When it comes to Fortnite, the general idea that comes to mind is a free-for-all Hunger Games-like structure taking place in a constantly changing battlefield. While it is a hobby to spend one’s free time on for many, my concept is that it is much more than a game, and engages in strengthening proprioception.
Fortnite is primarily known for being a Battle Royale game (although it is not intended to be known primarily for this). In simpler terms, a Battle Royale is a man-versus-man styled fight that takes place in a form of arena containing items of varying statistics to aid each player in their brawl to be the last man standing. In terms of structure, Fortnite is similar to The Hunger Games, with all the other players in the game having the same goal to win. The stakes are always high, and tensions steadily rise. As less and less players remain in the game, anxiety and the sudden desire one has to get the Victory Royale (win) is on another level of wants and needs.
In a match of Fortnite, all worries slip away and nothing else matters. Once you are in the zone of the game and performing your absolute best by the side of your teammates, you are longing for that sweet taste of the Victory Royale with your friends. Whether the match is won or not is solely in the hands of the player, which is an important factor because in all stages of a match, every decision matters. From deciding which item to pick up versus where to migrate to every game, it alters one’s fate. Everyone wants to win every match of Fortnite they play, but there can only be one winner. Because your opponents will (most of the time) successfully outlast you, the motivation to spend more time improving at core mechanics of the game will keep you hooked. The reward of engaging in combat with another player and prevailing over them also fuels the attachment to the game.
Focusing on the building portion of this game, the evolution of Fortnite’s unique spin on the classic Battle Royale game structure is increasing profits for many. From a personal opinion, it truly does take quick thinking and lighting-fast finger movements across the controller. One accidental press of a button can lead to sudden elimination, which calls for precise hand-eye coordination. The player also must make split-second decisions that will give them a greater advantage during the fight. Practice and habit enforces these core skills, allowing for the skillset of all players in a match to rise.
Aside from the actual gameplay, Fortnite is a cartoon-styled game, with graphics that are mild and smooth. Because of this, Fortnite appeals to players of all ages. Many parents restrict the viewing of online content for their children, but Fortnite is absent of heavy gore and violence in official game modes. The appealing aesthetic of Fortnite for people of all ages contributes greatly to the game’s success.
Fortnite is more appealing than any past or present Battle Royale games because of the diverse age groups and communities coming together to enjoy the game. The game takes a new extreme of skill to be able to traverse the arena quickly while making timely decisions to maximize efficiency. Fortnite rose to fame during an optimal period for digital content, and the feeling of winning a match with friends is unmatched with other games. Playing this game often feels like being transported to another dimension, and nothing else matters when your primary goal is to outlive your digital opponents.
