Fortnite crossovers with popular universes have become commonplace, but Epic Games always manages to throw in a surprise. This time, it’s a collaboration with American Dad, the cult sitcom starring Seth MacFarlane. The set launched in-game on July 5th, and you’d think fans would rejoice. But no, a heated debate erupted on social media and gaming forums. The reason? The set doesn’t include Roger, the alcoholic alien who has long been a meme and the heart of the series. Instead, it features only Stan and Francine Smith, the main characters, but without their eccentric “tenant,” the set feels incomplete.
So what is Epic offering for its V-Bucks? The set includes two skins: Stan in his classic white shirt and Francine in a pink dress (yes, the one from the intro). The set also includes the “Foam Finger” pickaxe, a nod to the famous series, and a back bling with a magnet, which, incidentally, is animated. The price, according to the store, is 1800 V-Bucks—the standard price for such collaborations. But it’s Roger’s absence that turns the joy into disappointment. Users have already dubbed the set “stripped down” and are demanding an explanation.
So why did the developers ignore their most charismatic character? There are two theories, and both are valid. The first is licensing issues: the rights to Roger may be held separately, and 20th Century Studios may not have greenlit his appearance in the battle royale. The second, more optimistic, is that Epic is deliberately holding Roger back for a separate, larger event, perhaps as part of the next season. There hasn’t been an official announcement yet, but history suggests this approach has been used before: Peter Griffin only appeared in the Family Guy crossover several months after the announcement. So, perhaps the “alien” will still appear on the battlefield.
Meanwhile, fans are voting with their wallets – some have already purchased the pack and are delighted with the detailed skins, while others are waiting for Roger on principle. The situation resembles the classic dilemma: buy now or wait for the expansion. If you’re a die-hard American Dad fan and can’t miss a single reference, the pack is definitely worth the money – the animations and models are top-notch. But if your heart belongs to Roger, perhaps it’s worth holding off. Judging by the community’s reaction, Epic is unlikely to ignore this request – the backlash is overwhelming. In the meantime, keep an eye on the patches and prepare your V-Bucks.
