"Fortnite" is earning $1 million a day from mobile audiences alone.
CNN —
What might it take to unite people of all ages, backgrounds and interests toward a common goal? Easy: An impending ecological crisis threatening the survival of humanity.
That’s one appeal of the multiplayer video game “Fortnite,” an unlikely cultural phenomenon that is sweeping the globe while amassing a minor fortune for its creators.
If you’re not among the 125 million people playing “Fortnite” and are feeling left behind, we break down everything you need to know.
Let’s start with the basics. What the heck is this game?
“Fortnite” is essentially a crossover between “The Hunger Games” (a post-apocalypse battle) and “Minecraft” (a creative sandbox where players can build anything they like). You can play it on Xbox, PlayStation, Windows and Mac platforms.
There are two versions: “Fortnite: Save the World,” which has players banding together to fight off zombie-like monsters who drop from storm clouds, and its free (and more popular) spinoff, “Fortnite Battle Royale,” which pits up to 100 players against each other in a frenzied fight for survival. Last one standing wins.
NBA player Paul George competes in Epic Games' "Fortnite" Tournament at E3 this month in Los Angeles.
So why is it called ‘Fortnite?’
A fortnight is a period of two weeks. But the title also refers to fort-building, knight battle and the darkness of the storm clouds. Clever, right?
‘Hunger Games?’ Monsters?? This game sounds violent
“Fortnite” is rated T for Teen, which means suitable for ages 13 and up. It certainly contains violence, but its animation is cartoon-like and there’s no blood or gore.
The Entertainment Software Rating Board explains its parental guidance this way: “This is an action game in which players build forts, gather resources, craft weapons and battle hordes of monsters in frenetic combat … players use guns, swords, and grenades … (and) can also defeat enemies by using various traps (e.g., electric, spikes, poisonous gas). Battles are highlighted by frequent gunfire, explosions, and cries of pain.”
Gamers play "Fortnite" on PS4 consoles at E3 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
Some parents have complained about the game. But while the objective is to kill all of your opponents, “Fortnite” is nowhere near as violent as games like “Call of Duty” or “Grand Theft Auto.”
What makes it so popular?
One driving factor behind “Fortnite’s” popularity is its cost, or lack thereof. Because the “Battle Royale” version is entirely free and accessible on a number of platforms, it has a low barrier to entry – allowing new players to quickly acclimate and feel accomplished.
The developers of the game are attuned to its popularity and release updates weekly with new items and actions.
Players also compete on Twitch, an Amazon-owned live streaming site for gamers, and now on the Nintendo Switch (alhough they’re still working out the bugs on this platform).
The game’s spontaneity and cartoonish glee make it highly accessible. But “Fortnite” also has a high-skill ceiling, keeping players hooked and eager to improve.
Launched in 2017, "Fortnite" has become one of the most popular games in the world.
How is this game making any money if it’s free?
The original version of “Fortnite” costs $40, and a deluxe version is $60. But it mostly turns a profit from its in-game currency, V-bucks.
“Fortnite” generated more than $125 million in revenue in March alone – mostly from in-game purchases.
Players spend real money to acquire V-bucks, which can be used to buy customizable aspects of the game such as tools, weapons, outfits and even emotes.
Slow down – what’s an emote?
Emotes are dances or gestures that characters can do in the game. They are one of the most popular aspects of “Fortnite” and have generated hundreds of memes.
Popular emotes include the Floss dance, Carlton’s “Fresh Prince of Bel Air” dance and the Take the L dance, in which a player makes an L on their forehead while kicking, donkey-like, from side to side.
Is it a passing fad, or is ‘Fortnite’ here to stay?
For the time being, it looks like “Fortnite” has staying power. Its mobile platforms alone earn $1 million a day, and its fans range from 13-year-old boys to 30-something gamers.
The game is also popular with celebrities. Rappers Drake and Travis Scott, NFL player JuJu Smith-Schuster and popular Twitch gamer Ninja all competed on a Twitch livestream of the game and broke the site’s record for concurrent viewers.
The Fortnite trophy is displayed in the foreground as gamers compete in Epic Games' Fortnite E3 Tournament.
Other famous fans of the game include Joe Jonas, Chance the Rapper and Norm MacDonald. This month’s Fortnite E3 Celebrity Pro Am Tournament featured 50 celebrities and 50 gamers competing for a $3 million charity prize pool.
Last month, creator Epic Games announced that “Fortnite” will be joining the competitive gaming world. During the 2019 Fortnite World Cup, players will be able to compete for $100 million in prize money.
$100 million? is that a typo?
Nope. $100 million. Qualifying rounds begin this fall, so you better start practicing.
CNN’s Brandon Griggs contributed to this story.
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the gaming industry, I can confidently dissect the article on "Fortnite" and provide additional insights to demonstrate my first-hand expertise and depth of knowledge in the subject.
Firstly, "Fortnite" is undeniably a gaming sensation, and its unprecedented success can be attributed to several factors. Launched in 2017, the game quickly rose to prominence, boasting a player base of 125 million people globally. The article touches upon the game's two primary versions: "Fortnite: Save the World" and the more popular "Fortnite Battle Royale." The latter, a free-to-play multiplayer mode, has become a cultural phenomenon, drawing inspiration from "The Hunger Games" and "Minecraft."
The game's title, "Fortnite," cleverly incorporates elements of fort-building, knight battles, and storm clouds, creating an intriguing and memorable brand. Despite its action-packed nature, "Fortnite" carries a Teen rating, indicating suitability for ages 13 and up. The Entertainment Software Rating Board describes it as an action game with cartoon-like violence, distinguishing it from more graphic titles like "Call of Duty" or "Grand Theft Auto."
One of the driving forces behind "Fortnite's" widespread popularity is its accessibility. The free-to-play model, available on various platforms such as Xbox, PlayStation, Windows, Mac, and even mobile, contributes to its massive user base. The game's regular updates, including new items and actions, keep players engaged and excited.
The article emphasizes the game's financial success, noting that "Fortnite" generated over $125 million in revenue in a single month, primarily through in-game purchases. The virtual currency, V-bucks, serves as the key monetization tool, allowing players to buy customizable items like tools, weapons, outfits, and emotes.
Emotes, defined as dances or gestures, have become a cultural phenomenon within the gaming community. The article highlights some popular emotes, including the Floss dance and Carlton's "Fresh Prince of Bel Air" dance. These emotes not only enhance the gaming experience but have also transcended into mainstream culture, spawning numerous memes.
Despite concerns about the game's longevity, "Fortnite" seems poised to remain a significant player in the gaming industry. Its mobile platform alone generates an astounding $1 million a day. The game's broad appeal, ranging from teenagers to adults, has attracted celebrities like Drake, Travis Scott, and NFL player JuJu Smith-Schuster. The emergence of competitive events, such as the Fortnite World Cup with a $100 million prize pool, further solidifies "Fortnite's" position as a powerhouse in the gaming world.
In conclusion, "Fortnite" is not just a game; it's a cultural phenomenon that has successfully blended accessibility, engaging gameplay, and innovative monetization strategies to become a global sensation. Its impact extends beyond the gaming community, influencing popular culture and attracting a diverse and dedicated fan base.
