. Now, we have Guardians zooming around with Ecto-1 vehicles and Slimer spectral armor. It’s quite a surprise, as the serious, futuristic atmosphere of Destiny is now home to these elements.

In terms of its distinctive science fiction ambiance, this decision by Bungie seemed unusual. Let’s hope it’s not a path they continue to pursue when Marathon is released.

In a more casual and understandable way, the Call of Duty series has been pushing the boundaries with unusual partnerships lately. For instance, they’ve integrated characters from Amazon’s The Boys and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles into their game. I might be able to rationalize Homelander with a weapon, but seeing Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Donatello brandishing assault rifles feels like a sudden shift in atmosphere. This franchise once prided itself on realism, or so it seemed at one point. Even Activision acknowledges the inconsistency this has caused.

In a different vein, Fortnite allows for some flexibility. Its concept revolves around a multi-universe, although it’s more of a commercially driven version… Nevertheless, there are instances within Fortnite that seem incongruous. For example, the peaceful Avatar Aang brandishing a pistol and celebrating with the Griddy after defeating enemies is quite unexpected. And what about Godzilla? Originally symbolizing nuclear devastation, now he’s seen rocking sneakers like Jordans and performing 360-degree trick shots. It’s enjoyable, yet it feels strangely at odds with its original content.

While many games may not handle this effectively, Overwatch stands out as a prime example of getting it right. The developers have made it clear that the characters are not actually crossovers; instead, they are cosplaying these characters. This distinction is crucial in preserving the game’s unique identity, similar to how Cowboy Bebop and Avatar: The Legend of Aang handled collaborations. For instance, the recent collaboration with K-pop group Le Sserafim largely stayed true to Overwatch’s storyline, despite the unexpected appearance of characters like Mercy and Ashe adopting a K-pop style.

In reality, players don’t have many options when it comes to these unusual collaborations. Sure, they can decide to disregard them or refrain from purchasing, but they’re not merely incongruous—they’re costly. These cosmetic items typically retail between $30 and $60 per pack, and this price tag introduces a sense of fear of missing out (FOMO). If you pass on them, you’ll have to wait for the next stock rotation, hoping they come back.

In essence, forcing these excessive and unsuitable collaborations only when they don’t belong is unnecessary. It appears sloppy, merely adding content for commercial purposes without considering its coherence or compatibility with the existing context.

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2025-04-10 13:42