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Sonic Is an Android in Fortnite to Allow Gunplay

Sega created a non-canonical “Android Sonic” so the character can use Fortnite weapons without violating the franchise rule that Sonic will never hold a gun.

Overview

  • Sonic Team boss Takashi Iizuka said Thursday that Epic Games approached Sega more than two years ago and the companies agreed to a new Android variant to enable Sonic’s inclusion in Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 4.
  • The Android designation is explicit: Sega built a separate, non-canonical version so the character can carry and fire weapons inside Fortnite’s gun-based gameplay.
  • To fit Fortnite’s systems, Android Sonic was redesigned with taller proportions and the same standardized hitbox as other characters so weapons and items work consistently across players.
  • Gameplay abilities were adjusted for balance: Android Sonic runs at the same speed as other Fortnite characters and can swim on the water surface, unlike the canonical Sonic.
  • Sonic’s store companions Shadow and Knuckles are also presented as androids, a solution that preserves Sega’s character rules while letting Epic continue high-profile crossovers that rely on uniform character shapes and mechanics.