Fortnite
Overview
Fortnite is an online video game developed by Epic Games and released in 2017. It is available in three distinct game mode versions that otherwise share the same general gameplay and game engine: Fortnite: Save the World, a cooperative shooter-survival game for up to four players to fight off zombie-like creatures and defend objects with fortifications they can build; Fortnite Battle Royale, a free-to-play battle royale game where up to 100 players fight to be the last person standing; and Fortnite Creative, where players are given complete freedom to create worlds and battle arenas.
Gameplay
The main gameplay for Fortnite is divided into two separate modes: Save the World and Battle Royale. In Save the World mode, players cooperate with each other to survive and complete objectives on a variety of maps. In Battle Royale mode, up to 100 players fight against each other in a last-man-standing type scenario. Both modes feature the ability to build structures using a system called "building" which is one of the main distinguishing features of the game.
Save the World
In Fortnite: Save the World, players work together to complete a variety of missions. These missions generally involve building fortifications around an objective or a series of objectives, and then defending them from waves of zombie-like creatures, known as husks. Players can use a variety of weapons to defeat these creatures, as well as traps and other defensive structures.
Battle Royale
Fortnite Battle Royale is a player-versus-player (PvP) mode with up to 100 players, allowing for solo play, duo, or a squad (usually consisting of three or four players). Weaponless players airdrop from a "Battle Bus" that crosses the game's map. When they land, they must scavenge for weapons, items, resources, and even vehicles while trying to stay alive and attack other players.
Development
Fortnite was developed by Epic Games, an American video game and software development company. The concept of Fortnite was first revealed at the 2011 Spike Video Game Awards, with Epic's former design director Cliff Bleszinski introducing a trailer for the game. Development was slowed due to several issues, including switching from the Unreal Engine 3 to Unreal Engine 4, a deeper role-playing game approach to extend the life of the game, and a switch of art style from a dark theme to a more cartoonish style.
Reception
Fortnite has been met with generally positive reviews from critics. The game's unique blend of survival and construction gameplay has been praised, as has its approach to free-to-play monetization. However, the game has also been criticized for its repetitive nature and the high cost of some of its microtransactions.
Impact and Legacy
Fortnite has had a significant cultural impact, becoming a cultural phenomenon. The game's popularity has led to the use of Fortnite dances in public, referred to as "doing a Fortnite" and has also been used to refer to the game in general. The game's popularity has also led to a number of celebrities and athletes doing Fortnite dances and making references to the game.