Released back in 2017, Fortnite Battle Royale has evolved beyond anyone's imagination. Skepticism of the game's survival arose and quickly quieted down as the game continued to bring new players. On top of being one of the most played games in the genre, Fortnite has maintained favorable reception by many game critics and has won plenty of awards, varying from Evolving Game at the BAFTA Games Award to Best Ongoing Game at The Game Awards. Despite what some may think, Fortnite has been very successful, both critically and commercially.
While Fortnite may not hold the record for most players registered, since PUBG has the highest play count right now, it possesses a loyal fanbase, and as a result, maintains a solid concurrent number of players daily. There are several reasons why Epic Games' biggest franchise has prevailed in a genre that has seemingly grown staler and far too oversaturated. What makes Fortnite so appealing compared to many of the other battle royales is embracing the silliness of the genre. While others in the genre stick to more realistic settings, Fortnite has delved into its creativity, not depending on realism. Of course, the idea of a hundred players diving onto an island only to eliminate one another is quite absurd, but Fortnite makes the concept seamlessly fun.
The art style has definitely evolved, which only spruces up the fun, seeing how Epic Games has consistently created variations of the original map. Additionally, the game has created a standard in which it revolves around pop-culture media. In-game concerts with famous individuals have elevated Fortnite above the other battle royales, as well - hosting events with artists like Travis Scott and Marshmello. For instance, the concert hosted by Travis Scott amounted to a total of 12.3 million player participation on its own.
How Epic Games Is Solidifying Fortnite's Future
Player engagement is also important, and Fortnite's is due to the crossovers made with trendy franchises within the movie and gaming industries. For example, the Infinity War crossover saw two behemoths in the entertainment industry collude. The crossover allowed players to fulfill the fantasy of becoming Thanos himself, something Marvel fans may not have gotten to experience without Fortnite. Branching out to different franchises, whether it be movies, games, or even musical artists, is one of its biggest strengths.
A perfect blueprint of how to create battle royale games doesn't exist, but Epic Games seemingly ensures Fortnite's survival through regular updates. On March 16, 2021, Epic Games launched Chapter 2 Season 6. The new season introduced a method of crafting weapons using various ingredients and weapons. Players immediately welcomed this change because it gave players freedom and a sense of accomplishment when they obtained their weapon of choice. Moreover, Fortnite saw an overhaul in map design and a new setting to go with it. The kind of absurdity that Epic Games instills into its game is a show of confidence, knowing they've solidified a loyal fanbase that'll stick with the game.
Each season wraps up the subtle story told while opening the door to upcoming adventures. Suddenly, new seasons aren't just a means of creating a new battle pass but an opportunity to orchestrate intriguing mysteries that unveil unique stories. For the future of this season, it looks like Fortnite is mixing with DC as a new Batman/Fortnite crossover series makes its way to the comics. The never-ending crossovers, collaborations, concerts, and events constantly renew Fortnite as a hub for creators all around the entertainment industry to collide.