The “Fortnite” game phenomenon

To the uninitiated, Fortnite is just another bamboozingly addictive video game that’s taken hold of friends or family. But just what is it exactly?

Jul 25, 2017: Debuts as sandbox* survival game for PC, Mac, Xbox One and PS4
($30), pitting groups of players against computer-controlled zombies. Includes Battle
Royale mode that allows groups of 100 online players to compete in last-man-standing seasonal battles

Fortnite Battle Royale also released as free-to-download game offering optional in-app purchases

Apr 2, 2018: Fortnite Battle Royale launches on iOS (iPhone/iPad). Android to follow in summer 2018

COLOSSAL EARNINGS
Feb $126m
Mar $223m

Daily mobile player spending
(iOS format only)
$3.5 Season 4 begins
3.0
2.5    Trial period ends and  game opens to public
2.0 
1.5 
1.0 
0.5
0
Mar 16     Apr 1    May 5


Design: Art and animation inspired by Pixar, Tim Burton and Looney Toons

Arena: Players parachute onto island where they must fight to death while building structures to defend themselves

Spending power: Gamers can buy in-game currency, called V-Bucks which can be spent on cosmetic character upgrades, or to unlock levels
1,000 V-Bucks = $9.99 (real money)

May 21: Epic Games announces $100m prize pot for future Fortnite seasons – believed to be biggest ever sum offered for e-sports tournament

*Unrestricted game in which players can roam virtual world and approach objectives freely


Sources: Epic Games, BBC, IGN, Newsweek, The Tech Bulletin Pictures: Epic Games 
© GRAPHIC NEWS