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{{short description|Free-to-play battle royale online game}}
{{Use American English|date=February 2019}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2019}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Fortnite Battle Royale
| image = Fortnite Battle Royale.png
| alt =
| caption =
| developer = [[Epic Games]]
| publisher = Epic Games{{efn|Retail versions published by [[Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment]]}}
| director = Donald Mustard<ref>{{cite web | last1 = Watts | first1 = Steve | title = The Game Awards 2018: All The Games And News To Expect | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-game-awards-2018-all-the-games-and-news-to-exp/1100-6463684/ | website = GameSpot | accessdate = December 6, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181206222338/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-game-awards-2018-all-the-games-and-news-to-exp/1100-6463684/ | archive-date = December 6, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref>
| series = ''[[Fortnite]]''
| engine = [[Unreal Engine 4]]
| platforms = {{ubl|[[Microsoft Windows]]|[[macOS]]|[[PlayStation 4]]|[[Xbox One]]|[[iOS]]|[[Nintendo Switch]]|[[Android (operating system)|Android]]}}
| released = {{Collapsible list|titlestyle=font-weight:normal;background:transparent;text-align:left;|title=September 26, 2017|'''Windows''', '''macOS''', '''PlayStation 4''', '''Xbox One'''|September 26, 2017|'''iOS'''|April 2, 2018|'''Nintendo Switch'''|June 12, 2018|'''Android'''|August 9, 2018}}
| genre = [[Battle royale game|Battle royale]]
| modes = [[Multiplayer]]
}}

'''''Fortnite Battle Royale''''' is a [[free-to-play]] [[battle royale game|battle royale]] [[Online and offline|online]] [[video game]] developed and published by [[Epic Games]]. It is a companion game to ''[[Fortnite: Save the World]]'', a cooperative [[survival game]] with construction elements. It was initially released in early access on September 26, 2017, for [[Microsoft Windows]], [[macOS]], [[PlayStation 4]], and [[Xbox One]], followed by ports for [[iOS]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]], and the [[Nintendo Switch]] the following year.

The concept of the game is similar to previous games of the genre: 100 players skydive onto an island and scavenge for gear to defend themselves from other players. Players can fight alone (Solo), with one additional player (Duos), or with a group of up to three others (Squads). As the match progresses, the playable area within the island gradually constricts, giving the players less and less room to work with. The last player or team alive wins the match. The main distinction from others in the genre is the game's construction elements, which can give advantages based on skill level and utilization. ''Battle Royale'' uses a seasonal approach with [[battle pass]]es to introduce new character customization content in the game, as well as limited time events, some of which correspond with changes to the game map. Since its initial release, several other game modes have been introduced, including "Playground", which somewhat serves as a training mode.

The idea for ''Battle Royale'' arose following the release of ''[[PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds]]'', a similar battle royale game that was highly successful, but was noted for its technical flaws. Originally released as part of the early access version of ''Save the World'', Epic later transitioned the game to a [[free-to-play]] model funded by [[microtransaction]]s. Following its rise in popularity, Epic split the development team, with one focusing on ''Battle Royale'' and the other on ''Save the World''.

''Battle Royale'' received positive reviews from critics, who praised its learning curve, gameplay, art style, and progression system, but noted its similarity to previous games in the genre. The game quickly rose in popularity following its release, eventually surpassing ''Battlegrounds'' in overall player count and revenue. By March 2019, the game had been played by over 250 million people and had generated over 2 billion dollars worldwide. The game has gone on to become a cultural phenomenon, with promotion through social media and several celebrities, including [[Ninja (streamer)|Ninja]], [[Marshmello]], and [[Drake (musician)|Drake]], contributing to the game's popularity, achieving record high viewerships on streaming websites in the process.

==Gameplay==
[[File:Building in fortnite.jpg|left|thumb|The player can build structures as defense or buildings]]
The main gameplay for ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' follows the [[Battle royale game|battle royale genre]]'s standard format. The game normally is played either with each player on their own, or in a squad of two to four players, with up to 100 players participating each round. The round starts with players, weaponless, skydiving from floating buses ("Battle Bus") then deploying a glider onto a region of land. The island's fixed layout includes several landmarks and locations (named in an [[Alliteration|alliterative fashion]], such as "Loot Lake", "Tilted Towers", and "Retail Row") that are mostly [[ghost town]]s, while a random distribution of weapons, shields, and other combat support features can be found by searching buildings and other sites. The goal is to be the last player or team alive by eliminating or avoiding other players. When playing in solo modes, players are immediately eliminated when they exhaust their health, while in squad modes, downed players can crawl around while bleeding out; they can be eliminated immediately by an opponent or revived by a squadmate to help them up. Initially, when the game launched, eliminated players were out of the match, but starting with updates in April 2019, squadmates can attempt to revive a downed player at various "Reboot vans" scattered around the map, which are few and far between and in the open, making it a risk to respawn a squadmate.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/2019/4/5/18297126/fortnite-squad-respawn-reboot-van | title = Fortnite introducing Apex Legends-style respawns in next patch | first = Austin | last = Goslin | date = April 5, 2019 | accessdate = April 5, 2019 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190405214147/https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/2019/4/5/18297126/fortnite-squad-respawn-reboot-van | archive-date = April 5, 2019 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> Over time, the game's safe zone (representing the [[Eye (cyclone)|eye]] of a storm), decreases in size, and players caught outside the zone will take damage. This directs the surviving players into tighter spaces, forcing player encounters. Supply drops will spawn in random locations during a match, providing random weapons and items. Like in the original ''[[Fortnite: Save the World|Fortnite]]'' game, ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' is primarily played in a [[Third-person (video games)|third-person perspective]].

''Fortnite Battle Royale''{{'}}s primary distinction from other battle royale games is the building system, which originated from the original ''Fortnite'' survival game. Nearly all objects in the environment can be [[Destructible environment|destroyed]] and harvested for materials (wood, stone, and metal), which can then be used to build fortifications of limited durabilities, such as walls, ramps, floors, and roofs, which can be used to help traverse the map, protect the player from gunfire, or slow down progression of other players. Weaker pieces can be destroyed in a few hits, but can be built quickly, while stronger pieces can withstand more punishment, but take longer to build.

[[File:Battling in fortnite.jpg|right|thumb|The game also revolves around players eliminating their opponents to be the last one standing]]
The game is [[free-to-play]], supported by [[microtransactions]] that allow players to buy "Vinderbucks", "V-Bucks" for short, the game's internal currency. V-Bucks are also shared with the main ''Fortnite: Save the World'' game, which offers players the opportunity to earn V-Bucks by completing missions or daily quests.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.usgamer.net/articles/fortnite-battle-royale-save-the-world-v-bucks-grinding | title = Fortnite's V-Bucks Currency is Another Battleground for a Community at Odds | first = Matt | last = Kim | date = March 1, 2018 | accessdate = March 22, 2018 | website = [[USGamer]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180323031201/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/fortnite-battle-royale-save-the-world-v-bucks-grinding | archivedate = March 23, 2018}}</ref> V-Bucks can then be used to buy cosmetic improvements to the player (character, pickaxe and glider skins, back-wear, and [[emote]]s). The game is run as seasons, lasting about 10 weeks each. Each season introduces an exclusive set of cosmetic items that can be obtained. These are offered through a dual-track [[battle pass]], which features a number of tiers that players climb through by earning 'battle stars' through completing in-game objectives, while acquiring cosmetic rewards or other items in the process. Each player has access to the "free" track of the Battle Pass, which offers fewer cosmetics that can be earned by clearing multiple tiers, while players can also purchase the Pass' "premium" track with V-Bucks,<ref name="nymag"/> which offers more challenges and grants prizes for every tier the player advances. Players can use V-Bucks to purchase tiers as well once they have bought the Battle Pass.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2018/3/16/17129578/fortnite-v-bucks-premium-battle-pass-tier-ranking-spend-money | title = Should you spend money on Fortnite? | first = Russ | last = Frushtick | date = March 16, 2018 | accessdate = March 20, 2018 | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180320163503/https://www.polygon.com/2018/3/16/17129578/fortnite-v-bucks-premium-battle-pass-tier-ranking-spend-money | archivedate = March 20, 2018}}</ref>

Since release, Epic Games has added more features, such as new weapon and items and makeshift vehicles such as shopping carts and [[golf cart]]s. Epic is also able to deploy [[hotfix|hot-fixes]] to the game to adjust aspects like weapon attributes and distribution, pushing these out in minutes if necessary should they or players discover critical issues or [[Glitch#Video game glitches|glitches]], as well as removing older or not well received items from the game in a process called "vaulting". <ref name="ign devvideo"/><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2018/6/21/17489040/fortnite-shopping-cart-glitch-under-map-epic | title = Here’s why Fortnite shopping carts are giving Epic Games such a big headache | first = Patrica | last = Hernandez | date = June 21, 2018 | accessdate = July 6, 2018 | website = [[The Verge]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180701155511/https://www.theverge.com/2018/6/21/17489040/fortnite-shopping-cart-glitch-under-map-epic | archive-date = July 1, 2018 | dead-url = no}}</ref> With the release of Season 7 and ''[[Fortnite Creative]]'' mode, an area of the map called The Block will feature a rotating selection of user-made creations developed in 'Creative' mode and approved by Epic.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2018/12/6/18129738/fortnite-the-block-trailer-creative-mode-season-7-map-epic-games-tga-2018 | title = Epic Games announced The Block, a new Fortnite in-game community spotlight | first = Austen | last = Goslin | date = December 6, 2018 | accessdate = December 6, 2018 | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181207072411/https://www.polygon.com/2018/12/6/18129738/fortnite-the-block-trailer-creative-mode-season-7-map-epic-games-tga-2018 | archive-date = December 7, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref>

===Limited time and competitive modes===
Epic has the ability to include limited time modes (LTM) within the game, which provides Epic with experimental capabilities and gain feedback from players to improve upon.<ref name="gamasutra march2018"/> One of its earliest additions was a 50-v-50 mode, placing players randomly on one of two teams and dropping them on opposite sides of the map, giving the two teams time to gather resources, create fortifications, and hunt the other team before the storm moved in.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-fortnite-battle-royale-limited-time-modes-and-/1100-6456692/ | title = New Fortnite: Battle Royale Limited-Time Modes And Items Teased | first = Kevin | last = Knezevic | date = July 6, 2018 | accessdate = July 6, 2018 | website = [[GameSpot]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180706191228/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-fortnite-battle-royale-limited-time-modes-and-/1100-6456692/ | archive-date = July 6, 2018 | dead-url = no}}</ref> A sandbox Playground LTM was introduced in June 2018, which allows up to four players to explore and build anything anywhere on the battle map, while being able to fight each other and respawn upon defeat until the storm covered the map after an hour and eliminated them all; Epic later made this a permanent mode in the game.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.vg247.com/2018/07/06/fortnite-plans-make-playground-permanent-mode/ | title = Fortnite has plans to make Playground a permanent mode | first = Marshall | last = Lemon | date = July 6, 2018 | accessdate = July 6, 2018 | website = [[VG247]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180706172810/https://www.vg247.com/2018/07/06/fortnite-plans-make-playground-permanent-mode/ | archive-date = July 6, 2018 | dead-url = no}}</ref>

Epic has stated that they intend to add ranked competitive play in the future.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamesn.com/fortnite/fortnite-competitive-celebrity-pro-am | title = Competitive Fortnite details are incoming as Epic announce the Celebrity Pro-Am at E3 | first = Dustin | last = Bailey | date = March 15, 2018 | accessdate = March 15, 2018 | website = [[PCGamesN]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180316042109/https://www.pcgamesn.com/fortnite/fortnite-competitive-celebrity-pro-am | archivedate = March 16, 2018}}</ref> A preliminary competitive mode, Solo Showdown, ran for a limited time starting in May 2018, ranking players by their final placement in matches and rewarding the top-placing competitors with V-Bucks.<ref>{{Cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2018/5/17/17364708/fortnites-new-solo-showdown-ltm-mode-vbucks | title = Fortnite’s new Solo Showdown mode is for players who want to get competitive | last = Goslin | first = Austen | date = May 17, 2018 | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180517185811/https://www.polygon.com/2018/5/17/17364708/fortnites-new-solo-showdown-ltm-mode-vbucks | archive-date = May 17, 2018 | dead-url = no | access-date = May 17, 2018}}</ref>

===Seasonal changes===
''Fortnite Battle Royale'' has created a larger loose narrative that is exhibited through changes in the game map, which generally correlated to the start and end of the in-game [[Season (sports)|season]]. For example, in the lead up to the fourth season which started in May 2018, players saw a number of [[Meteoroid|shooting stars]] cross the skies, followed by a giant comet that neared the ground; upon the start of season four, the comet had hit one of the locations on the map, leaving a giant crater, among other changes. This tied into several new cosmetic skins related to superheroes and super-villains that were available that month.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://kotaku.com/fortnite-comet-hits-dusty-depot-map-and-gravity-altere-1825676044 | title = Fortnite Comet Hits Dusty Depot, Altering Map and Gravity For New Season | first = Patrica | last = Hernandez | date = May 1, 2018 | accessdate = July 3, 2018 | website = [[Kotaku]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180703220343/https://kotaku.com/fortnite-comet-hits-dusty-depot-map-and-gravity-altere-1825676044 | archivedate = July 3, 2018}}</ref> Epic has the ability to create custom events that occur across all game servers simultaneously as well; the first example of such was a countdown leading to a giant rocket's launch in June 2018 which, in the aftermath, left cracks in the skies that have grown since that event.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2018/7/2/17525200/fortnite-storytelling-rocket-launch | title = Fortnite has the most interesting video game story in years | first = Andrew | last = Webster | date = July 2, 2018 | accessdate = July 3, 2018 | website = [[The Verge]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180702220927/https://www.theverge.com/2018/7/2/17525200/fortnite-storytelling-rocket-launch | archivedate = July 2, 2018}}</ref>

The game initially launched without any seasonable schedule, but starting with the release of Season 2 in December 2017, Epic has provided new content, which includes new cosmetics, new gameplay elements, and changes to the game's map, on a roughly 10-week basis. This also introduced the use of the battle pass for players to obtain some of this new content by completing challenges and gaining experience.

{| class="wikitable"
! width=10% | Season
! Period
! width=70% | Description
|-
| Season 1
| September 2017 – December 2017
| Retroactively considered the first season upon the start of second.
|-
| Season 2
| December 2017 – February 2018
| Introduction of the [[battle pass]]. Medieval themed.
|-
| Season 3
| February 2018 – April 2018
| [[Interstellar travel|Space-themed]]. Battle Pass increased from 70 tiers to 100.
|-
| Season 4
| May 2018 – July 2018
| [[Superhero]] Movie-themed season. Leading up to the start of Season 4, players had observed shooting stars crossing the game's map during Season 3, which later became small meteorites that hit the ground and caused some damage. Across all games a large meteor also started to appear, on track to hit the game map to coincide with the start of Season 4, completely destroying one of the major landmarks.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/2018/4/30/17302064/fortnite-comet-update-tilted-towers | title = Fortnite’s comet is hitting tomorrow | first = Ben | last = Kuchera | date = April 30, 2018 | accessdate = July 14, 2018 | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180714221903/https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/2018/4/30/17302064/fortnite-comet-update-tilted-towers | archive-date = July 14, 2018 | dead-url = no}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2018/5/1/17305572/fortnite-season-4-battle-royale-reveal-comet-meteor-superheroes-surprise | title = Fortnite season 4 arrives with an answer to the mystery of the meteor | first = Nick | last = Statt | date = May 1, 2018 | accessdate = July 14, 2018 | website = [[The Verge]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180701155511/https://www.theverge.com/2018/5/1/17305572/fortnite-season-4-battle-royale-reveal-comet-meteor-superheroes-surprise | archive-date = July 1, 2018 | dead-url = no}}</ref>
|-
| Season 5
| July 2018 – September 2018
| Time travel-themed season. Prior to this season, Epic established a one-time event across all games on June 30, 2018 that fired a rocket from a villainous lair which created interdimensional rifts on the map.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2018/6/30/17521122/fortnite-rocket-launch-epic-games-dimensional-rift | title = Fortnite’s rocket launch created a spectacular dimensional rift in the sky | first = Patricia | last = Hernandez | date = June 30, 2018 | accessdate = July 14, 2018 | website = [[The Verge]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180701155454/https://www.theverge.com/2018/6/30/17521122/fortnite-rocket-launch-epic-games-dimensional-rift | archive-date = July 1, 2018 | dead-url = no}}</ref> The rifts grew over the next few days, with some in-game objects disappearing and new objects from other time periods appearing.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/07/09/fortnite-rifts-are-now-spawning-new-items-into-the-game | title = Fortnite Rifts Are Now Spawning New Items Into The Game | first = Nick | last = Santangelo | date = July 9, 2018 | accessdate = July 14, 2018 | website = [[IGN]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180714222159/http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/07/09/fortnite-rifts-are-now-spawning-new-items-into-the-game | archive-date = July 14, 2018 | dead-url = no}}</ref> As part of its marketing, Epic planted a real-world version of the "Durrr-Burger" restaurant sign in the California desert, with clues pointing to locations of real-world version of the game's loot llamas located around the world.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.cnbc.com/2018/07/12/fortnite-epic-games-microsoft-halo-arg-gaming-fans.html | title = 'Fortnite' Season 5 is being played in real life | first = Darren | last = Geeter | date = July 13, 2018 | accessdate = July 14, 2018 | website = [[CNBC]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180714001005/https://www.cnbc.com/2018/07/12/fortnite-epic-games-microsoft-halo-arg-gaming-fans.html | archive-date = July 14, 2018 | dead-url = no}}</ref> The season started with changes of the map due to these rifts, while the rifts remained as a gameplay element within the season, teleporting the player to a high elevation and to re-land elsewhere in the map.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fortnite-season-5-out-now-with-map-changes-new-ski/1100-6460345/ | title = Fortnite Season 5 Out Now With Map Changes, New Skins, And Battle Pass | first = Tamoor | last = Hussan | date = July 14, 2018 | accessdate = July 14, 2018 | website = [[GameSpot]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180714221858/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fortnite-season-5-out-now-with-map-changes-new-ski/1100-6460345/ | archive-date = July 14, 2018 | dead-url = no}}</ref>

|-
| Season 6
| September 2018 – December 2018<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fortnite-season-6-start-date-confirmed/1100-6461955/ | title = Fortnite Season 6 Start Date Confirmed | first = Kevin | last = Knezevik | date = September 21, 2018 | accessdate = September 21, 2018 | website = [[GameSpot]]}}</ref>
| Darkness and corruption themed. Near the end of the fifth season, another one-time event occurred in which the rifts created by the rocket launch closed up, leaving a large purple cube with glyphs on its surface in the game world, which players nicknamed "Kevin". Kevin moved on its own volition throughout the season, creating anomalies in its wake, including levitating itself and the large island in Loot Lake across the map, and allowing [[Interdimensional being|transdimensional]] "Cube Monsters" to appear across the map and attack players. Ultimately, Kevin overloaded and exploded, temporarily teleporting all players into a white, bottomless void, where a Rift-shaped butterfly briefly appeared. On return to the map, Loot Lake had returned to normal, but with many smaller islands made up of pieces of Kevin.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2018/8/24/17779836/fortnite-lightning-rift-purple-cube-event | title = Fortnite’s lightning rift has created a purple interdimensional cube | first = Patricia | last = Hernandez | date = August 24, 2018 | accessdate = August 24, 2018 | website = [[The Verge]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180825001839/https://www.theverge.com/2018/8/24/17779836/fortnite-lightning-rift-purple-cube-event | archive-date = August 25, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2018/8/27/17785756/fortnite-mystery-cube-obsession | title = Fortnite’s mysterious cube keeps moving, and I can’t stop following it | first = Andrew | last = Webster | date = August 27, 2018 | accessdate = August 27, 2018 | website = [[The Verge]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180827163709/https://www.theverge.com/2018/8/27/17785756/fortnite-mystery-cube-obsession | archive-date = August 27, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamesn.com/fortnite/fornite-loot-lake-purple-cube | title = Fortnite’s cube made its last stop – now Loot Lake is purple and bouncy | first = Dustin | last = Bailey | date = September 19, 2018 | accessdate = September 19, 2018 | website = [[PCGamesN]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180920011229/https://www.pcgamesn.com/fortnite/fornite-loot-lake-purple-cube | archive-date = September 20, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/2018/9/27/17909112/fortnite-season-6-v6-0-patch-notes-guide-battle-pass-weekly-challenges-shadow-stones-pets | title = 5 things to know about Fortnite Season 6 | first = Austin | last = Goslin | date = September 27, 2018 | accessdate = September 27, 2018 | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180927090812/https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/2018/9/27/17909112/fortnite-season-6-v6-0-patch-notes-guide-battle-pass-weekly-challenges-shadow-stones-pets | archive-date = September 27, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/fortnites-floating-island-is-up-to-something/ | title = Fortnite's floating island is up to something | first = James | last = Davenport | date = October 18, 2018 | accessdate = October 18, 2018 | website = [[PC Gamer]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181019021518/https://www.pcgamer.com/fortnites-floating-island-is-up-to-something/ | archive-date = October 19, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last1 = Tassi | first1 = Paul | title = Fortnite's Cube Island Just Blew Up, Cube Monsters Spawning For 'Fortnitemares' Event | url = https://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2018/10/24/fortnites-cube-island-just-blew-up-cube-monsters-spawning-for-fortnitemares-event/#5ab68b3231bc | website = Forbes | accessdate = October 29, 2018 | date = October 24, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181029072320/https://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2018/10/24/fortnites-cube-island-just-blew-up-cube-monsters-spawning-for-fortnitemares-event/#5ab68b3231bc | archive-date = October 29, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last1 = MacLeod | first1 = Riley | title = Fortnite's Cube Exploded, Briefly Transports Players To New Dimension | url = https://kotaku.com/fortnites-cube-explodes-briefly-transports-players-to-1830209756 | website = Forbes | accessdate = November 4, 2018 | date = November 4, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181105012231/https://kotaku.com/fortnites-cube-explodes-briefly-transports-players-to-1830209756 | archive-date = November 5, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref>
|-
| Season 7
| December 2018 – February 2019
| Winter themed. As the sixth season concluded, a snow cloud appeared over one corner of the map, followed by a large iceberg dubbed "Polar Peak" at the onset of Season 7 that collided with the island and covered a third of the map in snow with other new features, including a large castle on top of Polar Peak that had been buried deep in the snow. Initially the map's features celebrated the Festuvis holiday. Later, a large ice sphere appeared above the castle, warning of an upcoming winter storm. Soon, the Ice King, who had been trapped in the castle, emerged to cast a spell that unleashed a winter storm across the whole map, and summoned Ice Fiends (similar to the Cube Monsters) to attack players.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2019/1/19/18188401/fortnite-ice-monsters-sphere | title = Fortnite’s floating sphere exploded, leaving the island covered in snow and zombies | first = Andrew | last = Webster | date = January 19, 2019 | accessdate = January 19, 2019 | website = [[The Verge]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190120075206/https://www.theverge.com/2019/1/19/18188401/fortnite-ice-monsters-sphere | archive-date = January 20, 2019 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref>
|-
| Season 8
| March 2019 - May 2019
| [[Adventure fiction|Adventure]]/pirate/tropical/fire themed. In the last days of the seventh season, the island was rocked by [[earthquakes]] that created cracks on the ground,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Webster |first1=Andrew |title=Fortnite’s island is being rocked by earthquakes |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/2/15/18226060/fortnite-earthquakes-tremors-island-season-8 |website=''The Verge'' |accessdate=2 March 2019 |date=14 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227144819/https://www.theverge.com/2019/2/15/18226060/fortnite-earthquakes-tremors-island-season-8 |archive-date=February 27, 2019 |dead-url=no |df=mdy-all }}</ref> eventually heralding the appearance of a large [[volcano]] on the northeast corner of the map that erupted. The eruption melted most of the snow from the island, and eradicated the nearby features and replaced them with a [[lagoon]] and an [[Aztec]]-like temple complex. The eruption also created dangerous [[lava]] flows surrounding the volcano.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamesn.com/fortnite/fortnite-season-8-map | title = The Fortnite Season 8 map replaces Wailing Woods with a volcano | first = Ali | last = Jones | date = February 28, 2019 | accessdate = February 28, 2019 | work = [[PCGamesN]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190301074517/https://www.pcgamesn.com/fortnite/fortnite-season-8-map | archive-date = March 1, 2019 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> [[Pirates in popular culture|Pirates]], [[Ninjas in popular culture|ninjas]] and more unreal adventurers, (including a "prisoner" of the Ice King who broke free and developed an affinity for fire) enter the fold, hunting for treasure and victory.<ref>{{cite web |title=Fortnite Battle Royale: Season 8 Cinematic Trailer |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoFNer6dqi8 |website=YouTube |accessdate=2 March 2019 |date=28 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302191944/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoFNer6dqi8 |archive-date=March 2, 2019 |dead-url=no |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Near the end of the season, a special event called "The Unvaulting" took place, which allowed players to enter a dimension named "NEXUS." The dimension gave players the ability to vote for a weapon to be reintroduced into the game. After the drum gun won the vote, the volcano erupted and volcanic rocks flew out of the volcano. These huge rocks struck and destroyed Titled Towers, as well as severely damaging Retail Row and Polar Peak.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2019/5/4/18529463/fortnite-unvaulting-volcano-eruption-tilted-towers-destroyed-season-9 | title = Fortnite’s volcano has erupted, destroying Tilted Towers | first = Andrew | last = Webster | date= May 4, 2019 | accessdate = May 9, 2019 | work = [[The Verge]] }}</ref>
|-
| Season 9
| May 2019 - July 2019
|Futuristic themed. At the start, the areas destroyed by Season 8's Unvaulting had been reconstructed using futuristic designs and materials.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2019/5/9/18531057/fortnite-season-9-trailer-battle-pass-neo-tilted-towers | title = Fortnite season 9 turns Tilted Towers into a sci-fi city | first= Andrew | last= Webster | date = May 9, 2019 | accessdate = May 9, 2019 | work = [[The Verge]] }}</ref> Players observed a large monster swimming around outside the island, and strange footprints in other locations. Drones near the Vault concurrently started to construct a giant robot. At an event at the end of the season, the robot activated and attacked the monster, rampaging across the island. The robot eventually bested the monster with a giant sword, and then flew off, leaving the monster's corpse and sword behind.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://kotaku.com/fortnites-giant-monster-and-robot-finally-fought-1836560993 | title= Fortnite's Giant Monster And Robot Finally Fought | first = Riley | last =MacLeod | date = July 19, 2019 | accessdate = July 19, 2019 | work = [[Kotaku]] }}</ref>
|-
| Season 10
| August 2019 -
|
|}

===Promotional modes and elements===
Shortly after the launch of the film ''[[Avengers: Infinity War]]'', Epic ran a Marvel-sponsored event that featured the Infinity Gauntlet that randomly spawned on the map; any player that equipped it became [[Thanos]] with added abilities.<ref name="ew thanos"/> A second ''Avengers''-based mode was released upon release of ''[[Avengers: Endgame]]'', where players are randomly split between Avenger and [[Chitauri]] armies, seeking out the Infinity Stones or the Infinity Gauntlet.<ref>{{cite web | url =https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/2019/4/25/18513061/fortnite-avengers-crossover-game-mode-endgame-mode-patch-notes-850 | title = Fortnite’s new Avengers: Endgame mode is live |first1 = Austen | last1= Goslin | first2= Russ | last2 = Frushtick | date =April 25, 2019 | accessdate = April 25, 2019 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] }}</ref> Similarly, the character Wreck-It Ralph appeared in ''Fortnite'' in the weekly leading up to the release of ''[[Ralph Breaks the Internet]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2018/11/23/18108602/fortnite-wreck-it-ralph-crossover-cameo-breaks-the-internet | title = Wreck it Ralph makes surprise Fortnite appearance | first = Jon | last = Porter | date = November 23, 2018 | accessdate = May 9, 2019 | work = [[The Verge]] }}</ref> A week prior to the release of ''[[John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum]]'', elements of the ''Wick'' franchise were added to the game, including a Wick cosmetic skin and a LTM inspired by the film.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://venturebeat.com/2019/05/09/fortnite-now-has-john-wicks-continental-hotel/ | title = Fortnite now has John Wick’s Continental Hotel | first = Dean | last = Takahashi | date = May 9, 2019 | accessdate = May 9, 2019 | work = [[Venture Beat]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.engadget.com/2019/05/16/john-wick-fortnite-ltm-wicks-bounty/ | title = John Wick drops into 'Fortnite' for a bounty-hunting brawl | first = Kris | last = Holt | date = May 16, 2019 | accessdate = May 16, 2019 | work = [[Engadget]] }}</ref>

Non-gameplay related promotional events have included: EDM artist [[Marshmello]] held a virtual concert on February 2, 2019 across all game servers,<ref>{{Cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/2019/2/2/18208355/watch-the-full-marshmello-fortnite-concert-here-video-stream | title = Watch the full Marshmello Fortnite concert here | first = Russ | last = Frushtick | date = February 2, 2019 | accessdate = February 2, 2019 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190202202048/https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/2019/2/2/18208355/watch-the-full-marshmello-fortnite-concert-here-video-stream | archive-date = February 2, 2019 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> estimated to have had over 10 million players watching it live.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.vg247.com/2019/02/03/fortnites-dj-marshmello-concert-was-watched-by-over-10-million-players/ | title = Fortnite’s DJ Marshmello concert was broadcast live and watched by more than 10 million players | first = Shabana | last = Arif | date = February 3, 2019 | accessdate = February 3, 2019 | work = [[VG247]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190203195114/https://www.vg247.com/2019/02/03/fortnites-dj-marshmello-concert-was-watched-by-over-10-million-players/ | archive-date = February 3, 2019 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref>

==Development==
{{See also|Fortnite: Save the World#Development}}
''[[Fortnite]]'' had first been revealed by [[Epic Games]] in 2011, considered to be a combination of ''[[Minecraft]]'' and ''[[Left 4 Dead]]'' as four players would work together to scavenge resources to built fortifications, traps, weapons, and other objects to survive monster attacks.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/articles/epic-fortnite-is-minecraft-meets-left-4-dead/1100-6411360/ | title = Epic: Fortnite is "Minecraft meets Left 4 Dead" | website = [[GameSpot]] | first = Eddie | last = Makuch | date = July 12, 2013 | accessdate = March 25, 2015 | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20150327145006/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/epic-fortnite-is-minecraft-meets-left-4-dead/1100-6411360/ | archivedate = March 27, 2015}}</ref><ref name="polygon march2014">{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2014/3/26/5542822/the-future-of-games-epic-games-tim-sweeney-fortnite-unreal-tournament | title = What's the future of games at Epic Games? | first = Michael | last = McWhertor | date = March 26, 2014 | accessdate = June 9, 2017 | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20170627142221/https://www.polygon.com/2014/3/26/5542822/the-future-of-games-epic-games-tim-sweeney-fortnite-unreal-tournament | archivedate = June 27, 2017}}</ref> The game ended up with a protracted development period, in part due to both external pressures, with the industry transitioning to a [[games as a service]] model, and internal shifts of focus within Epic (including focusing attention on their first free-to-play title ''[[Paragon (video game)|Paragon]]'') to meet the external challenges. During this period, Epic made a deal with [[Tencent]], giving them about 40% of the company in exchange for their support for the games as a service approach as well as ready access to the Chinese video game market.<ref>{{Cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2013/3/21/4131702/tencents-epic-games-stock-acquisition | title = Tencent's $330M Epic Games investment absorbed 40 percent of developer [Updated] | last = Crecente | first = Brian | date = March 21, 2013 | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | access-date = May 4, 2018 | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180329225508/https://www.polygon.com/2013/3/21/4131702/tencents-epic-games-stock-acquisition | archivedate = March 29, 2018}}</ref> ''Fortnite'' was confirmed to have a planned 2018 release in June 2017, with a paid [[early access]] period starting a month later; the game is planned otherwise as a free-to-play title supported by [[microtransactions]]. With release in early access, the game featured its primary gameplay mode, "Save the World", where players in teams up to four would work cooperatively to survive and complete objectives on randomly generated maps.<ref name="earlyaccess">{{Cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/e3/2017/6/8/15761278/fortnite-early-access-release-date-ps4-xbox-one-pc-mac-price-preview | title = Fortnite announces early access release, hands-on the unfinished game | last = Hall | first = Charlie | date = June 8, 2017 | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | access-date = June 8, 2017 | deadurl = no | archiveurl = http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20171123131037/https://www.polygon.com/e3/2017/6/8/15761278/fortnite-early-access-release-date-ps4-xbox-one-pc-mac-price-preview | archivedate = November 23, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url = https://www.vg247.com/2017/07/21/fortnite-early-access-has-started-for-those-who-pre-ordered-founders-packs/ | title = Fortnite Early Access has started for those who pre-ordered Founder’s Packs | last = Nunneley | first = Stephany | date = July 21, 2017 | website = [[VG247]] | access-date = July 29, 2017 | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20170802152110/https://www.vg247.com/2017/07/21/fortnite-early-access-has-started-for-those-who-pre-ordered-founders-packs/ | archivedate = August 2, 2017}}</ref>

During the latter part of ''Fortnite''{{'}}s development, ''[[PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds]]'' was released in March 2017 on personal computers in early access, and quickly became a popular and successful game, becoming the defining example of the [[Battle royale game|battle royale genre]]. According to Mustard, the Epic team "loved Battle Royale games like [Battlegrounds]", and explored how they could make a similar mode within ''Fortnite''{{'}}s engine. They kept this mode in a separate development team from the main [[player versus environment]] modes for experimentation and as to not throw off the balance in the main game.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.pcgamer.com/fortnite-battle-royale-is-a-100-player-last-man-standing-mode-coming-this-month/ | title = Fortnite Battle Royale is a 100-player last-man-standing mode, coming this month | first = Andy | last = Chalk | date = September 12, 2017 | accessdate = November 29, 2017 | website = [[PC Gamer]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20171225033103/http://www.pcgamer.com/fortnite-battle-royale-is-a-100-player-last-man-standing-mode-coming-this-month/ | archivedate = December 25, 2017}}</ref> The Battle Royale mode development was led by Eric Williamson with Zack Estep as production lead. Their goal was to develop the Battle Royale mode quickly from the core "Save the World" mode, putting off any complex features that weren't already in place as to launch the new mode as soon as possible; while they explored such potential ideas, they held off inclusion until after the main mode was launched.<ref name="gamasutra march2018">{{cite web | url = https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/315485/Qamp_A_How_Epic_pared_down_Fortnite_Battle_Royale_to_be_fast_and_approachable_.php | title = Q&A: How Epic pared down Fortnite Battle Royale to be fast and approachable | first = Dante | last = Douglas | date = March 14, 2018 | accessdate = March 14, 2018 | website = [[Gamasutra]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180314183137/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/315485/Qamp_A_How_Epic_pared_down_Fortnite_Battle_Royale_to_be_fast_and_approachable_.php | archivedate = March 14, 2018}}</ref> The development of the ''Battle Royale'' mode took about two months starting in July 2017 after the "Save the World" mode had shipped, and was aided by the ''[[Unreal Tournament (upcoming video game)|Unreal Tournament]]'' team.<ref name="ign devvideo">{{cite web | url = http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/04/17/how-fortnite-became-the-biggest-game-in-the-world-ign-expert-mode | title = How Fortnite Became The Biggest Game In The World | first = James | last = Duggan | date = April 17, 2018 | accessdate = April 17, 2018 | website = [[IGN]] | type = video | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180418032815/http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/04/17/how-fortnite-became-the-biggest-game-in-the-world-ign-expert-mode | archivedate = April 18, 2018}}</ref><ref name="pcgamer gdc 2018">{{Cite web | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/fortnite-battle-royale-was-developed-in-just-two-months-and-wasnt-originally-going-to-be-free-to-play/ | title = Fortnite Battle Royale was developed in just two months, wasn't originally free-to-play | first = James | last = Davenport | date = March 22, 2018 | accessdate = March 22, 2018 | website = [[PC Gamer]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180322204912/https://www.pcgamer.com/fortnite-battle-royale-was-developed-in-just-two-months-and-wasnt-originally-going-to-be-free-to-play/ | archivedate = March 22, 2018}}</ref> Key differences for Battle Royale that differed from "Save the World" included a more limited progression for weapons, a small subset of traps, and a smoother, more natural terrain for the maps.<ref name="gamasutra march2018"/> They also wanted to aim for games not taking longer than 25 minutes, which led to some decisions of which elements from "Save the World" would not carry over.<ref name="gamasutra march2018"/> They had including ''Fortnite''{{'}}s building mechanic for fortifications, not sure how players would use that since the safe zone would continue shrinking, but found quickly that the mechanic helped to distinguish the game from ''Battlegrounds'' and was used by expert players frequently to win matches, and had since implemented more features to help players with rapidly constructing temporary bases.<ref name="gamasutra march2018"/>

[[File:Fortnite Battle Royale at GDC 2018.jpg|thumb|300px|''Fortnite Battle Royale'' at the 2018 [[Game Developers Conference]]]]
In those two months of development, Epic's plan was to include ''Battle Royale'' within the paid ''Fortnite'' game, and originally announced this approach publicly in early September 2017. Only two weeks before it was released did Epic decide to make it a separate free-to-play title, fearing that having it as part of the paid package would slow down the growth of the title.<ref name="pcgamer gdc 2018"/> Epic announced this change formally about a week after first announcing ''Battle Royale'', allowing those that had purchased early access to ''Fortnite'' in anticipation of this mode to request refunds.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2017/9/20/16340010/fortnite-battle-royale-pubg-playerunknowns-battlegrounds-free-to-play | title = Fortnite: Battle Royale will beat PUBG to consoles and be free-to-play | first = Chris | last = Plante | date = September 20, 2017 | accessdate = November 29, 2017 | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20171201032953/https://www.polygon.com/2017/9/20/16340010/fortnite-battle-royale-pubg-playerunknowns-battlegrounds-free-to-play | archivedate = December 1, 2017}}</ref> This release, which beat out ''Battlegrounds'' to consoles, caused some concern with ''Battlegrounds'' developer Bluehole, as they had been working closely with Epic for Unreal engine support in ''Battlegrounds'', and were worried that ''Fortnite'' might be able to include planned features to their Battle Royale mode before they could release those in ''Battlegrounds''.<ref>{{Cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2017/9/22/16350170/pubg-fortnite-battle-royale-genre-opinion | title = PUBG and Fortnite's argument raises the question: Can you own a genre? | first = Charlie | last = Hall | date = September 22, 2017 | accessdate = September 22, 2017 | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20170923003827/https://www.polygon.com/2017/9/22/16350170/pubg-fortnite-battle-royale-genre-opinion | archivedate = September 23, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last1 = Skipper | first1 = Ben | title = PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds team issues threat over 'carbon copy' battle royale mode in Epic Games' Fortnite | url = http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/playerunknowns-battlegrounds-team-issues-threat-over-carbon-copy-battle-royale-mode-epic-games-1640468 | website = [[International Business Times]] | accessdate = September 22, 2017 | date = September 22, 2017 | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20170922165952/http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/playerunknowns-battlegrounds-team-issues-threat-over-carbon-copy-battle-royale-mode-epic-games-1640468 | archivedate = September 22, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.pcgamer.com/pubg-exec-clarifies-objection-to-fortnite-battle-royale-its-not-about-the-idea-itself-its-about-epic-games/ | title = PUBG exec clarifies objection to Fortnite Battle Royale: 'it's not about the idea itself, it's about Epic Games' | first = Christopher | last = Livingston | date = September 23, 2017 | accessdate = September 23, 2017 | website = [[PC Gamer]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20170923075730/http://www.pcgamer.com/pubg-exec-clarifies-objection-to-fortnite-battle-royale-its-not-about-the-idea-itself-its-about-epic-games/ | archivedate = September 23, 2017}}</ref>

With the popularity of ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' by the start of 2018, Epic split off a separate development team to focus on improvements for this mode.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.rollingstone.com/glixel/features/the-evolution-of-the-worlds-largest-battle-royale-game-w515421 | title = 'Fortnite: Battle Royale': The Evolution of World's Largest Battle Royale Game | first = Brian | last = Crecente | date = January 15, 2018 | accessdate = January 26, 2018 | website = [[Glixel]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180127084356/https://www.rollingstone.com/glixel/features/the-evolution-of-the-worlds-largest-battle-royale-game-w515421 | archivedate = January 27, 2018}}</ref> Epic said that their attention to ''Fortnite'' was causing some of their other games to see lower player populations, leading them to reduce development efforts on these games, particularly ''Paragon''.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fortnites-huge-success-means-its-studios-other-gam/1100-6456179/ | title = Fortnite's Huge Success Means Its Studio's Other Game Might Not Live On | first = Eddie | last = Makuch | date = January 17, 2018 | accessdate = January 26, 2018 | website = [[GameSpot]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180127035743/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fortnites-huge-success-means-its-studios-other-gam/1100-6456179/ | archivedate = January 27, 2018}}</ref> By the end of January 2018, Epic announced it was shutting down ''Paragon'' by April of that year, providing refunds to all players.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://kotaku.com/after-fortnites-massive-success-epic-shuts-down-parago-1822460782 | title = After Fortnite's Massive Success, Epic Shuts Down Paragon | first = Jason | last = Schreier | date = January 26, 2018 | accessdate = January 26, 2018 | website = [[Kotaku]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180126203649/https://kotaku.com/after-fortnites-massive-success-epic-shuts-down-parago-1822460782 | archivedate = January 26, 2018}}</ref> Similarly, Epic announced it had halted development of the planned free-to-play ''Unreal Tournament'' game, its team transitioned to ''Fortnite'', though the game will remain available, playable, and open to end-user modifications.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/amid-fortnites-success-new-unreal-tournament-stops/1100-6463665/ | title = Amid Fortnite's Success, New Unreal Tournament Stops Development At Epic Games | first = Eddie | last = Makuch | date = December 4, 2018 | accessdate = December 4, 2018 | website = [[GameSpot]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181205041825/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/amid-fortnites-success-new-unreal-tournament-stops/1100-6463665/ | archive-date = December 5, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> Players on a ''Fortnite''-dedicated [[Reddit]] forum had expressed concerns that a similar fate could befall the ''Save the World'' mode of ''Fortnite'', as externally, the ''Save the World'' mode has not received the same attention in providing updates and improvements compared to the ''Battle Royale'' mode since that mode's release.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.vg247.com/2018/02/16/fortnites-save-world-mode-next-epics-kill-list/ | title = Could Fortnite’s Save The World mode be next on Epic’s kill list? | first = Dan | last = Hastings | date = February 16, 2018 | accessdate = February 16, 2018 | website = [[VG247]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180216210936/https://www.vg247.com/2018/02/16/fortnites-save-world-mode-next-epics-kill-list/ | archivedate = February 16, 2018}}</ref>

===Localization===
[[Tencent]], who is a partial owner of Epic Games, will bring ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' to China; the company is already involved in bringing and supporting ''Battlegrounds'' in China as well. Tencent plans to spend up to {{USD|15 million}} to help promote the game in China, set up eSports tournaments, and fight against copyright infringement and clones of ''Fortnite'' that have appeared in the country.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.engadget.com/2018/04/23/fortnite-is-coming-to-china/ | title = 'Fortnite' is coming to China | first = David | last = Lumb | date = April 23, 2018 | accessdate = April 23, 2018 | website = [[Engadget]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180424034212/https://www.engadget.com/2018/04/23/fortnite-is-coming-to-china/ | archivedate = April 24, 2018}}</ref> Epic also worked with [[Neowiz Games]] to bring a version of ''Fortnite'' to South Korea, launched in November 2018.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/tech/2018/05/134_249598.html | title = PUBG takes US game firm to court | first = Jun | last = Ji-hye | date = May 25, 2018 | accessdate = May 25, 2018 | website = [[The Korea Times]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180525120045/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/tech/2018/05/134_249598.html | archivedate = May 25, 2018}}</ref><ref name="VG247" />

===Ports===
A release of ''Fortnite'' for the [[Nintendo Switch]] video game console had been rumored in the week prior to the [[Electronic Entertainment Expo 2018]] in June 2018. During the [[Nintendo Direct]] presentation, [[Nintendo]] and Epic Games announced the release of ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' for the Nintendo Switch, supporting [[cross-platform play]] with any other platform except the PlayStation 4; such users are able to carry over their inventory, Battle Pass status, and in-game currency between these platforms through their Epic user account. The game was released on June 12, 2018, the same day as the announcement. It is the first game to support direct [[voice chat]] through the Switch console through software provided by [[Vivox]].<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/e3/2018/6/12/17437762/fortnite-nintendo-switch-release-date-e3-2018-trailer | title = Fortnite for Nintendo Switch is out today | first = Ben | last = Kuchera | date = June 12, 2018 | accessdate = June 12, 2018 | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180614152813/https://www.polygon.com/e3/2018/6/12/17437762/fortnite-nintendo-switch-release-date-e3-2018-trailer | archivedate = June 14, 2018}}</ref> With the success of the Switch version of ''Fortnite'', Vivox had made its voice chat [[software development kit]] available for other Switch games.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2019/2/5/18212296/switch-games-voice-text-chat-vivox-sdk | title = Switch games are finally getting proper voice chat thanks to Vivox | first = Chaim | last = Gartenburg | date = February 5, 2019 | accessdate = February 6, 2019 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190207072301/https://www.theverge.com/2019/2/5/18212296/switch-games-voice-text-chat-vivox-sdk | archive-date = February 7, 2019 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref>

In March 2018, Epic announced it was making ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' for [[Android (operating system)|Android]] and [[iOS]] mobile devices.<ref name="kotaku fbr" /> The iOS version was released first, and was expected to be followed by the Android version by mid-2018.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2018/5/18/17368348/fortnite-android-mobile-release-date-new-features-voice-chat | title = Fortnite is coming to Android this summer | first = Nick | last = Statt | date = May 18, 2018 | accessdate = May 18, 2018 | website = [[The Verge]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180519032326/https://www.theverge.com/2018/5/18/17368348/fortnite-android-mobile-release-date-new-features-voice-chat | archivedate = May 19, 2018}}</ref> The beta version for iOS devices launched on March 15, 2018,<ref>{{Cite web | url = https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2018/03/15/fortnite-battle-royale-on-ios-is-live-invites-going-out-now/#28a61d582b75 | title = 'Fortnite Battle Royale' On iOS Is Live, Invites Going Out Now | last = Thier | first = Dave | date = March 15, 2018 | website = [[Forbes]] | access-date = March 16, 2018 | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180318113037/https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2018/03/15/fortnite-battle-royale-on-ios-is-live-invites-going-out-now/#28a61d582b75 | archivedate = March 18, 2018}}</ref> and opened to all players on April 2, 2018.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2018/4/2/17188592/fortnite-mobile-ios-download-link-iphone-ipad | title = Fortnite now available for everyone on iOS | first = Charlie | last = Hall | date = April 2, 2018 | accessdate = April 2, 2018 | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180402173416/https://www.polygon.com/2018/4/2/17188592/fortnite-mobile-ios-download-link-iphone-ipad | archivedate = April 2, 2018}}</ref> Epic Games stated that it was not possible to release the Android version with the iOS version simultaneously, and declined to provide a concrete release date for it, because the developers wanted to spend a few months making sure that the game will be compatible with as many Android devices as possible, a task that is not easily accomplished due to the high variety of Android hardware.<ref>{{cite web | last1 = Kain | first1 = Erik | title = Why Isn't 'Fortnite' Coming To Android At The Same Time As iOS? | url = https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2018/03/16/why-isnt-fortnite-coming-to-android-at-the-same-time-as-ios/#55eea50028d5 | website = [[Forbes]] | accessdate = July 11, 2018 | date = March 16, 2018 | quote = '''Nick Chester''': "There’s a very wide range of Android devices that we want to support. We want to make sure Android players have a great experience, so we’re taking more time to get it right." | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180711070551/https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2018/03/16/why-isnt-fortnite-coming-to-android-at-the-same-time-as-ios/#55eea50028d5 | archive-date = July 11, 2018 | dead-url = no}}</ref>

The Android [[beta version]] of ''Fortnite'' was released on August 9, 2018 with a time-exclusivity for selected [[Samsung]] mobile devices until August 12, 2018.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2018/08/09/fortnite-android-officially-arrives-galaxy-note-9-launch/943898002/ | title = 'Fortnite' for Android officially arrives at Galaxy Note 9 launch | first = Eli | last = Blumenthal | date = August 9, 2018 | accessdate = August 9, 2018 | website = [[USA Today]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180809180842/https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2018/08/09/fortnite-android-officially-arrives-galaxy-note-9-launch/943898002/ | archive-date = August 9, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fortnite-android-beta-coming-today-but-exclusive-t/1100-6461049/ | title = Fortnite Android Beta Coming Today, But Exclusive To Samsung Devices For A Few Days | first = Tamoor | last = Hussain | date = August 9, 2018 | accessdate = August 9, 2018 | website = [[GameSpot]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180809171718/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fortnite-android-beta-coming-today-but-exclusive-t/1100-6461049/ | archive-date = August 9, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> On August 13, 2018, Epic began sending invites for the Android version to registered users for non-Samsung devices,<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fortnite-android-beta-now-available-for-more-phone/1100-6461129/ | title = Fortnite Android Beta Now Available For More Phones | first = Kevin | last = Knezevic | date = August 13, 2018 | accessdate = August 13, 2018 | website = [[GameSpot]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180813220524/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fortnite-android-beta-now-available-for-more-phone/1100-6461129/ | archive-date = August 13, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> and by October 11, 2018, the Android client was made available to all without an invite.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/328449/Fortnites_Android_version_is_no_longer_inviteonly.php | title = Fortnite's Android version is no longer invite-only | first = Alissa | last = McAloon | date = October 11, 2018 | accessdate = October 13, 2018 | website = [[Gamasutra]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181011234041/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/328449/Fortnites_Android_version_is_no_longer_inviteonly.php | archive-date = October 11, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref>

The Android version is not distributed on [[Google Play Store]]: users must [[sideloading|sideload]] an installer app from an [[Android application package]] (APK) file downloaded from the Epic Games' website (although on Samsung devices, the app is also available via the internal [[Samsung Galaxy Apps]] service).<ref>{{Cite web | url = https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-unlock-the-galaxy-skin-in-fortnite/ | title = Fortnite's Galaxy Skin: How to unlock the Note 9 exclusive | last = Cipriani | first = Jason | website = CNET | language = en | access-date = January 30, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190131041103/https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-unlock-the-galaxy-skin-in-fortnite/ | archive-date = January 31, 2019 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2018/8/13/17683646/fortnite-android-how-to-install-epic-games-google-play-store-beta-invite | title = How to install Fortnite on Android | last = Statt | first = Nick | date = August 13, 2018 | website = [[The Verge]] | access-date = February 1, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190202041931/https://www.theverge.com/2018/8/13/17683646/fortnite-android-how-to-install-epic-games-google-play-store-beta-invite | archive-date = February 2, 2019 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> Epic Games stated that it wanted to have a direct connection to the players of the game, and did not want its microtransactions to be subject to Google Play Store's 30% [[revenue sharing]] requirement (considering them disproportionate to the types of services the store provides).<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2018/8/3/17645982/epic-games-fortnite-android-version-bypass-google-play-store | title = Fortnite for Android will ditch Google Play Store for Epic’s website | first = Nick | last = Statt | date = August 3, 2018 | accessdate = August 3, 2018 | website = [[The Verge]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180803150818/https://www.theverge.com/2018/8/3/17645982/epic-games-fortnite-android-version-bypass-google-play-store | archive-date = August 3, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> Security experts expressed concern over this decision, since this requires users to modify security settings in default Android distributions to allow third-party sites to install Android application packages (APK). This setting can make users, particularly younger players, prone to potential [[malware]], including [[video game clone|clones]] of ''Fortnite'' that [[Trojan horse (computing)|install malicious programming]].<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2018/08/08/fortnite-decision-bypass-google-play-store-sparks-security-concerns/ | title = Fortnite decision to bypass the Google Play store sparks security concerns for teen gamers | first = Matthew | last = Field | date = August 8, 2018 | accessdate = August 8, 2018 | website = [[The Daily Telegraph]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180808122953/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2018/08/08/fortnite-decision-bypass-google-play-store-sparks-security-concerns/ | archive-date = August 8, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> About a month after the Android release, there were at least 32 clones of the ''Fortnite'' installer on the Google Store, with half found to include malware.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.vg247.com/2018/09/12/fake-fortnite-apps-android-full-of-malware-spyware-adware-report/ | title = 50% of fake Fortnite apps on Android contain malware, spyware or adware – report | first = Sherif | last = Saed | date = September 12, 2018 | accessdate = September 12, 2018 | website = [[VG247]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180912143547/https://www.vg247.com/2018/09/12/fake-fortnite-apps-android-full-of-malware-spyware-adware-report/ | archive-date = September 12, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> Epic's installer for Android does include a warning message following the install that users should re-enable security controls and warns users of only downloading content from trusted sources.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2018/08/google-play-warns-searchers-that-fortnite-is-not-available/ | title = Google Play warns searchers that Fortnite "is not available" | first = Kyle | last = Orland | date = August 13, 2018 | accessdate = August 13, 2018 | website = [[Ars Technica]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180813172651/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2018/08/google-play-warns-searchers-that-fortnite-is-not-available/ | archive-date = August 13, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> The initial installer was found by Google to have a potential vector that would allow for malware to be installed, though this was patched within 48 hours of discovery and Epic did not believe anyone used the vector.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.engadget.com/2018/08/26/fortnite-android-installer-let-attackers-install-anything/ | title = Initial 'Fortnite' Android installer let hackers install malware | first = John | last = Fingas | date = August 26, 2018 | accessdate = August 26, 2018 | website = [[Engadget]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180826191603/https://www.engadget.com/2018/08/26/fortnite-android-installer-let-attackers-install-anything/ | archive-date = August 26, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref>

The iOS version of ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' alone brought in an estimated {{USD|1 million}} in microtransaction revenue within the first three days of in-app purchases being available, according to analysis firm Sensor Tower. ''[[Glixel]]'' considered these numbers impressive, compared to the early success rate of other popular mobile games, such as ''[[Pokémon Go]]'' and ''[[Clash Royale]]'' which earned {{USD|4.9 million}} and {{USD|4.6 million}} in their first four days, respectively.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.rollingstone.com/glixel/news/mobile-fortnite-players-spent-over-1m-in-first-72-hours-w518087 | title = Mobile 'Fortnite' Players Spent Over $1M in First 72 Hours | first = Stefanie | last = Fogel | date = March 20, 2018 | accessdate = March 20, 2018 | website = [[Glixel]] | deadurl = yes | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180320163502/https://www.rollingstone.com/glixel/news/mobile-fortnite-players-spent-over-1m-in-first-72-hours-w518087 | archivedate = March 20, 2018}}</ref> Sensor Tower further estimated that after one month, the mobile title had earned more than {{USD|25 million}} in revenue, surpassing revenues from any other mobile games and other several top-grossing apps during the same period.<ref>{{Cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2018/4/6/17207888/fortnite-ios-revenue-15-million-beating-candy-crush-saga | title = Fortnite on iOS made $15 million in its first three weeks in the App Store | last = Statt | first = Nick | date = April 6, 2018 | website = The Verge | access-date = April 7, 2018 | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180406232202/https://www.theverge.com/2018/4/6/17207888/fortnite-ios-revenue-15-million-beating-candy-crush-saga | archivedate = April 6, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/316698/Fortnite_mobile_nabbed_25M_in_revenue_during_its_first_month.php | title = Fortnite mobile nabbed $25M in revenue during its first month | first = Alissa | last = McAloon | date = April 18, 2018 | accessdate = April 18, 2018 | website = [[Gamasutra]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180419120535/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/316698/Fortnite_mobile_nabbed_25M_in_revenue_during_its_first_month.php | archivedate = April 19, 2018}}</ref>

===Cross-platform play===
For the first five seasons, all ports of ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' support [[cross-platform play]] with other versions, but with limited interaction in regards to the PlayStation 4. That is, players on personal computer and mobile versions can cross-play with Xbox One and Nintendo Switch users, or alternatively they can cross-play with PlayStation 4 users.<ref name="kotaku fbr">{{cite web | url = https://kotaku.com/microsoft-says-sony-is-holding-back-fortnite-cross-play-1823707508 | title = Microsoft Says Sony Is Holding Back Fortnite Cross-Play | first = Ethan | last = Gach | date = March 12, 2018 | accessdate = March 12, 2018 | website = [[Kotaku]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180312213317/https://kotaku.com/microsoft-says-sony-is-holding-back-fortnite-cross-play-1823707508 | archivedate = March 12, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url = https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2018/06/12/fortnite-on-nintendo-switch-can-cross-play-with-xbox-one-ios-and-pc-just-not-ps4/#3b33aa6f7ebb | title = 'Fortnite' On Nintendo Switch Can Cross-Play With Xbox One, iOS And PC...Just Not PS4 | last = Thier | first = Dave | date = June 12, 2018 | website = [[Forbes]] | access-date = September 22, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180922214614/https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2018/06/12/fortnite-on-nintendo-switch-can-cross-play-with-xbox-one-ios-and-pc-just-not-ps4/#3b33aa6f7ebb | archive-date = September 22, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> While Epic Games has expressed interest in having full cross-platform play across all available platforms, Sony's continued refusal to allow cross-play between the PlayStation 4 and other consoles rendered this impossible, according to Microsoft.<ref name="kotaku fbr"/> Further, while players can use a single Epic Games account to share progress in ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' on all other platforms, those who used their PlayStation Network credentials to establish their Epic account cannot use that account on other platforms.<ref name="polygon-fortnite-ps4-switch-restriction" /><ref name="mashable-fortnite-cross-platform-restrictions">{{cite web | last = Beck | first = Kellen | title = Sony's lack of cross-compatibility in 'Fortnite' is a bad sign | url = https://mashable.com/2018/06/12/sony-cross-compatibility-fortnite/#flLkvbpVTmqW | website = [[Mashable]] | accessdate = June 12, 2018 | date = June 12, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180612233028/https://mashable.com/2018/06/12/sony-cross-compatibility-fortnite/#flLkvbpVTmqW | archive-date = June 12, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> The account restriction was confirmed to be as a result of [[Cross-platform play#Sony|Sony's initial decision to prohibit cross-platform play between its PlayStation 4 and other consoles]], rather than a choice Epic had made.<ref name="polygon-fortnite-ps4-switch-restriction">{{cite web | last = Kuchera | first = Ben | title = Fortnite accounts that have been used on the PS4 are blocked on Switch (and vice versa) | url = https://www.polygon.com/2018/6/12/17453978/this-fortnite-account-is-associated-with-a-platform-which-does-not-allow-it-to-operate-on-switch | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | accessdate = June 12, 2018 | date = June 12, 2018 | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180612195056/https://www.polygon.com/2018/6/12/17453978/this-fortnite-account-is-associated-with-a-platform-which-does-not-allow-it-to-operate-on-switch | archivedate = June 12, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2018/6/14/17462932/fortnite-nintendo-switch-block-sony-response-comment | title = Sony issues weak response to Fortnite cross-play controversy on PS4 and Switch | last = Warren | first = Tom | date = June 14, 2018 | website = [[The Verge]] | access-date = June 14, 2018 | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180614152817/https://www.theverge.com/2018/6/14/17462932/fortnite-nintendo-switch-block-sony-response-comment | archivedate = June 14, 2018}}</ref>

By September 2018, Sony had made a decision to allow cross-platform play for the PlayStation 4 for "select third-party titles", starting with ''Fortnite''. A beta version of the PlayStation 4 client supporting this was released for the game on September 26, 2018, the same day as Sony's announcement.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://kotaku.com/sony-is-finally-allowing-cross-play-on-the-ps4-1829326043 | title = Sony Is Finally Allowing Cross-Play On The PS4 | first = Luke | last = Plunkett | date = September 26, 2018 | accessdate = September 26, 2018 | website = [[Kotaku]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180926132536/https://kotaku.com/sony-is-finally-allowing-cross-play-on-the-ps4-1829326043 | archive-date = September 26, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> Tools to merge multiple Epic accounts as well as unlinking console accounts from an Epic account to attach to another were released in February 2019.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-09-26-fortnite-cross-play-live-account-curse-lifted | title = Fortnite cross-play account merge feature coming November | first = Tom | last = Phillips | date = September 26, 2018 | accessdate = September 26, 2018 | website = [[Eurogamer]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180926205343/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-09-26-fortnite-cross-play-live-account-curse-lifted | archive-date = September 26, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2019/2/7/18215594/fortnite-epic-games-account-merge-feature-switch-ps4-xbox-one-v-bucks | title = Fortnite adds account merging to help console players rescue their v-bucks and collectibles | first = Nick | last = Statt | date = February 7, 2019 | accessdate = February 7, 2019 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190209123805/https://www.theverge.com/2019/2/7/18215594/fortnite-epic-games-account-merge-feature-switch-ps4-xbox-one-v-bucks | archive-date = February 9, 2019 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> The first full patch adding in cross-platform play support across all consoles was released in March 2019.<ref name="engadget 8.10 patch">{{cite web | url = https://www.engadget.com/2019/03/12/fortnite-ps4-xbox-one-crossplay-matchmaking/ | title = 'Fortnite' will force PS4 and Xbox One players to fight each other | first = Matt | last = Brian | date = March 12, 2019 | accessdate = March 12, 2019 | work = [[Engadget]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190312120611/https://www.engadget.com/2019/03/12/fortnite-ps4-xbox-one-crossplay-matchmaking/ | archive-date = March 12, 2019 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref>

Solo mobile players, or squads entirely consisting of mobile players will play solely with other mobile players by default for fairness; players however can use cross-platform play to join squads on other platforms, and matchmaking will consider all available matches.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://venturebeat.com/2018/08/03/tim-sweeney-epics-ceo-on-fortnite-on-android-skipping-google-play-and-the-open-metaverse/ | title = Tim Sweeney: Epic’s CEO on Fortnite on Android, skipping Google Play, and the open Metaverse | first = Dean | last = Takahashi | date = August 3, 2018 | accessdate = August 3, 2018 | website = [[Venture Beat]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180803194906/https://venturebeat.com/2018/08/03/tim-sweeney-epics-ceo-on-fortnite-on-android-skipping-google-play-and-the-open-metaverse/ | archive-date = August 3, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> With the March 2019 for cross-platform play, the game will similar matchmake PlayStation 4 and Xbox One users by default to avoid these players being at a disadvantage against computer users.<ref name="engadget 8.10 patch"/>

===Promotion and marketing===
In May 2018, Epic announced a partnership with sports apparel manufacturing company [[IMG (company)|IMG]] to produce official ''Fortnite''-themed clothing.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/fortnite-img-merchandise-1202820038/ | title = Brace Yourselves, ‘Fortnite’ Merchandise Is Coming | first = Stephanie | last = Fogel | date = May 23, 2018 | accessdate = September 6, 2018 | website = [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180906233747/https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/fortnite-img-merchandise-1202820038/ | archive-date = September 6, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> A [[Hasbro]]-licensed ''Fortnite Battle Royale''-themed version of ''[[Monopoly (game)|Monopoly]]'' was announced for release by late 2018; the ''Fortnite Monopoly'' game reflects some elements of the video game, such as the money being replaced with player's lives, and the ability to protect properties on the board with walls.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-09-06-fortnite-monopoly-is-now-available-for-pre-order | title = Fortnite Monopoly is now available for pre-order | first = Emma | last = Kent | date = September 6, 2018 | accessdate = September 6, 2018 | website = [[Eurogamer]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180906195714/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-09-06-fortnite-monopoly-is-now-available-for-pre-order | archive-date = September 6, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> Further, with this deal, Hasbro will produce ''Fortnite''-based [[Nerf]] blasters, which are expected to reach retail in 2019.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/09/06/fortnite-nerf-blasters-are-coming-in-2019 | title = Fortnite Nerf Blasters Are Coming In 2019 | first = Nick | last = Santangelo | date = September 6, 2018 | accessdate = September 6, 2018 | website = [[IGN]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180907032409/http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/09/06/fortnite-nerf-blasters-are-coming-in-2019 | archive-date = September 7, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> [[Funko]] will release a series of ''Fortnite'' themed Pop! figurines by late 2018.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/funko-reveals-14-fortnite-themed-funko-pop-figures/ | title = Funko reveals 14 Fortnite-themed Funko Pop! figures | first = Vikki | last = Blake | date = September 29, 2018 | accessdate = September 29, 2018 | website = [[PC Gamer]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180929202600/https://www.pcgamer.com/funko-reveals-14-fortnite-themed-funko-pop-figures/ | archive-date = September 29, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref>

''Fortnite Battle Royale'' has been packaged as special bundles with both the Xbox One and Nintendo Switch, each version providing redeemable codes for V-bucks and platform-unique customization options.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/2018/9/25/17903150/xbox-one-s-fortnite-bundle-eon-skin | title = Fortnite Xbox One S bundle features some console exclusives | first = Austin | last = Goslin | date = September 25, 2018 | accessdate = October 9, 2018 | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180930143738/https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/2018/9/25/17903150/xbox-one-s-fortnite-bundle-eon-skin | archive-date = September 30, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/09/28/score-exclusive-skins-and-v-bucks-with-a-fortnite-bundle | title = Score Exclusive Skins And V-bucks With A Fortnite Bundle | first = Seth | last = Macy | date = September 28, 2018 | accessdate = October 9, 2018 | website = [[IGN]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181009211859/https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/09/28/score-exclusive-skins-and-v-bucks-with-a-fortnite-bundle | archive-date = October 9, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> A retail release of ''Fortnite Battle Royale'', called ''Fortnite: Deep Freeze Bundle'', was distributed by [[Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment]] for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch in late 2018. The package included a redeemable code for V-Bucks and unique in-game cosmetics.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/328240/Epic_is_bringing_a_physical_Fortnite_bundle_to_store_shelves_for_the_holidays.php | title = Epic is bringing a physical Fortnite bundle to store shelves for the holidays | first = Alissa | last = McAloon | date = October 9, 2018 | accessdate = October 9, 2018 | website = [[Gamasutra]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181009202601/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/328240/Epic_is_bringing_a_physical_Fortnite_bundle_to_store_shelves_for_the_holidays.php | archive-date = October 9, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref>

In October 2018, Epic launched its "Support a Creator" program for ''Fortnite''. Individual players could designate one of several popular ''Fortnite'' streamers, selected by Epic via an application process, to support via the game client. That create would then earn money based on how many V-bucks their supporters spent within the game, at a rate of {{USD|5}} for every 10,000 V-Bucks (roughly, 5% of the monetary value).<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-10-08-epic-to-launch-support-a-creator-fortnite-intiative | title = Epic to launch "Support-A-Creator" Fortnite initiative | first = Matthew | last = Handrahan | date = October 8, 2018 | accessdate = January 17, 2019 | website = [[GamesIndustry.biz]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190119120922/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-10-08-epic-to-launch-support-a-creator-fortnite-intiative | archive-date = January 19, 2019 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> Though initially planned as a limited time event, Epic found by December 2018 that millions of ''Fortnite'' players were using the promotion to support more than 10,000 streamers, and since have made it a permanent option for ''Fortnite'' and hoping this would help some creators go full-time,<ref>{{cite web | url = https://dotesports.com/fortnite/news/support-a-creator-is-now-permanent-in-fortnite | title = Support-A-Creator is now permanent in Fortnite | first = Jamie | last = Villanueva | date = December 3, 2018 | accessdate = January 17, 2019 | website = [[Dot Esports]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190417201525/https://dotesports.com/fortnite/news/support-a-creator-is-now-permanent-in-fortnite | archive-date = April 17, 2019 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> and plans to extend this program to other games offered via the [[Epic Games Store]], including ''[[Tom Clancy's The Division 2]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.twingalaxies.com/feed_details.php/4194/the-division-2-to-be-on-epic-games-store-be-part-of-support-a-creator-program | title = The Division 2 to be on Epic Games Store, Be Part of Support-A-Creator program | first = Nicholas | last = Barth | date = January 9, 2019 | accessdate = January 17, 2019 | website = [[Twin Galaxies]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190119120908/https://www.twingalaxies.com/feed_details.php/4194/the-division-2-to-be-on-epic-games-store-be-part-of-support-a-creator-program | archive-date = January 19, 2019 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref>

In November 2018, Epic partnered with the [[National Football League]] (NFL) to make character skins for each of the 32 teams in the league available to purchase for a limited time. This was the result of the influence of ''Fortnite'' on NFL players, who had frequently performed ''Fortnite'' dance emotes as touchdown celebrations.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/2018/11/5/18064374/fortnite-nfl-skins-uniforms | title = NFL skins are coming to Fortnite | first = Charlie | last = Hall | date = November 5, 2018 | accessdate = November 5, 2018 | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181105223011/https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/2018/11/5/18064374/fortnite-nfl-skins-uniforms | archive-date = November 5, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref>

== Esports ==
[[File:Fortnite Pro-Am stadium at E3 2018 3.jpg|thumb|300px|The ''Fortnite'' Pro-Am event at E3 2018]]
One of the first professional [[eSports]] competitions using ''Fortnite'' was the ''Fortnite'' Pro-Am event, held on June 12, 2018 during the [[Electronic Entertainment Expo 2018]], with 3,000 in attendance.<ref name="nymag" /> This tournament was announced after the success of the March 2018 stream by [[Ninja (streamer)|Ninja]] where he played alongside celebrities like [[Drake (musician)|Drake]]. The event featuring 50 celebrities paired with 50 top streaming players competing for prize pool of {{USD|3 million}} to be given to winning teams' charities.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/after-drake-fortnite-will-host-a-celebrity-party-r/1100-6457442/ | title = After Drake, Fortnite Will Host A Celebrity "Party Royale" At E3 | first = Chris | last = Pereira | date = March 15, 2018 | accessdate = March 15, 2018 | website = [[GameSpot]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180315233418/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/after-drake-fortnite-will-host-a-celebrity-party-r/1100-6457442/ | archivedate = March 15, 2018}}</ref> Ninja and his celebrity teammate [[Marshmello]] were the winners of this event.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2018/6/12/17456476/ninja-fortnite-marshmello-win-epic-e3-2018-fortnite-pro-am | title = Ninja and Marshmello win Epic’s E3 2018 Fortnite Pro Am | first = Austen | last = Goslin | date = June 12, 2018 | accessdate = June 12, 2018 | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180613111536/https://www.polygon.com/2018/6/12/17456476/ninja-fortnite-marshmello-win-epic-e3-2018-fortnite-pro-am | archivedate = June 13, 2018}}</ref>

In May 2018, Epic announced it was setting aside {{USD|100 million}} to fund various tournaments throughout the year to help grow ''Fornite Battle Royale'' into an eSport.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/21/epic-makes-fornite-biggest-esport-with-100-million-in-prize-money.html | title = Epic makes ‘Fortnite’ biggest esport in the world with $100 million in prize money | first = Tae | last = Kim | date = May 21, 2018 | accessdate = July 15, 2018 | website = [[CNBC]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180715210712/https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/21/epic-makes-fornite-biggest-esport-with-100-million-in-prize-money.html | archive-date = July 15, 2018 | dead-url = no}}</ref> A ''Fortnite'' World Cup tournament was announced in February 2019, with qualifying rounds in April and the finals held at the [[Arthur Ashe Stadium]] in New York City from July 26–28, 2019. A total prize pool of {{USD|30 million}}, including a {{USD|3 million}} payout to the winner of the solo and duo competitions, was given out.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2019/2/22/18235132/fortnite-world-cup-final-date-prize-money-new-york-esports | title = Fortnite’s $30 million World Cup final is happening in July | first = Andrew | last = Webster | date = February 22, 2019 | accessdate = February 22, 2019 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190223102447/https://www.theverge.com/2019/2/22/18235132/fortnite-world-cup-final-date-prize-money-new-york-esports | archive-date = February 23, 2019 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Vincent |first1=Brittany |title=The next World Cup? Fortnite. Here's everything you need to know |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/business/consumer/next-world-cup-fortnite-here-s-everything-you-need-know-n1028196 |website=NBC News |accessdate=17 July 2019}}</ref>

During mid-2018, Epic started running a Summer Skirmish series over eight weeks, each week having a different format, with {{USD|8 million}} to be offered to winners throughout the series. The series had some initial problems; the first week event was cut short due to technical issues with game servers, while the second event ended with accusations of cheating towards the winner which Epic later verified were not true.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2018/7/30/17629486/fortnite-summer-skirmish-esports-overwatch-pubg | title = Fortnite’s grand e-sports plans are off to a shaky start | first = Andrew | last = Webster | date = July 30, 2018 | accessdate = July 31, 2018 | website = [[The Verge]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180731113408/https://www.theverge.com/2018/7/30/17629486/fortnite-summer-skirmish-esports-overwatch-pubg | archive-date = July 31, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> Epic launched its second competition play series, the Fall Skirmish, on September 21, 2018, with up to {{USD|10 million}} in prizes for winners.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/fortnite-fall-skirmish-details-1202952770/ | title = ‘Fortnite’ Has 78 Million Month, Epic Details Fall Skirmish | first = Stephanie | last = Fogel | date = September 21, 2018 | accessdate = September 23, 2018 | website = [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180923063853/https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/fortnite-fall-skirmish-details-1202952770/ | archive-date = September 23, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref>

==Reception and legacy==
{{Video game reviews
| MC = 81/100 (PC)<ref>{{cite web | title = Fortnite (PC) | url = https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/fortnite | website = [[Metacritic]] | accessdate = January 28, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190311184250/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/fortnite | archive-date = March 11, 2019 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> <br> 78/100 (PS4)<ref>{{cite web | title = Fortnite (PlayStation 4) | url = https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/fortnite | website = [[Metacritic]] | accessdate = January 28, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190207002944/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/fortnite | archive-date = February 7, 2019 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> <br> 85/100 (Xbox One)<ref>{{cite web | title = Fortnite (Xbox One) | url = https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-one/playerunknowns-battlegrounds | website = [[Metacritic]] | accessdate = January 28, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190121055736/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-one/playerunknowns-battlegrounds | archive-date = January 21, 2019 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> <br> 81/100 (iOS)<ref>{{cite web | title = Fortnite (iOS) | url = https://www.metacritic.com/game/ios/fortnite | website = [[Metacritic]] | accessdate = January 28, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190128143828/https://www.metacritic.com/game/ios/fortnite | archive-date = January 28, 2019 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref><br>83/100 (Switch)<ref>{{cite web | title = Fortnite (Switch) | url = https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/fortnite | website = [[Metacritic]] | accessdate = January 28, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181211204007/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/fortnite | archive-date = December 11, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref>
| GI = 8.5/10<ref>{{cite web | last1 = Tack | first1 = Daniel | title = Fortnite Review - An Epic Epoch | url = https://www.gameinformer.com/review/fortnite/an-epic-epoch | website = [[Game Informer]] | date = July 19, 2018 | accessdate = January 28, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190129182014/https://www.gameinformer.com/review/fortnite/an-epic-epoch | archive-date = January 29, 2019 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref>
| GSpot = 8/10<ref name="GSpot">{{cite web | last = Austen | first = Golsin | date = March 27, 2018 | url = https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/fortnite-battle-royale-review-laying-the-foundatio/1900-6416891/ | title = Fortnite: Battle Royale – Laying The Foundation | website = [[GameSpot]] | accessdate = August 21, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180708074528/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/fortnite-battle-royale-review-laying-the-foundatio/1900-6416891/ | archive-date = July 8, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref>
| IGN = 9.6/10<ref name="IGN">{{cite web | last = Austen | first = Golsin | date = March 27, 2018 | url = http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/03/27/fortnite-battle-royale-review | title = Fortnite Battle Royale Review | website = [[IGN]] | accessdate = August 21, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180818181328/http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/03/27/fortnite-battle-royale-review | archive-date = August 18, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref>
}}

===Player count and revenue===
{{see also|Fortnite#Reception|l1=Reception and accolades for Fortnite}}
''Fortnite Battle Royale'' has become a phenomenon, and has been compared by analysts to ''[[World of Warcraft]]'' and ''[[Minecraft]]'' for successfully drawing in people who do not usually play video games.<ref name="wapost april2018">{{cite web | url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2018/04/03/everything-you-need-to-know-about-fortnite-and-why-its-so-popular/ | title = Everything you need to know about Fortnite and why it’s so popular | first = Hayley | last = Tsukayama | date = April 3, 2018 | accessdate = April 3, 2018 | website = [[The Washington Post]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180403141101/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2018/04/03/everything-you-need-to-know-about-fortnite-and-why-its-so-popular/ | archivedate = April 3, 2018}}</ref> ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' obtained over 10 million players two weeks after its release.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fortnite-battle-royale-has-hit-10-million-players-/1100-6454008/ | title = Fortnite: Battle Royale Has Hit 10 Million Players In Two Weeks | first = Eddie | last = Makuch | date = October 12, 2017 | accessdate = October 16, 2017 | website = [[GameSpot]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180206223343/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fortnite-battle-royale-has-hit-10-million-players-/1100-6454008/ | archivedate = February 6, 2018}}</ref> By March 2018, it was estimated to have more than 45 million players.<ref name="bloomberg march 2018">{{cite web | url = https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-03-20/video-game-stocks-are-selling-off-as-gamers-flock-to-fortnite | title = Activision, Take-Two Stocks Taking a Hit Thanks to 'Fortnite' | first = Stefanie | last = Fogel | date = March 21, 2018 | accessdate = March 21, 2018 | website = [[Bloomberg Businessweek]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180322015526/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-03-20/video-game-stocks-are-selling-off-as-gamers-flock-to-fortnite | archivedate = March 22, 2018}}</ref> Three months later, in June 2018, Epic announced they had achieved over 125 million players in less than a year, with at least 40 million players playing the game once per month.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2018/6/12/17456814/fortnite-battle-royale-epic-games-125-million-players-first-year-e3-2018 | title = Fortnite now has 125 million players just one year after launch | first = Nick | last = Statt | date = June 12, 2018 | accessdate = June 12, 2018 | website = [[The Verge]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180613155733/https://www.theverge.com/2018/6/12/17456814/fortnite-battle-royale-epic-games-125-million-players-first-year-e3-2018 | archivedate = June 13, 2018}}</ref> In November 2018, ''[[Bloomberg L.P.|Bloomberg]]'' reported that ''Fortnite'' had over 200 million registered accounts across all platforms.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-11-26/fortnite-now-has-200-million-players-up-60-from-the-last-count | title = Fortnite Now Has 200 Million Players, Up 60% From the Last Count | first = Christopher | last = Palmeri | date = November 26, 2018 | accessdate = November 27, 2018 | website = [[Bloomberg L.P.]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181128020136/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-11-26/fortnite-now-has-200-million-players-up-60-from-the-last-count | archive-date = November 28, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> Epic CEO Tim Sweeney reported that the game had reached 250 million players by the time of the 2019 [[Game Developers Conference]], with an estimated 35% of those players being female, the highest known percentage for any shooter game.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.engadget.com/2019/03/20/fortnite-250-million-epic-games-sweeney-interview-gdc/ | title = Epic Games has 250 million 'Fortnite' players and a lot of plans | first = Jessica | last = Conditt | date = March 20, 2019 | accessdate = March 20, 2019 | work = [[Engadget]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190320213658/https://www.engadget.com/2019/03/20/fortnite-250-million-epic-games-sweeney-interview-gdc/ | archive-date = March 20, 2019 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref>

Individual platform releases saw initial surges in player counts. Within a day of becoming available, the Nintendo Switch version had been downloaded over 2 million times, according to Nintendo.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/06/13/e3-2018-fortnite-on-nintendo-switch-has-been-downloaded-2-million-times-in-its-first-day | title = E3 2018: Fortnite On Nintendo Switch Has Been Downloaded 2 Million Times In Its First Day | first = Jonathon | last = Dornbush | date = June 13, 2018 | accessdate = June 13, 2018 | website = [[IGN]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180614152814/http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/06/13/e3-2018-fortnite-on-nintendo-switch-has-been-downloaded-2-million-times-in-its-first-day | archivedate = June 14, 2018}}</ref> Epic said that ''Fortnite'' had been downloaded over 15 million times for Android within three weeks of its launch.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2018/09/fortnite-reaches-15-million-android-downloads-without-google-play/ | title = Fortnite reaches 15 million Android downloads without Google Play | first = Kyle | last = Orland | date = September 7, 2018 | accessdate = September 7, 2018 | website = [[Ars Technica]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180907163245/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2018/09/fortnite-reaches-15-million-android-downloads-without-google-play/ | archive-date = September 7, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> On the release of Season 5 in July 2018, [[Akamai Technologies]] reported that ''Fortnite'' traffic neared 37 [[terabyte]]s per second, the largest recorded amount of traffic for any video game that they have observed.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://fortune.com/2018/07/13/fortnite-season-5-internet-traffic-record/ | title = New Fortnite Release Downloads Shatter Record for Internet Traffic | first = Chris | last = Morris | date = July 13, 2018 | accessdate = July 14, 2018 | website = [[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180714000657/http://fortune.com/2018/07/13/fortnite-season-5-internet-traffic-record/ | archive-date = July 14, 2018 | dead-url = no}}</ref> With its quarterly financial report ending September 30, 2018, Nintendo said that ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' had been downloaded on about half of all Switch systems they have sold, representing about 11.5 million downloads.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/10/31/fortnite-downloaded-on-nearly-half-of-all-nintendo-switch-systems-worldwide | title = Fortnite Downloaded On 'Nearly Half Of All Nintendo Switch Systems Worldwide' | first = Adam | last = Bankhurst | date = October 30, 2018 | accessdate = October 30, 2018 | website = [[IGN]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181031084456/https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/10/31/fortnite-downloaded-on-nearly-half-of-all-nintendo-switch-systems-worldwide | archive-date = October 31, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref>

''Fortnite Battle Royale'' was made available to South Korea and their numerous [[PC bang]]s in November 2018; shortly after this point, Epic reported that ''Fortnite'' has surpassed a concurrent player count of 8.3 million, surpassing the game's previous record of 3.4 million in February 2018.<ref name="VG247">{{cite web | url = https://www.vg247.com/2018/11/08/fortnite-hits-concurrent-player-count-over-8-million/ | title = Fortnite hits concurrent player count of 8.3 million | first = Lauren | last = Aitken | date = November 8, 2018 | accessdate = November 9, 2018 | website = [[VG247]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181108193941/https://www.vg247.com/2018/11/08/fortnite-hits-concurrent-player-count-over-8-million/ | archive-date = November 8, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref>

Analysis firm SuperData estimated that ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' made over {{USD|126 million}} in February 2018, surpassing ''Battlegrounds''{{'}}s revenues for the same period of {{USD|103 million}}.<ref>{{Cite web | url = https://www.pcgamesn.com/fortnite/fortnite-revenue | title = Fortnite made $126m in February, making more than PUBG for the first time | first = Ali | last = Jones | date = March 22, 2018 | accessdate = March 22, 2018 | website = [[PCGamesN]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180323030445/https://www.pcgamesn.com/fortnite/fortnite-revenue | archivedate = March 23, 2018}}</ref> SuperData estimated ''Fortnite''{{'}}s revenues over all platforms to exceed {{USD|223 million}} for the month of March.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-04-26-fornite-earned-usd223-million-in-march-superdata | title = Fortnite earned $223 million in March – Superdata | first = Brendan | last = Sinclair | date = April 26, 2018 | accessdate = April 27, 2018 | website = [[GamesIndustry.biz]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180426233826/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-04-26-fornite-earned-usd223-million-in-march-superdata | archivedate = April 26, 2018}}</ref> By April 2018, SuperData estimated that ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' had surpassed both sales and player count on all platforms over ''Battlegrounds''.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamesn.com/fortnite/fortnite-total-revenue | title = Fortnite has overtaken PUBG's total revenue and player count across all platforms | first = Ali | last = Jones | date = April 26, 2018 | accessdate = April 26, 2018 | website = [[PCGamesN]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180427120150/https://www.pcgamesn.com/fortnite/fortnite-total-revenue | archivedate = April 27, 2018}}</ref> The game generated {{USD|296 million}} in revenue in April, followed by {{USD|318 million}} in May, according to SuperData.<ref>{{Cite web | url = https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2018/05/24/report-fortnite-battle-royale-made-nearly-300-million-last-month/#1cbf8f63113e | title = Report: 'Fortnite: Battle Royale' Made Nearly $300 Million Last Month | last = Thier | first = Dave | date = May 24, 2018 | website = [[Forbes]] | access-date = June 4, 2018 | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180528144941/https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2018/05/24/report-fortnite-battle-royale-made-nearly-300-million-last-month/#1cbf8f63113e | archivedate = May 28, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url = https://www.recode.net/2018/6/26/17502072/fortnite-revenue-game-growth-318-million | title = Fortnite is generating more revenue than any other free game ever | last = Molla | first = Rani | date = June 26, 2018 | website = [[Recode]] | access-date = July 5, 2018 | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180706082638/https://www.recode.net/2018/6/26/17502072/fortnite-revenue-game-growth-318-million | archivedate = July 6, 2018}}</ref> By July 2018, ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' had been estimated to have brought in over {{USD|1 billion}} in revenue.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-07-17-fortnite-has-earned-usd1-billion-from-in-game-purchases-alone | title = Fortnite has earned $1 billion from in-game purchases alone | first = Rebekah | last = Valentine | date = July 17, 2018 | accessdate = July 17, 2018 | website = [[GamesIndustry.biz]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180717224630/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-07-17-fortnite-has-earned-usd1-billion-from-in-game-purchases-alone | archive-date = July 17, 2018 | dead-url = no}}</ref><ref name="nymag">{{Cite web | url = http://nymag.com/selectall/2018/07/how-fortnite-became-the-most-popular-video-game-on-earth.html | title = The Most Important Video Game on the Planet | first = Brian | last = Feldman | date = July 13, 2018 | accessdate = July 15, 2018 | website = [[New York Magazine]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180714141723/http://nymag.com/selectall/2018/07/how-fortnite-became-the-most-popular-video-game-on-earth.html | archive-date = July 14, 2018 | dead-url = no}}</ref> Prior to the Season 5 start in July 2018, Sensor Tower estimated that the mobile version of ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' made over {{USD|1.2 million}} daily; following the launch of Season 5, revenues jumped to {{USD|2 million}} per day.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-07-24-fortnite-daily-mobile-revenue-reaches-usd2m | title = Fortnite daily mobile revenue reaches $2m | first = Haydn | last = Taylor | date = July 24, 2018 | accessdate = July 24, 2018 | website = [[GamesIndustry.biz]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180724162848/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-07-24-fortnite-daily-mobile-revenue-reaches-usd2m | archive-date = July 24, 2018 | dead-url = no}}</ref> SuperData estimated that ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' brought in {{USD|2.4 billion|long=no}} in revenue during 2018, the highest annual revenue of any free-to-play title.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-01-16-fortnite-tops-2018-superdata-chart-with-usd2-4b-digital-revenue | title = Fortnite tops SuperData's 2018 chart with $2.4 billion digital revenue | first = Matthew | last = Handrahan | date = January 16, 2019 | accessdate = January 16, 2019 | website = [[GamesIndustry.biz]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190117020943/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-01-16-fortnite-tops-2018-superdata-chart-with-usd2-4b-digital-revenue | archive-date = January 17, 2019 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref>

At the time of Tencent's investment into Epic in 2012, Epic Games had a {{USD|825 million}} valuation.<ref name="bloomberg value"/> Because of ''Fortnite Battle Royale'', Epic's valuation increased to {{USD|4.5 billion}} {{as of|2018|May|lc=y}}.<ref name="reuters may2018"/> ''[[Bloomberg LP|Bloomberg]]'' raised the estimate to around {{USD|8.5 billion}} by the end of 2018 should ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' reach {{USD|2 billion}} during the year.<ref name="bloomberg value">{{cite web | url = https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2018-07-24/fortnite-phenomenon-turns-epic-game-developer-into-billionaire | title = Fortnite Mania Fuels Epic Growth to $8.5 Billion | first1 = Devon | last1 = Pendleton | first2 = Christopher | last2 = Palmeri | date = July 24, 2018 | accessdate = July 24, 2018 | website = [[Bloomberg LP]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180724114421/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2018-07-24/fortnite-phenomenon-turns-epic-game-developer-into-billionaire | archive-date = July 24, 2018 | dead-url = no}}</ref> Partially due to the influx of revenue from ''Fortnite Battle Royale'', Epic reduced its portion of sales it collected from the [[Unreal Engine]] Marketplace from 30% to 12% in July 2018, applying that retroactively to past sales.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/fortnite-is-making-so-much-money-that-epic-is-giving-unreal-marketplace-creators-a-big-raise/ | title = Fortnite is making so much money that Epic is giving Unreal Marketplace creators a big raise | first = Andy | last = Chalk | date = July 12, 2018 | accessdate = July 12, 2018 | website = [[PC Gamer]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180713013236/https://www.pcgamer.com/fortnite-is-making-so-much-money-that-epic-is-giving-unreal-marketplace-creators-a-big-raise/ | archive-date = July 13, 2018 | dead-url = no}}</ref>

===Impact===
[[File:Fortnite at E3 2018 (42781993231).jpg|thumb|left|300px|The ''Fortnite'' exhibition booth during the [[Electronic Entertainment Expo 2018]]]]
Journalists attributed ''Fortnite Battle Royale''{{'}}s success over ''PlayerUnknown Battlegrounds'' as a combination of several factors: besides being free-to-play and available on consoles, the game was released at a time when ''Battlegrounds'' was struggling with game cheaters and a toxic community, and that it features a less violent, cartoonish quality to it that, like ''[[Minecraft]]'', was able to draw in a younger and mixed-gendered audiences to play.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.usgamer.net/articles/how-fortnite-battle-royale-became-minecrafts-unexpected-successor | title = Fortnite Battle Royale Won by Capturing the Minecraft Generation | first = Kat | last = Bailey | date = March 26, 2018 | accessdate = March 26, 2018 | website = [[USGamer]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180327144739/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/how-fortnite-battle-royale-became-minecrafts-unexpected-successor | archivedate = March 27, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2018/05/21/how-fortnite-captured-teens-hearts-and-minds | title = How Fortnite Captured Teens’ Hearts and Minds | first = Nick | last = Paumgarten | date = May 15, 2018 | accessdate = May 15, 2018 | website = [[The New Yorker]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180515040304/https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2018/05/21/how-fortnite-captured-teens-hearts-and-minds | archivedate = May 15, 2018}}</ref> Further, Epic has maintained frequent updates for the game, adding new weapons and in-game tools alongside limited-time events and longer-term narrative elements that help to further draw in players.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2018/6/12/17442602/fortnite-battle-royale-trend-e3-2018-epic-games-e-sports-tournament | title = How Fortnite is transforming the gaming industry | first = Nick | last = Statt | date = June 12, 2018 | accessdate = June 12, 2018 | website = [[The Verge]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180613132328/https://www.theverge.com/2018/6/12/17442602/fortnite-battle-royale-trend-e3-2018-epic-games-e-sports-tournament | archivedate = June 13, 2018}}</ref> The high interest in the game within March 2018, which has been able to draw larger audiences compared to existing multiplayer games like ''[[Grand Theft Auto Online]]'' and ''[[Destiny 2]]'', has had a financial impact on competing publishers [[Take-Two Interactive]] and [[Activision Blizzard]], their stocks having fallen during this period, according to analysts from [[Morgan Stanley]] and [[KeyBank|KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc.]]<ref name="bloomberg march 2018"/><ref name="reuters may2018">{{Cite web | url = https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-gaming-fortnite/free-to-play-expensive-to-love-fortnite-changes-video-game-business-idUSKBN1I51IB | title = Free to play, expensive to love: 'Fortnite' changes video game business | first1 = Jane Lanhee | last1 = Lee | first2 = Jillian | last2 = Kitchener | website = [[Reuters]] | date = May 4, 2018 | accessdate = May 4, 2018 | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180504152851/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-gaming-fortnite/free-to-play-expensive-to-love-fortnite-changes-video-game-business-idUSKBN1I51IB | archivedate = May 4, 2018}}</ref> Activision's CEO [[Bobby Kotick]], on their quarterly results released May 2018, stated that "Fortnite is definitely a lot of competition right now...it’s been a really important catalyst in attracting new gamers to gaming",<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-05-03/activision-gives-tepid-earnings-outlook-as-fortnite-threat-looms | title = To Fight Fortnite, Activision Is Retooling How Its Games Work | first = Christopher | last = Palmeri | date = May 3, 2018 | accessdate = May 3, 2018 | website = [[Bloomberg Businessweek]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180503232706/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-05-03/activision-gives-tepid-earnings-outlook-as-fortnite-threat-looms | archivedate = May 3, 2018}}</ref> and the company is looking to develop its own battle royale title.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/activision-says-fortnite-is-a-lot-of-competition-right-now/ | title = Activision says Fortnite is 'a lot of competition right now' | first = Andy | last = Chalk | date = May 3, 2018 | accessdate = May 4, 2018 | website = [[PC Gamer]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180504034023/https://www.pcgamer.com/activision-says-fortnite-is-a-lot-of-competition-right-now/ | archivedate = May 4, 2018}}</ref> [[Electronic Arts]] CEO Blake Jorgensen also considered both ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' and ''Battlegrounds'' as having a significant market impact. Jorgensen said " [Fortnite is] bringing younger people into the marketplace and younger people into first-person shooters, and I think that's good for the long run health of that category for all of us in the industry".<ref>{{Cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fortnite-could-have-a-lasting-significant-impact-o/1100-6458817/ | title = Fortnite Could Have A Lasting, Significant Impact On Gaming Industry Overall, EA Says | last = Makuch | first = Eddie | date = May 8, 2018 | website = [[GameSpot]] | access-date = May 8, 2018 | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180509023757/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fortnite-could-have-a-lasting-significant-impact-o/1100-6458817/ | archivedate = May 9, 2018}}</ref> Non-video game entertainment companies have also seen the impact of ''Fortnite''. [[Netflix]], in reporting its Q4 2018 results, stated that their competition is more with ''Fortnite'', including streaming content related to the game, rather than rival television network stations like [[HBO]].<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.engadget.com/2019/01/17/netflix-q4-2018/ | title = Netflix points to 'Fortnite' as competition after its price hike | first = Richard | last = Lawler | date = January 17, 2019 | accessdate = January 17, 2019 | website = [[Engadget]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190118012135/https://www.engadget.com/2019/01/17/netflix-q4-2018/ | archive-date = January 18, 2019 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref>

Part of the game's success is also considered to be related to its impact on [[social media]].<ref name="wapost april2018"/> By March 2018, ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' became the most-viewed game on [[Twitch.tv|Twitch]], exceeding the average-concurrent viewership numbers of ''[[League of Legends]]'' and ''Battlegrounds''.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.rollingstone.com/glixel/news/fortnite-is-currently-twitchs-most-watched-game-w517513 | title = 'Fortnite' Is Currently Twitch's Most-Watched Game | first = Blake | last = Hester | date = March 6, 2018 | accessdate = March 15, 2018 | website = [[Glixel]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180311101236/https://www.rollingstone.com/glixel/news/fortnite-is-currently-twitchs-most-watched-game-w517513 | archivedate = March 11, 2018}}</ref> [[Tyler Blevins|Tyler "Ninja" Blevins]] has gained significant attention as one of the first major ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' streamers. He gained a large number of subscribers by March 2018, in part due to his skill and through promotions on Twitch that offered free ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' cosmetic items; by March 2018, he was estimated to be making {{USD|500,000}} a month from his streaming revenue.<ref>{{Cite news | url = https://www.vg247.com/2018/03/19/ninja-earnings-net-worth/ | title = Top Fortnite streamer Ninja earns $500,000 per month – VG247 | date = March 19, 2018 | website = VG247 | access-date = March 19, 2018 | language = en-US | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180319223201/https://www.vg247.com/2018/03/19/ninja-earnings-net-worth/ | archivedate = March 19, 2018}}</ref> In March 2018, Blevins hosted a stream that included [[Drake (musician)|Drake]], [[Travis Scott]], [[Kim Dotcom|Kim DotCom]], and [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] wide receiver [[JuJu Smith-Schuster]] all playing the game. The stream broke over 635,000 concurrent viewers, making it the highest-watched stream on Twitch outside of eSports tournaments.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2018/3/15/17123162/drake-ninja-fortnite-stream | title = Drake sets records with his Fortnite: Battle Royale Twitch debut | authors = Patrick Gill, Christopher Grant, Ross Miller, and Julia Alexander | date = March 15, 2018 | accessdate = March 15, 2018 | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180315101436/https://www.polygon.com/2018/3/15/17123162/drake-ninja-fortnite-stream | archivedate = March 15, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url = https://www.engadget.com/2018/03/15/ninja-drake-twitch/ | title = 'Fortnite' streamer breaks Twitch records with help from Drake | website = Engadget | access-date = March 16, 2018 | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180315121904/https://www.engadget.com/2018/03/15/ninja-drake-twitch/ | archivedate = March 15, 2018}}</ref> By the end of 2018, Blevins had reported he had made nearly {{USD|10 million}} from his ''Fortnite'' streaming activities in 2018 with over 20 million subscribers to his YouTube and Twitch channels.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.cnn.com/2018/12/31/tech/ninja-fortnite-stream/index.html | title = 'Ninja,' the Fortnite streamer who's one of video gaming's biggest stars | first = David | last = Briggs | date = December 31, 2018 | accessdate = January 1, 2018 | website = [[CNN]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190101014102/https://www.cnn.com/2018/12/31/tech/ninja-fortnite-stream/index.html | archive-date = January 1, 2019 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> For his success from ''Fortnite'', ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' included Blevins within its [[Time 100|''Time'' 100]] most influential people of 2019.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2019/ | title = Time 100 - 2019 | date = April 17, 2019 | accessdate = April 18, 2019 | work = [[Time (magazine)|Time]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190417231322/http://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2019/ | archive-date = April 17, 2019 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/ninja-makes-times-most-influential-people-list-for-2019/ | title = Ninja makes Time's 'Most Influential People' list for 2019 | first = Andy | last = Chalk | date = April 18, 2019 | accessdate = April 18, 2019 | work = [[PC Gamer]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190418064016/https://www.pcgamer.com/ninja-makes-times-most-influential-people-list-for-2019/ | archive-date = April 18, 2019 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref>
YouTube streamer [[El Rubius|Rubén Doblas Gundersen]] held a ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' match with 99 other well-known YouTube streamers in late March, which drew over 1.1 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched gaming YouTube streams.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2018/3/26/17163966/fortnite-elrubiusomg-youtube-livestream-twitch-ninja-drake | title = Fortnite livestream with 100 YouTubers draws in more than 1M viewers | first = Julia | last = Alexander | date = March 26, 2018 | accessdate = March 26, 2018 | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180327023637/https://www.polygon.com/2018/3/26/17163966/fortnite-elrubiusomg-youtube-livestream-twitch-ninja-drake | archivedate = March 27, 2018}}</ref> The ''Fortnite'' Pro-Am event held at E3 2018 was estimated to have drawn over 1.3 million views across Twitch and other streaming services, making it one of the highest-viewed live-streamed event to date.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/fortnite-celebrity-pro-am-twitch-channel-breaks-700000-concurrent-viewers/ | title = Fortnite Celebrity Pro-Am Twitch channel breaks 700,000 concurrent viewers | first = James | last = Davenport | date = June 13, 2018 | accessdate = June 13, 2018 | website = [[PC Gamer]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180614152814/https://www.pcgamer.com/fortnite-celebrity-pro-am-twitch-channel-breaks-700000-concurrent-viewers/ | archivedate = June 14, 2018}}</ref>

[[File:Fortnite cosplay at E3 2018.jpg|thumb|''Fortnite'' cosplayers at E3 2018]]
A number of celebrities and athletes have said they play ''Fortnite Battle Royale'', such as [[Chance the Rapper]], [[Joe Jonas]], [[Finn Wolfhard]], [[Roseanne Barr]], and [[Norm Macdonald]].<ref>{{Cite web | url = https://www.twingalaxies.com/feed_details.php/661/celebrities-who-play-fortnite-drake-chance-the-rapper-and-more | title = Celebrities Who Play Fortnite – Drake, Chance the Rapper and More! | website = Twin Galaxies | access-date = April 25, 2018 | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180318065346/https://www.twingalaxies.com/feed_details.php/661/celebrities-who-play-fortnite-drake-chance-the-rapper-and-more | archivedate = March 18, 2018}}</ref> For athletes, their appreciation for the game has taken on the form of recreating the various emotes in game as part of their on-field celebration dances.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.sbnation.com/lookit/2018/3/11/17106330/fortnite-sports-celebrations-bundesliga-nrl-nba-nfl | title = ‘Fortnite’ celebrations are sweeping the sports world | first = James | last = Dator | date = March 12, 2018 | accessdate = July 15, 2018 | website = [[SB Nation]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180622163928/https://www.sbnation.com/lookit/2018/3/11/17106330/fortnite-sports-celebrations-bundesliga-nrl-nba-nfl | archive-date = June 22, 2018 | dead-url = no}}</ref> Such ''Fortnite'' celebrations were frequently throughout the [[2018 FIFA World Cup]] event in June and July 2018,<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.engadget.com/2018/07/14/world-cup-goals-fortnite-dance-celebrations/ | title = Even the World Cup couldn't escape the 'Fortnite' fever | first = Edgar | last = Alvarez | date = July 14, 2018 | accessdate = July 15, 2018 | website = [[Engadget]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180714163606/https://www.engadget.com/2018/07/14/world-cup-goals-fortnite-dance-celebrations/ | archive-date = July 14, 2018 | dead-url = no}}</ref> including by [[Antoine Griezmann]] after a scoring penalty kick during the [[2018 FIFA World Cup Final]].<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-cup/2018/07/15/antoine-griezmann-celebrates-world-cup-final-goal-disgusting/ | title = Antoine Griezmann celebrates World Cup final goal with 'disgusting' Fortnite dance | date = July 15, 2018 | accessdate = July 15, 2018 | website = [[The Daily Telegraph]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180715165353/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-cup/2018/07/15/antoine-griezmann-celebrates-world-cup-final-goal-disgusting/ | archive-date = July 15, 2018 | dead-url = no}}</ref> Other notable people have expressed their fondness for the game; the [[Russo brothers]], directors of ''[[Avengers: Infinity War]]'', stated that they often played ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' during breaks on the film's development, leading them to propose the idea of the Thanos LTM for the game.<ref name="ew thanos">{{cite web | url = http://ew.com/gaming/2018/05/07/thanos-fortnite-avengers-infinity-war/ | title = Thanos is coming to Fortnite for epic Avengers: Infinity War crossover | first = Nick | last = Romano | date = May 7, 2018 | accessdate = May 7, 2018 | website = [[Entertainment Weekly]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180507155418/http://ew.com/gaming/2018/05/07/thanos-fortnite-avengers-infinity-war/ | archivedate = May 7, 2018}}</ref> The awareness of the game from well-known celebrities has been considered a reason for further popularity and player growth of the game.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2018/3/20/17143948/fortnite-ninja-drake-pornhub-yes-really | title = From Drake to porn, everyone wants a piece of Fortnite | first = Ben | last = Kuchera | date = March 20, 2018 | accessdate = March 20, 2018 | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180320230606/https://www.polygon.com/2018/3/20/17143948/fortnite-ninja-drake-pornhub-yes-really | archivedate = March 20, 2018}}</ref>

===In popular culture===
''Fortnite Battle Royale'' has been jokingly referred to as the homonym "Fork Knife" on social media, believed to have originated with people, unfamiliar with the game, described their friends and family spending time playing the game.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://kotaku.com/teenagers-love-the-hot-new-game-fork-knife-1825743918 | title = Teenagers Love The Hot New Game Fork Knife | first = Gita | last = Jackson | date = May 3, 2018 | accessdate = July 28, 2018 | website = [[Kotaku]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180710040605/https://kotaku.com/teenagers-love-the-hot-new-game-fork-knife-1825743918 | archive-date = July 10, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> Epic added a harvestable, non-playable "Fork Knife" food truck to the game map as the term gained popularity.<ref name="nymag"/> In September 2018, ''Fortnite'' was featured as a question on the game show ''[[Jeopardy!]]'',<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/video-games-was-a-category-on-jeopardy-tonight-and/1100-6462087/ | title = Video Games Was A Category On Jeopardy Tonight, And The Contestants Didn't Do So Well | first = Eddie | last = Makuch | date = September 26, 2018 | accessdate = September 30, 2018 | website = [[GameSpot]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180930193447/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/video-games-was-a-category-on-jeopardy-tonight-and/1100-6462087/ | archive-date = September 30, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> and was spoofed in a skit on the September 29, 2018, episode of ''[[Saturday Night Live]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/tv/2018/9/30/17919964/fortnite-saturday-night-live-sketch-adam-driver-pete-davidson-kyle-mooney-video-watch | title = Live-action Fortnite shows up on Saturday Night Live | first = Owen | last = Good | date = September 30, 2018 | accessdate = September 30, 2018 | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180930153431/https://www.polygon.com/tv/2018/9/30/17919964/fortnite-saturday-night-live-sketch-adam-driver-pete-davidson-kyle-mooney-video-watch | archive-date = September 30, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> The ''[[South Park]]'' episode "[[The Scoots]]" featured the cast wearing ''Fortnite''-based Halloween costumes.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamesn.com/fortnite/fortnite-south-park | title = Cartman and co wore Fortnite costumes in South Park’s Halloween episode | first = Ali | last = Jones | date = November 2, 2018 | accessdate = November 2, 2018 | website = [[PCGamesN]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181102131925/https://www.pcgamesn.com/fortnite/fortnite-south-park | archive-date = November 2, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> In ''[[The Big Bang Theory]]'' episode "[[The Big Bang Theory (season 12)#Episodes|The Citation Negation]]", [[Bernadette (The Big Bang Theory)|Bernadette]] attempts to learn how to play ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' to beat [[Howard Wolowitz|Howard]].<ref>{{cite web | last1 = Pearce | first1 = Tilly | title = The Big Bang Theory’s Bernadette is all of us as she gets hooked on Fortnite | url = https://metro.co.uk/2018/11/15/the-big-bang-theorys-bernadette-is-all-of-us-as-she-gets-hooked-on-fortnite-8144444/ | website = Metro.co.uk | accessdate = November 17, 2018 | date = November 15, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181117233600/https://metro.co.uk/2018/11/15/the-big-bang-theorys-bernadette-is-all-of-us-as-she-gets-hooked-on-fortnite-8144444/ | archive-date = November 17, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> ''Fortnite'' also makes an easter egg appearance in the [[Disney]] [[animated film]] ''[[Ralph Breaks the Internet]]''.<ref>{{cite web | last1 = Hayes | first1 = Britt | title = ‘Ralph Breaks the Internet’ Easter Eggs and Cameos: Exploring the Countless References to Just About Everything | url = https://www.slashfilm.com/ralph-breaks-the-internet-easter-eggs-2/ | website = /Film | accessdate = December 1, 2018 | date = November 26, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181202070535/https://www.slashfilm.com/ralph-breaks-the-internet-easter-eggs-2/ | archive-date = December 2, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> ''Fortnite'' was a central focal point on the 2018 [[YouTube Rewind]] year retrospective, and included an appearance by Ninja.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.cnet.com/news/youtube-rewind-2018-tackles-everything-from-fortnite-to-k-pop/ | title = YouTube Rewind 2018 tackles Fortnite, K-pop, Kiki Challenge | first = Gael | last = Cooper | date = December 6, 2018 | accessdate = December 6, 2018 | website = [[CNet]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181207051223/https://www.cnet.com/news/youtube-rewind-2018-tackles-everything-from-fortnite-to-k-pop/ | archive-date = December 7, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> In addition to there being a tie-in LTM for ''[[Avengers: Endgame]]'', ''Fortnite'' conversely appears in that film, in which it is played by [[Korg (comics)|Korg]] in New Asgard, a village in Tonsberg, Norway,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gartenberg |first1=Chaim |title=The universe-shattering implications of Fortnite in Avengers: Endgame |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/5/7/18535482/fortnite-avengers-endgame-thanos-mode-korg-thor-snap |website=[[The Verge]] |accessdate=9 June 2019 |date=7 May 2019}}</ref> inhabited by surviving Asgardian refugees recuperating from the devastating events of ''Thor: Ragnarok'' and ''Avengers: Infinity War''.

== Past and ongoing concerns ==

===Parental concerns===
With the release of the mobile version, teachers, parents, and students have found that the game had become popular to younger players due to the free-to-play nature, its cartoonish art style, and its social nature.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theguardian.com/games/2018/mar/07/fortnite-battle-royale-parents-guide-video-game-multiplayer-shooter | title = Fortnite: a parents' guide to the most popular video game in schools | first = Keith | last = Stewart | date = March 7, 2018 | accessdate = July 6, 2018 | website = [[The Guardian]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180630214357/https://www.theguardian.com/games/2018/mar/07/fortnite-battle-royale-parents-guide-video-game-multiplayer-shooter | archive-date = June 30, 2018 | dead-url = no}}</ref> This carries over into schools, which has been seen as a disruptive element within the classroom and affecting students' ability to complete homework assignments.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://waypoint.vice.com/en_us/article/59j9pk/teachers-and-parents-share-stories-from-inside-the-fortnite-phenomenon | title = Teachers and Parents Share Stories From Inside the 'Fortnite' Phenomenon | first = Patrick | last = Klepek | date = March 28, 2018 | accessdate = March 28, 2018 | website = [[Vice (magazine)|Vice]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180329054119/https://waypoint.vice.com/en_us/article/59j9pk/teachers-and-parents-share-stories-from-inside-the-fortnite-phenomenon | archivedate = March 29, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://kotaku.com/teens-and-teachers-say-fortnite-mobile-is-destroying-so-1823997450 | title = Teens And Teachers Say Fortnite Mobile Is Destroying Some Schools | first = Patricia | last = Hernandez | date = March 23, 2018 | accessdate = March 28, 2018 | website = [[Kotaku]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180326200555/https://kotaku.com/teens-and-teachers-say-fortnite-mobile-is-destroying-so-1823997450 | archivedate = March 26, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/07/06/fortnite-continues-to-be-a-problem-for-children-in-school | title = Fortnite Continues To Be A Problem For Children In School | first = Michael | last = Koczwara | date = July 6, 2018 | accessdate = July 6, 2018 | website = [[IGN]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180706221406/http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/07/06/fortnite-continues-to-be-a-problem-for-children-in-school | archive-date = July 6, 2018 | dead-url = no}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/11/27/fortnite-has-invaded-the-modern-american-classroom-like-no-other-game | title = Fortnite Has Invaded The Modern American Classroom Like No Other Game | first = Eric | last = Frederiksen | date = November 27, 2018 | accessdate = November 27, 2018 | website = [[IGN]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181128012130/https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/11/27/fortnite-has-invaded-the-modern-american-classroom-like-no-other-game | archive-date = November 28, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> Epic has since added warnings on the game's loading screens to discourage students from playing it during classes.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.vg247.com/2018/04/02/fortnite-mobile-now-warning-kids-stop-playing-class/ | title = Fortnite mobile is asking kids to stop playing during class | first = Marshall | last = Lemon | date = April 2, 2018 | accessdate = April 2, 2018 | website = [[VG247]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180402230525/https://www.vg247.com/2018/04/02/fortnite-mobile-now-warning-kids-stop-playing-class/ | archivedate = April 2, 2018}}</ref> The UK's [[Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport]], [[Matt Hancock]], expressed concern at how much time children were playing ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' and similar video games without a balance of physical exercise and social interactions.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2018/05/01/fortnite-video-games-risk-damaging-childrens-lives-culture-secretary/ | title = Fortnite and other video games risk 'damaging' children's lives, Culture Secretary warns | first1 = Steven | last1 = Swinford | first2 = Christopher | last2 = Hope | date = May 1, 2018 | accessdate = May 2, 2018 | website = [[The Daily Telegraph]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180501210740/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2018/05/01/fortnite-video-games-risk-damaging-childrens-lives-culture-secretary/ | archivedate = May 1, 2018}}</ref> Other agencies, including the United States' [[Center on Media and Child Health]] and the United Kingdom's [[National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children]] have cautioned parents that children may be influenced by the violent behavior due to ''Fortnite Battle Royale''.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://cmch.tv/what-should-i-know-about-fortnite-is-it-ok-for-kids-to-play/ | title = What should I know about Fortnite – is it ok for kids to play? | date = May 22, 2018 | accessdate = September 2, 2018 | website = [[Center on Media and Child Health]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180902211719/http://cmch.tv/what-should-i-know-about-fortnite-is-it-ok-for-kids-to-play/ | archive-date = September 2, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/gaming/fortnite-battle-royale-latest-update-playstation-xbox-features-nspcc-children-parent-warning-a8334261.html | title = Fortnite Could Endanger Children And Expose Them To Violence, NSPCC Claims | first = Andrew | last = Griffin | date = May 3, 2018 | accessdate = September 2, 2018 | website = [[The Independent]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180903130311/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/gaming/fortnite-battle-royale-latest-update-playstation-xbox-features-nspcc-children-parent-warning-a8334261.html | archive-date = September 3, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> [[Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex|Prince Harry]], speaking about various influences of social media on children in April 2019, proposed a possible ban on ''Fortnite Battle Royale'', saying, "The game shouldn't be allowed", and "It's created to addict. An addiction to keep you in front of a computer for as long as possible. It's so irresponsible."<ref>{{cite news |last=Morris |first=Chris |url=http://fortune.com/2019/04/04/fortnite-addiction-prince-harry-ban/ |title='It's Created to Addict': Prince Harry Calls for Ban on Fortnite |work=[[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]] |date=2019-04-04 |accessdate=2019-04-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405120443/http://fortune.com/2019/04/04/fortnite-addiction-prince-harry-ban/ |archive-date=April 5, 2019 |dead-url=no |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

At the same time, parents have expressed appreciation for ''Fortnite'' to have their children engage socially outside of their core groups of friends in a game that is otherwise not excessively violent,<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-new-teen-hangout-parents-are-totally-ok-with-1523611802 | title = Why Parents Are Fans of Games Like ‘Fortnite’ | first = Sarah | last = Needleman | date = April 13, 2018 | accessdate = July 31, 2018 | website = [[The Wall Street Journal]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180801064155/https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-new-teen-hangout-parents-are-totally-ok-with-1523611802 | archive-date = August 1, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> or see offering ''Fortnite'' as a reward for encouraging children to do well in school, offering their children the purchase of V-bucks in exchange for good grades.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/video-games/parents-work-put-boundaries-fortnite-during-school-year-n904516 | title = Parents work to put boundaries on 'Fortnite' during the school year | first = Kalhan | last = Rosenblatt | date = September 2, 2018 | accessdate = September 2, 2018 | website = [[NBC News]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180903023301/https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/video-games/parents-work-put-boundaries-fortnite-during-school-year-n904516 | archive-date = September 3, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> Some parents see potential in their children becoming skilled in ''Fortnite'' as to become professional players and compete for part of the large prize pools, creating a market for tutors to help children improve their skills in the game.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.wsj.com/articles/ready-aim-hire-a-fortnite-coach-parents-enlist-videogame-tutors-for-their-children-1533046708 | title = Ready, Aim, Hire a ‘Fortnite’ Coach: Parents Enlist Videogame Tutors for Their Children | first = Sarah | last = Needleman | date = July 31, 2018 | accessdate = July 31, 2018 | website = [[The Wall Street Journal]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180731191733/https://www.wsj.com/articles/ready-aim-hire-a-fortnite-coach-parents-enlist-videogame-tutors-for-their-children-1533046708 | archive-date = July 31, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> At the same time, as ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' became a social hangout for younger players, issues of peer pressure and bullying have been raised. Cosmetic skins seen as a sign of skill and status, so younger players spend money to get the rarer skins to appear equal with their friends, or may be taunted by other players for not having such skins and using the game's "default" skins.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2019/5/7/18534431/fortnite-rare-default-skins-bullying-harassment | title= Fortnite is free, but kids are getting bullied into spending money | first= Patricia | last = Hernandez | date =May 7, 2019 | accessdate = May 7, 2019 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] }}</ref>

Other issues related to children's interest in ''Fortnite'' have been raised. Several of the security issues raised around the game are heightened with younger players who may not easily recognize such illicit schemes and put themselves at risk to privacy invasion.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-fortnite-security-flaw-20190116-story.html | title = 'Fortnite' security flaw put millions of players at risk, researchers warn | first = Gwen | last = Ackerman | date = January 16, 2019 | accessdate = January 22, 2019 | website = [[Bloomberg L.P.]] | via = [[The Chicago Tribune]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190122121813/https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-fortnite-security-flaw-20190116-story.html | archive-date = January 22, 2019 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> There is some concern that [[Pedophilia|pedophiles]] would be able to easily make contact with underage players, with at least one documented case from [[Florida]].<ref>{{Cite web | url = https://www.local10.com/news/crime/child-sexual-predator-uses-fortnite-to-target-victims-deputies-say | title = Child sexual predator uses Fortnite to target victims, deputies say | last = Rosa | first = Andrea Torres, Christian De La | date = January 18, 2019 | website = WPLG | language = en-US | access-date = January 22, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190123071739/https://www.local10.com/news/crime/child-sexual-predator-uses-fortnite-to-target-victims-deputies-say | archive-date = January 23, 2019 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url = https://www.newsweek.com/fortnite-child-pornography-florida-online-gaming-1296756 | title = Florida man used "Fortnite" game to lure teen for child pornography, attorney general says | last = AM | first = Katherine Hignett On 1/18/19 at 5:14 | date = January 18, 2019 | website = [[Newsweek]] | access-date = January 22, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190121134816/https://www.newsweek.com/fortnite-child-pornography-florida-online-gaming-1296756 | archive-date = January 21, 2019 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref>

=== Security issues ===
''Fortnite''{{'}}s popularity has drawn a network of [[hacker]]s since March 2018 that target accounts with lucrative skins and emotes as to resell those accounts to other users. Some of those hackers, speaking anonymously to the [[BBC]], stated they were making thousands of [[Pound (currency)|British pounds]] a week through these actions.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-46624136 | title = Fortnite teen hackers 'earning thousands of pounds a week' | first = Joe | last = Tidy | date = December 20, 2018 | accessdate = December 20, 2018 | website = [[BBC]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181220173159/https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-46624136 | archive-date = December 20, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> Authorities that monitor the [[dark web]] have found that ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' has become a popular way to engage in credit card fraud: criminals with access to stolen credit card information use that to purchase V-bucks on a freshly-made ''Fortnite'' account when they then sell through services like [[eBay]] players at a discount, often preying on children and young adults with these schemes.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/fortnite-v-bucks-discount-price-money-dark-web-money-laundering-crime-a8717941.html | title = How children playing Fortnite are helping to fuel organised crime | first = Anthony | last = Cuthbertson | date = January 14, 2019 | accessdate = January 15, 2019 | website = [[The Independent]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190114213715/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/fortnite-v-bucks-discount-price-money-dark-web-money-laundering-crime-a8717941.html | archive-date = January 14, 2019 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://variety.com/2019/gaming/news/fortnite-money-laundering-1203108363/ | title = Dark Web Creating ‘Thriving Criminal Eco-System’ Around Game | first = Brian | last = Crecente | date = January 15, 2019 | accessdate = January 16, 2019 | website = [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190116003653/https://variety.com/2019/gaming/news/fortnite-money-laundering-1203108363/ | archive-date = January 16, 2019 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref>

Separately, other security experts such as [[Check Point]] have found exploits with ''Fortnite'' and its underlying services that allowed hackers to gain access to some accounts, enabling them to gain personal details, buy V-bucks, and listen in to the account's owner when they use the game's voice chat system. Epic has closed a key exploit that enabled this by January 2019.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://variety.com/2019/gaming/news/massive-fortnite-security-hole-allowed-hackers-to-take-over-accounts-eavesdrop-on-calls-1203109556/ | title = Massive ‘Fortnite’ Security Hole Allowed Hackers to Take Over Accounts, Eavesdrop on Chats | first = Brian | last = Crecente | date = January 16, 2019 | accessdate = January 16, 2019 | website = [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190116192401/https://variety.com/2019/gaming/news/massive-fortnite-security-hole-allowed-hackers-to-take-over-accounts-eavesdrop-on-calls-1203109556/ | archive-date = January 16, 2019 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref>

=== Legal issues with other software providers ===
In January 2018, [[Bluehole (company)|Bluehole]]'s PUBG Corp., the South Korean company behind ''[[PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds]]'' (''PUBG''), filed a lawsuit against Epic Games, claiming that ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' was a copyright infringement of ''Battlegrounds''; they accused Epic Games of copying ''PUBG''{{'}}s user interface and game items.<ref name="bbc">{{cite news | title = Fortnite sued for 'copying' rival game | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-44287860 | website = [[BBC News]] | date = May 29, 2018 | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180531053521/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-44287860 | archivedate = May 31, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-05-29/fortnite-versus-pubg-two-game-giants-are-set-to-battle-in-court | title = Most Popular Game on the Planet Accused of Copyright Violation | first1 = Yuji | last1 = Nakamura | first2 = Sam | last2 = Kim | date = May 29, 2018 | accessdate = May 29, 2018 | website = [[Bloomberg L.P.]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180530034851/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-05-29/fortnite-versus-pubg-two-game-giants-are-set-to-battle-in-court | archivedate = May 30, 2018}}</ref> According to ''[[Korea Times]]'', market observers predicted that there would be little likelihood of Bluehole winning the case, as it would be difficult to establish the originality of ''PUBG'' in court due to the battle royale game genre, which includes both ''PUBG'' and ''Fortnite Battle Royale'', being derived from the 2000 Japanese film ''[[Battle Royale (film)|Battle Royale]]''.<ref>{{cite news | title = Can PUBG win legal battle against Epic Games? | url = https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/tech/2018/06/134_250352.html | website = [[Korea Times]] | date = June 8, 2018 | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180706082637/https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/tech/2018/06/134_250352.html | archivedate = July 6, 2018}}</ref> The case has since closed, with PUBG Corp. dropping the lawsuit in June 2018 under undisclosed reasons.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-06-27/pubg-drops-lawsuit-against-creators-of-gaming-phenom-fortnite | title = Copyright Lawsuit Dropped Against Fortnite Creators, Ending Legal Battle | first = Sam | last = Kim | date = June 26, 2018 | accessdate = July 5, 2018 | website = [[Bloomberg L.P.]] | deadurl = no | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180627173422/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-06-27/pubg-drops-lawsuit-against-creators-of-gaming-phenom-fortnite | archivedate = June 27, 2018}}</ref>

In May 2018, Epic Games filed a lawsuit against [[quality assurance]] tester Thomas Hannah after he leaked information regarding Season 4. Hannah, who had joined Epic in December 2017, breached the [[non-disclosure agreement]] by sharing details of the Season with Adam DiMarco. DiMarco later shared information in a [[Reddit]] post, spoiling the theme of the Season.<ref>{{Cite web | url = http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/06/25/leaker-of-fortnites-season-4-meteor-saga-being-sued-by-epic | title = Leaker of Fortnite's Season 4 Meteor Saga Being Sued by Epic | last = Koczwara | first = Michael | date = June 25, 2018 | website = IGN | language = en-US | access-date = July 17, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180717100510/http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/06/25/leaker-of-fortnites-season-4-meteor-saga-being-sued-by-epic | archive-date = July 17, 2018 | dead-url = no}}</ref> Epic stated that Hannah "diminished the enjoyment of the people who play, or who watch others play, Fortnite by ruining the suspense that had been building in the Fortnite community in anticipation of upcoming season".<ref>{{Cite news | url = https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/2018/6/23/17497826/epic-sues-fortnite-leaker-defense-filed-comet-dusty-depot | title = Accused Fortnite leaker files defense against Epic’s lawsuit | last = S. Good | first = Owen | date = June 23, 2018 | website = Polygon | access-date = July 17, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180717100300/https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/2018/6/23/17497826/epic-sues-fortnite-leaker-defense-filed-comet-dusty-depot | archive-date = July 17, 2018 | dead-url = no}}</ref>

In October 2017, Epic Games filed civil complaints against two associates of the website Addicted Cheats, which for a payment provided cheating services to players. The company argued that the two defendants made and used altered game breaking code that was against the [[End-user license agreement|End User License Agreement]] and the [[Copyright Act of 1976|Copyright Act]].<ref>{{Cite news | url = https://kotaku.com/epic-is-suing-two-alleged-fortnite-cheaters-1819403143 | title = Epic Is Suing Two Alleged Fortnite Cheaters | last = D'Anastasio | first = Cecilia | website = Kotaku | access-date = October 16, 2018 | language = en-US | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181017001805/https://kotaku.com/epic-is-suing-two-alleged-fortnite-cheaters-1819403143 | archive-date = October 17, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref>

In October 2018, Epic Games sued YouTuber Brandon Lucas, who posts videos on the channel, Golden Modz. The lawsuit details that Lucas, cheats at the game and "promotes, advertises and sells software that enables those who use it to cheat."<ref>{{Cite news | url = https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-45876864 | title = Fortnite cheat YouTuber sued by Epic Games | date = October 16, 2018 | website = BBC News | access-date = October 16, 2018 | language = en-GB | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181016154600/https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-45876864 | archive-date = October 16, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> The lawsuit also names Lucas's secondary website in which visitors are encouraged to purchase the hack and/or Fortnite user accounts preloaded with hacks.<ref>{{Cite news | url = https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/epic-games-golden-modz-lawsuit-1202980739/ | title = Epic Games Sues YouTubers, Says They Were Selling ‘Fortnite’ Cheats | last = Fogel | first = Stefanie | date = October 15, 2018 | website = Variety | access-date = October 16, 2018 | language = en-US | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181016033409/https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/epic-games-golden-modz-lawsuit-1202980739/ | archive-date = October 16, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref>

Epic also sent FNBRLeaks, a group that datamined the files ''Fortnite'' to determine new features and events that were likely coming in the near future, a [[cease & desist]] letter in December 2018, stating that their reporting of these upcoming features were negatively harming Epic and spoiling the game for the players. FNBRLeaks complied with the terms of the letter.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/epic-games-fortnite-fnbrleaks-legal-threat-1203089880/ | title = ‘Fortnite’ Leaker Says Epic Legal Threats Forced Closure | first = Stephanie | last = Fogel | date = December 14, 2018 | accessdate = December 17, 2018 | website = [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181218010452/https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/epic-games-fortnite-fnbrleaks-legal-threat-1203089880/ | archive-date = December 18, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref>

===Dance emotes lawsuits===
The popularity of ''Fortnite''{{'}}s dance emotes, which borrow from dance moves in popular culture, have led the creators of these dances to express concern and take legal action about these moves being sold by Epic, even though the [[United States Copyright Office]] had issued statements that individual dance moves are uncopyrightable.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-fortnite-dance-move-that-spawned-a-lawsuit-11544886000 | title = The ‘Fortnite’ Dance Move That Spawned a Lawsuit | first = Sarah | last = Needleman | date = December 15, 2018 | accessdate = December 20, 2018 | website = [[The Wall Street Journal]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181219210032/https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-fortnite-dance-move-that-spawned-a-lawsuit-11544886000 | archive-date = December 19, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-46619052 | title = Fortnite sued over The Floss: Can you copyright a dance move? | first = Michael | last = Baggs | date = December 20, 2018 | accessdate = December 20, 2018 | website = [[BBC]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181221070725/https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-46619052 | archive-date = December 21, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> These include rapper 2 Milly regarding his "Milly Rock", and actor [[Donald Faison]] related to a dance move he used on the TV show ''[[Scrubs (TV series)|Scrubs]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2018/11/19/fortnite-battle-royale-dances-stolen/ | title = More dance creators speak against Fortnite copying their moves | first = Alice | last = O'Conner | date = November 19, 2018 | accessdate = November 19, 2018 | website = [[Rock Paper Shotgun]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181119214557/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2018/11/19/fortnite-battle-royale-dances-stolen/ | archive-date = November 19, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> 2 Milly has started taking legal action against Epic with copyright infringement over the "Milly Rock"-based dance emote as well as asserting claims against [[personality rights]] under California law.<ref>{{Cite web | url = https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2018/12/05/fortnite-dance-legal-dispute/ | title = Fortnite dance creator to pursue legal action against Epic | first = Alice | last = O'Conner | date = December 5, 2018 | accessdate = December 5, 2018 | website = [[Rock Paper Shotgun]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181205172830/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2018/12/05/fortnite-dance-legal-dispute/ | archive-date = December 5, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://kotaku.com/rapper-2-milly-sues-epic-games-for-stealing-his-dance-1830888259 | title = Rapper 2 Milly Sues Epic Games For Stealing His Dance | first = Ethan | last = Gach | date = December 5, 2018 | accessdate = December 5, 2018 | website = [[Kotaku]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181206001950/https://kotaku.com/rapper-2-milly-sues-epic-games-for-stealing-his-dance-1830888259 | archive-date = December 6, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> Actor [[Alfonso Ribeiro]] filed a similar suit against Epic for their "Fresh" emote dance, which Ribeiro says was directly based on his character Carlton Banks' dance from ''[[The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/2018/12/17/18145166/fortnite-carlton-dance-lawsuit-alfonso-ribeiro | title = Fresh Prince’s Alfonso Ribeiro suing Epic Games over Fortnite Carlton Dance use | first = Austen | last = Goslin | date = December 17, 2018 | accessdate = December 17, 2018 | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181217232232/https://www.polygon.com/fortnite/2018/12/17/18145166/fortnite-carlton-dance-lawsuit-alfonso-ribeiro | archive-date = December 17, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> "Backpack Kid" Russell Horning, whose dance move the [[Floss (dance)|Floss]] was popularized through live performance with [[Katy Perry]], has also initiated legal action against Epic for copyright infringement of his dance.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.vg247.com/2018/12/18/backpack-kid-is-suing-epic-over-fortnites-floss-dance/ | title = Backpack kid is the latest in a long line of celebrities suing Epic over its Fortnite dances | first = Shabana | last = Arif | date = December 18, 2018 | accessdate = December 18, 2018 | website = [[VG247]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181218213959/https://www.vg247.com/2018/12/18/backpack-kid-is-suing-epic-over-fortnites-floss-dance/ | archive-date = December 18, 2018 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> Another lawsuit by the parent of the child that created a popular "Orange Shirt Kid" dance has also filed a lawsuit against Epic on similar grounds; in this case, while the child had submitted the dance for an Epic-run contest for a new ''Fortnite'' dance emote, he did not win, but fans petitioned Epic to include the dance anyway. The lawsuit challenges that the child was not recognized or compensated for the dance move.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/epic-sued-over-yet-another-dance-this-time-by-orange-shirt-kids-mom/ | title = Epic sued over yet another Fortnite dance, this time by Orange Shirt Kid's mom | first = James | last = Davenport | date = January 14, 2019 | accessdate = January 14, 2019 | website = [[PC Gamer]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190114204801/https://www.pcgamer.com/epic-sued-over-yet-another-dance-this-time-by-orange-shirt-kids-mom/ | archive-date = January 14, 2019 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> [[BlocBoy JB]] filed another suit against Epic over his "Shoot" dance move, represented by the in-game "Hype" emote, by late January 2019.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2019/1/23/18194912/blocboy-jb-fortnite-sues-epic-games-shoot-dance-emote-backpack-kid-2-milly | title = BlocBoy JB sues Epic Games over popular ‘Shoot’ dance emote | first = Julia | last = Alexander | date = January 23, 2019 | accessdate = January 23, 2019 | website = [[The Verge]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190124011901/https://www.theverge.com/2019/1/23/18194912/blocboy-jb-fortnite-sues-epic-games-shoot-dance-emote-backpack-kid-2-milly | archive-date = January 24, 2019 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> [[Jared Nickens]] and [[Jaylen Brantley]] filed a lawsuit against Epic in February 2019, seeking {{USD|20 million}} in damages for Epic's use of their "Running Man" dance.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-02-26-epic-games-accused-of-exploiting-african-american-talent | title = Epic Games accused of exploiting African American talent in latest dance move lawsuit | first = Haydn | last = Taylor | date = February 26, 2019 | accessdate = February 26, 2019 | work = [[GamesIndustry.biz]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190226211211/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-02-26-epic-games-accused-of-exploiting-african-american-talent | archive-date = February 26, 2019 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref>

In at least one of these cases, that from 2 Milly, Epic is seeking the suit to be dismissed claiming that a simple dance move cannot be copyrighted, according to guidance issued by the United States Copyright Office.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/fortnite-publisher-urges-dismissal-rappers-suit-no-one-can-own-a-dance-step-1185716 | title = 'Fortnite' Publisher Urges Dismissal of Rapper's Suit: "No One Can Own a Dance Step" | first = Eriq | last = Gartner | date = February 12, 2019 | accessdate = February 12, 2019 | work = [[The Hollywood Reporter]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190213125116/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/fortnite-publisher-urges-dismissal-rappers-suit-no-one-can-own-a-dance-step-1185716 | archive-date = February 13, 2019 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref>

In March 2019, the [[Supreme Court of the United States]] ruled in ''[[Fourth Estate Public Benefit Corp. v. Wall-Street.com]]'', an unrelated case, that a copyright infringement lawsuit cannot commence until the Copyright office registered the copyright. As the Copyright office has refused to register some of these dance emotes as copyrights, four of the six pending suits (2 Milly, Ribeiro, Backpack Kid and Orange Shirt Kid, were withdrawn within a few days. The firm that represented the four cases, Pierce Bainbridge Beck Price & Hect, stated this was merely a procedural withdrawal until they completed the registrations with the Copyright office.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/fortnite-legal-dance-battles-paused-supreme-court-ruling-1193167 | title = 'Fortnite' Legal Dance Battles Paused Following Supreme Court Ruling | first = Ashley | last = Collins | date = March 8, 2019 | accessdate = March 8, 2019 | work = [[The Hollywood Reporter]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190308071929/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/fortnite-legal-dance-battles-paused-supreme-court-ruling-1193167 | archive-date = March 8, 2019 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref>

A seventh suit was filed by [[Leo Pellegrino]], a saxophone player known for his dances during his performances. Unlike previous cases, Pellegrino's case accuses Epic Games of [[misappropriation]] of his trademarked likeness over an in-game emote that has a player’s character dance while playing a saxophone, rather than any specific dance move.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2019/4/25/18516306/fortnite-epic-games-phone-it-in-saxophone-emote-lawsuit-leo-pellegrino-likeness | title = Saxophone player sues Epic over Fortnite’s saxophone emote | first= Nick | last =Statt |date = April 25, 2019 | accessdate = April 25, 2019 | work = [[The Verge]] }}</ref>

In at least one case, Epic had worked with a dance creator to work the dance emote into the game.<ref>{{Cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2019/6/5/18653865/fortnite-billy-bounce-dance-emote-collaboration-youfunnyb | title = Fortnite finally works with a black artist to make popular dance emote | first = Patrick | last = Hernandez | date = June 5, 2019 | accessdate = June 5, 2019 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] }}</ref>

Similar suits have been filed against the same dance moves used in [[2K Games]]' ''[[NBA 2K]]'' games, while the offending dance moves were removed in January 2019 from the game ''[[Forza Horizon 4]]'', though it is unknown if this was due to legal action.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamesn.com/forza-horizon-4/forza-horizon-4-floss-carlton-dances | title = After Fortnite lawsuits, Forza Horizon 4 removes Flossing and the Carlton dances | first = Dustin | last = Bailey | date = January 15, 2019 | accessdate = January 15, 2019 | website = [[PCGamesN]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190116003952/https://www.pcgamesn.com/forza-horizon-4/forza-horizon-4-floss-carlton-dances | archive-date = January 16, 2019 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref> In the lawsuit involving Riberio's dance, the Copyright Office had refused to grant Riberio a copyright for the dance, not only because they considered it a "simple dance routine", but also because Riberio had created the dance in context of another copyrighted work, so he would likely be unable to claim ownership.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/copyright-office-refuses-registration-fresh-prince-star-alfonso-ribeiros-carlton-dance-1186666 | title = Copyright Office Refuses Registration for 'Fresh Prince' Star Alfonso Ribeiro's "Carlton Dance" | first = Eriq | last = Gardner | date = February 14, 2019 | accessdate = February 14, 2019 | work = [[The Hollywood Reporter]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190214201539/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/copyright-office-refuses-registration-fresh-prince-star-alfonso-ribeiros-carlton-dance-1186666 | archive-date = February 14, 2019 | dead-url = no | df = mdy-all }}</ref>

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{Official website}}

{{portal bar|Video games}}
{{Epic Games}}
{{Golden Joystick GOTY}}
{{authority control}}

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Revision as of 01:55, 28 July 2019

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