Qatar Airways Launches First Playable City in Fortnite

In a groundbreaking move that blurs the lines between aviation and the metaverse, Qatar Airways has officially touched down in the battle royale giant, Fortnite. The airline has launched "QVerse Island," a dedicated interactive map that transforms the Qatari capital into a playable destination for millions of gamers. This launch marks a historic moment as Qatar Airways becomes the world’s first airline to develop a city within the platform, signaling a major shift in how travel brands engage with the next generation. 

Built using the Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN), QVerse Island is more than just a marketing stunt; it is a meticulously crafted digital twin of Doha. Players start their journey at a hyper-realistic virtual Hamad International Airport (HIA). From there, they can explore iconic landmarks such as the West Bay skyline, the National Museum of Qatar, and "The ORCHARD", the airport’s luxury indoor tropical garden. The experience even allows gamers to step inside the airline’s famous Qsuite business class to experience the luxury interiors virtually with friends.

Guiding players through this digital world is "Sama", the world’s first AI-powered MetaHuman cabin crew member. While Sama has already built a significant following on Instagram as a digital influencer, her Fortnite avatar has been specifically stylized to fit the game’s aesthetic. 

She is set to act as an interactive guide, leading players through mission-based challenges and puzzles. As reported by Forbes, unlike passive virtual tours, this integration requires players to actively engage with the environment, completing tasks that highlight the region’s culture while offering the genuine fun of gameplay. 

Win Real Flights In Global Treasure Hunt

To celebrate the launch, Qatar Airways is bridging the gap between virtual gaming and real-world travel with a high-stakes event. On December 13, 2025, the airline will host a Global Treasure Hunt on QVerse Island. Gamers and fans are invited to team up and scour the island for hidden "golden tickets". In a rare move for the industry, finding these tickets offers players the chance to win actual flight tickets, effectively turning a virtual gaming session into a potential real-life vacation.

The decision to launch on Fortnite is part of the airline’s aggressive "digital-first strategy". With the game boasting 650 million registered users by 2025 and daily active players numbering between 1.3 and 1.5 million, it offers a massive stage. Statistics show that players spend between 6 to 10 hours a week in the game.

By entering this space, Qatar Airways aims to reach Gen Z and Alpha travellers long before they book a trip, following in the footsteps of brands like Nike and Hellmann’s, who have successfully utilized the platform for storytelling.

This launch follows a year of heavy investment in gaming by the airline. In May 2025, Qatar Airways made headlines with "Gaming in the Sky", the world’s first in-flight Fortnite tournament. Hosted on a flight from Doha to London, top streamers competed at 35,000 feet using the airline’s high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi. With nearly 120 widebody aircraft now equipped with Starlink, the airline is proving that its commitment to gaming and connectivity extends from the virtual world to the skies.

Ultimately, this venture into Fortnite signifies more than just a game for Qatar Airways; it represents a bold leap into the future of travel marketing, ensuring the brand remains relevant to the next generation of flyers long before they pack their bags.