Panda Express debuts Fortnite, Roblox cutscenes ahead of fan-favorite menu item return
A leading Asian quick-serve chain is launching activations in two popular Gen Z-focused online games to celebrate the return of a favorite menu item.
Panda Express is partnering with media agency The Many and playable media leader Super League to launch interactive cutscenes featuring the chain’s Hot Orange Chicken offering in Fortnite Creative and Roblox. These short, cinematic moments are “seamlessly embedded into the gameplay” without disrupting the gamer’s experience, according to Panda Express, and are a first-of-its-kind format for the QSR space.
The cutscenes appear during natural breaks in gameplay across four Fortnite Creative maps designed to surprise and inform players about Hot Orange Chicken’s return to the Panda Express menu. Players in both Fortnite Creative and Roblox can interact with Pei Pei the Panda, Panda Express’s mascot, who appears across multiple maps, engaging with players and building excitement around the return of the fan-favorite dish.
Unlike traditional ads, Panda Express says this native content looks and feels like an authentic part of the gaming experience, allowing players to discover the brand organically while earning exclusive in-game rewards.
“Why tell people about Hot Orange Chicken when you can let them discover it through their own gaming moments," said Fabiola del Rio, VP of integrated marketing communications at Panda Express. “This partnership doesn't just reach our Gen Z audience, it integrates us natively in their virtual world, where discovery feels like gameplay and engagement becomes an adventure.”
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Panda Express says the gaming activation will continue to evolve through the end of the year with new updates, featuring new items and interactive elements as the experience progresses beyond the initial Hot Orange Chicken launch.
“In a world where attention must be earned, this activation is a perfect example of the power of playability to drive memorable brand engagement,” said Matt Edelman, CEO at Super League. “Together with Panda Express and The Many, we transformed a product launch into a hands-on, shareable adventure.”
Founded in 1983, Panda Express operates over 2,500 locations across the United States and has a presence in 11 international countries.
