UPDATE: Epic Games has just launched a groundbreaking collaboration with acclaimed director Quentin Tarantino for the new Fortnite installment titled Yuki’s Revenge, which premiered today, November 30, 2023. This unique project features Tarantino reuniting with Kill Bill star Uma Thurman and presents an untold story from the iconic film saga.
In an unprecedented move, Tarantino didn’t just lend his name to the project; he actively participated in the creative process. According to Josh Wassung, chief creative officer at Third Floor, Tarantino was deeply involved, even “crawling on the floor” to demonstrate his vision for the sequences, saying, “It’s like this.” His hands-on approach inspired the entire team during the development of this ambitious collaboration.
The launch event took place at Tarantino’s Vista Theater in Los Angeles on November 19, where the project was first unveiled. Yuki’s Revenge follows Yuki, the twin sister of Gogo Yubari, as she seeks vengeance against Thurman’s character, The Bride, for her sister’s death—a violent saga that echoes the themes of Tarantino’s original films.
Epic Games CTO Kim Libreri stated that the project was conceived during the development of a California-themed season for Fortnite. The collaboration was sparked when they introduced Tarantino to the game and discussed his “lost chapter” that never made it to the screen. “He got it instantly,” Libreri remarked, emphasizing the synergy between Tarantino’s storytelling and Fortnite’s interactive platform.
The development timeline was astonishingly swift, taking just over five months, compared to the typical five years for animation projects. Wassung noted that the team utilized Unreal Engine to streamline the creative process, allowing for rapid iterations and high-quality animation. “We’re always having to crank out new content, and this was no different,” he explained.
Voice and motion capture added a layer of authenticity to the experience. Epic’s visual effects supervisor Pat Tubach highlighted the extensive work that went into capturing the actors’ performances, stating, “We set a really high bar for ourselves in terms of the authenticity of all of this.” The meticulous attention to detail ensured that every facial expression and movement was true to Tarantino’s original vision.
The most challenging scene to execute was the intense parking lot showdown between Yuki and The Bride, where nuanced dialogue and tension were crucial. Tubach explained that remaining faithful to Tarantino’s style required long takes that captured the subtleties of the performances.
As the gaming world reacts to this historic collaboration, the anticipation surrounding Yuki’s Revenge is palpable. Fans of both Fortnite and Tarantino are eager to dive into this innovative narrative experience.
For gamers and film enthusiasts alike, this collaboration marks a significant milestone in the blending of cinematic storytelling and interactive gameplay. The stakes are high as the community awaits further developments from Tarantino and Epic Games.
Stay tuned as we continue to cover the impact of Yuki’s Revenge on the gaming landscape and what this means for future collaborations between film and video game industries.
