While the $40 version has lingered in development limbo since September 2017, the free version has flourished in its place, amassing 3.4 million online users, surpassing even PUBG for the title of most popular Battle Royale game. This is due to a winning formula that consists of making the standard Battle Royale game more frantic, fast-paced and chaotic. Players are encouraged to move quickly with an ever-enclosing “storm” reducing the available space for players to move in.
Players can also build forts by harvesting materials and building walls and stairs, in a system similar to Minecraft. Playing with headphones and recognizing footsteps and playing like a team is also emphasized, and is a much easier path to success than charging in and shooting everything in sight. The rules are simple. Drop in by yourself or with your squad. The storm is coming. If you can’t outrun the storm, you die.
Combined with a cartoony art style, low gravity, and devastating weapons, every match ends in an average of 20 minutes. This relatively quick match time has made it convenient for kids coming home from school or playing before bed. They can pop in a quick game or two before starting their homework or eating dinner, and they can stop playing without having to sacrifice their game progress. The price point, low graphical requirements, and availability on all major consoles is a major selling point, allowing nearly everybody with an electronic device to join in on the fun, allowing kids who might not have able to buy the new Call of Duty or NBA 2K to hop right in with their friends and start fighting. In an era of gaming marked by high prices and high graphics, Fortnite breaks the trend and allows everyone to join in on the chaotic fun.