Fortnite: Is it more than a game?
From claims of cultural appropriation to worries about its effects on children, the online sensation isn’t without controversy.
The free-to-play online video game Fortnite boasts more registered players than the populations of Canada and Mexico combined and generates roughly $250 million in revenue each month. To call it a cultural phenomenon would be an understatement.
For many of the 200 million people who play it, though, Fortnite isn’t just a game, it’s a place. A hangout for friends without the watchful eye of a parent. Somewhere that grants users both autonomy and notoriety. Journalist and author Keith Stuart, writing on Medium, likened it to a skatepark “where it’s as much about spectatorship as it is about taking part.”
Fortnite is a cultural juggernaut. Not only is it influencing pop culture, but pop culture in turn also influences the game. The ubiquitous “floss dance” is just one example, taking off in part because of its use in the game.
On this episode of The Stream, we ask is Fortnite really just a game? Join the conversation.
On this episode of The Stream, we speak with:
Frank Gaskill @DrFGaskill
Co-Founder, ShrinkTank
ShrinkTank.com
Jamin Warren @JaminWar
Founder, TwoFiveSix
twofivesix.co
Aisha Hassan @aishabhassan
Journalist
Mohannad Rachid @TheMoeDee
Digital producer, The Stream
youtube.com/channel
Read more:
Fortnite was the biggest pop culture phenomenon of 2018 – The Washington Post
Fortnite is so much more than a game – Medium
Fortnite addiction is forcing kids into video game rehab – Bloomberg
What do you think? Record a video comment or leave your thoughts in the comments below.