Fortnite in Esports
Fortnite has rapidly gained popularity since its release in 2017, and it has become a force to be reckoned with in the gaming industry. Although it was not designed to be an esports game, Fortnite has managed to make its way into the competitive scene, and its influence is undeniable. In this article, we will explore the role of Fortnite in esports and how it has impacted the industry.
The Rise of Fortnite in Esports
Fortnite’s journey to becoming a popular esports title was not an easy one. Initially, the game was not designed with competitive play in mind, and the developers did not expect it to become an esports title. However, as the game grew in popularity, it attracted the attention of professional gamers and esports organizations. In 2018, Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite, announced a $100 million prize pool for the first year of competitive play. This announcement was a turning point for Fortnite esports and put the game on the map as a serious contender in the E-sports industry.
The Impact of Fortnite on Esports
Fortnite’s impact on the esports industry cannot be overstated. The game has attracted a large number of players and viewers, and it has helped to bring esports into the mainstream. The game has a unique appeal that has made it popular among both casual gamers and esports enthusiasts. Fortnite’s colorful graphics, unique gameplay mechanics, and regular content updates have helped to keep the game fresh and exciting.
The Fortnite World Cup, which took place in 2019, was one of the biggest esports events of the year, with a prize pool of $30 million. The tournament attracted millions of viewers, and the winner, Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf, became an overnight sensation. The success of the Fortnite World Cup helped to legitimize esports and showed that it can be a lucrative career path for talented gamers. The game’s impact on the E-sports industry has been so significant that it has even led to the creation of new esports teams and organizations dedicated solely to Fortnite.
The Future of Fortnite in Esports
Fortnite’s future in esports looks bright, and it is expected to continue to grow in popularity. Epic Games has announced that it will continue to invest in competitive play and has already announced the Fortnite Champion Series for 2021. The game has also attracted the attention of traditional sports organizations, such as the NFL and NBA, which have partnered with Fortnite to bring their brands to the game. This partnership has helped to bring even more attention to Fortnite and esports in general.
Fortnite’s success has also inspired other game developers to create esports-friendly games. The battle royale genre, which Fortnite helped to popularize, has become a staple of the E-sports industry. Many other games, such as Apex Legends and Call of Duty: Warzone, have also adopted battle royale modes and have entered the esports scene.
Conclusion
Fortnite has had a significant impact on the esports industry and has helped to bring competitive gaming into the mainstream. The game’s popularity and success have shown that esports can be a lucrative career path for talented gamers, and it has helped to legitimize esports as a sport. With the continued investment in competitive play and the partnership with traditional sports organizations, Fortnite’s future in esports looks bright.
As the game continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see how it will shape the future of esports. Fortnite has already shown that it is possible to create an Esports-friendly game that appeals to both casual and competitive players. Its impact on the industry has been so significant that it has inspired other game developers to create esports-friendly games. The future of E-sports looks bright, and Fortnite will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping it.
