# Diverse Video Game Characters Maria "Chica" Lopez is Set to Hit the 'Fortnite' Item Shop By Kanesa D | Published 2022-05-06 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fortnite-1 References: [gameinformer](https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/05/04/maria-chica-lopez-joins-the-fortnite-icon-series-with-new-in-game-items-this-weekend) & [epicgames](https://www.epicgames.com/fortnite/en-US/home)  [Epic Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/street-fighter-fortnite) has announced the next themed character to join its ‘[Fortnite Icon Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/siege-x),’ which includes creators like Ninja and Loserfruit. Announced today, Maria “Chica” Lopez is slated to release in 'Fortnite' on May 7, 2022. The creator's arrival will introduce [new in-game items](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fortnite-kicks) that players can purchase in the 'Fortnite' Item Shop starting at 8 p.m. E.T. on Saturday. Lopez’s arrival is also significant because it is the first time a Latina has joined the ‘Icon Series.’ “I take a lot of pride in being not only a content creator but also in my identity as a Puerto Rican woman in the LGBTQIA+ community,” said Maria Lopez in a recent press release. “I wanted my Set in Fortnite to be true to who I am. I’ve been able to build such an awesome community within the Fortnite family, and I can’t wait to share my Set with everyone.” Image Credit: Fortnite ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.9/10 - Popularity: 26% | Activity: 19% | Freshness: 12% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/games) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Diversity in Video Game Characters:** There is a rising demand for more diverse representation in video games, presenting a disruptive innovation opportunity for game companies to feature characters from diverse backgrounds and cultures. - **Creator-based Content in Video Games:** There is an emerging trend of featuring content creators and influencers as playable characters in video games, providing a disruptive innovation opportunity for game companies to partner with popular creators and cater to their fanbase. - **In-game Purchases and Exclusive Content:** The growth of in-game purchases, especially for exclusive and limited-edition content, presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in game development and marketing strategies towards a wider audience. ### Where This Applies - **Video Game Development:** Video game developers can capitalize on the trend of diverse representations and exclusive in-game content by regularly collaborating with influencers, celebrities, and rising talents to grow their user base and revenue streams. - **Marketing and Advertising:** Brands and agencies can partner with game companies and content creators to promote products, services, and social causes in a more engaging and interactive way through sponsored in-game events and items. - **Entertainment and Media:** Diverse video game characters and celebrity content collaborations can provide valuable opportunities for cross-media promotion and fan engagement through music, films, TV shows, and other forms of entertainment. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Latin Celebrity Game Characters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/karol-g.md) - [Musician-Inspired Game Characters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/billie-eilish-3.md) - [Artist-Inspired Game Events](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lady-gaga-1.md) - [Vintage Video Game Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/street-fighter-fortnite.md) - [Sports-Inspired Game Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lionel-messi-2.md) - [Diverse Battle Royale Characters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/catalyst-legend.md) - [Celebrity Game Crossovers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kim-kardashian-fortnite.md) - [Rapper-Inspired Playable Game Characters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/call-of-duty-season-5.md) - [Comic Video Game Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moon-knight-fortnite.md)