Update: This article was last updated on 28th November 2023 to reflect the accuracy and up-to-date information on the page.
Fortnite, the insanely popular online battle royale game, has a fan following of a whopping 90 million across the globe. Children, teenagers, adults – everyone is going crazy over this survival video game. Such is the craze of Fortnite that in April 2020, it incurred a revenue worth 44.3 million USD through micro-transactions and in-app purchases. As per certain studies, this online game is more addictive than heroin and other illegal drugs.
The reason behind the immense popularity of Fortnite among gamers is its clever manipulation of human psychology. Game developers make sure that the players keep coming back and playing on Fortnite.
Here’s what makes Fortnite a highly addictive online game!
Fortnite Keeps Your Hope Alive!’
This world thrives on hope and positivity, which serves as the game’s pivot.
Epic Studios, the developer of the Fortnite game, has managed to break into the human psyche and come up with the most impactful yet intangible force in our lives, i.e., hope. It manipulates a psychological phenomenon called “lose by a little, win by a lot”. It is the same phenomenon applied to another popular game- Candy Crush. King, the gaming studio, made sure that players lost the rounds only by a few moves.
Recommended Reading: Help Your Child Overcome Fortnite Addiction
Similarly, when the players win, King showers the winners with truckloads of winning points and gifts. This policy enabled Candy Crush to make as much as $8,50,000 every day.
Basically, when you lose the game by a minor margin, it will compel you to play another round because you are just a couple of moves away from winning the match. On the other hand, when you win the game by a massive margin, you get that adrenaline rush to keep playing and cracking a few more levels.
Your Losses are Minor, and Wins are Humongous!
Even if you have all the shields on and have full health, then, too, the HP will be deceptively low. Also, the map is way too large. So, on average, you may have to indulge in just 4 to 5 rounds of gun fights.
The game developers ensure that each gunfight keeps you on the edge of your seat. The moment you lose a fight, the first thought that pops up in your mind is that you could have won the fight easily. And in case you win a gunfight, your rank will increase exponentially. In the hope of increasing their rank in the game, players continue to play without any pause or rest.
A Few More Factors that Keep You Hooked to Fortnite!
1) Appealing Design
The intuitive design of Fortnite gives a feeling of being on a real hunt. You will be exposed to risks as well as chances of promising rewards. The design enhances the overall thrill of finishing the enemies and looting the drops.
The bright and vibrant colors and cartoonish representation of the game make it more appealing than other intriguing, bleak multiplayer battle royale games.
2) Ease of Accessibility
An entire family can play Fortnite for free with just one gaming console and a PC. Thus, it is highly accessible, pocket-friendly, and lets you enjoy it along with your friends and family.
3) Easy to Share on Different Social Media Platforms
If you are fond of streaming battle royal games live, then Fortnite can be your best choice. It is easily shareable on different social media platforms like Twitch. The ability to flaunt your gaming skills on social media makes Fortnite all the more addictive.
4) Thrilling Mechanics
Image Source: TalkEsport
Fortnite brings in the element of variety. You can play in complete stealth mode and then, too, win the game. Players can find the ideal hiding spots, loot drops, explore the entire map, build towers, and forts using resources, and so on. Thus, Fortnite never for once lets the players get bored.
5) Multiple Updates
Image Source: Futuregamesreleases
Fortnite is known for an array of updates that keep the players busy with engaging and fresh features, new maps, live events, the latest trends, and so on. The updates are aimed at removing any minor glitch that may be bothering the players as well as maintaining the freshness of the game.
However, every coin has two sides, and this game is no exception.
Some warning signs of an Internet and Video Game Use Disorder
1. Preoccupation:
Constantly thinking about gaming or being online, even when not actively participating.
2. Increased time:
Spending an increasing amount of time gaming or surfing the internet to obtain happiness.
3. Loss of interest:
Ignoring formerly enjoyable hobbies or activities.
4. Withdrawal symptoms:
When you are unable to play games or access the internet, you may become impatient, worried, or upset.
5. Lack of control:
Difficulty regulating the amount of time spent gaming or online, despite unsuccessful attempts to reduce it.
6. Prioritizing gaming:
Ignoring social or professional obligations to play games or spend time online.
7. Continued use despite consequences:
Persisting in gaming or internet use despite bad implications to relationships, employment, school, or physical health.
8. Deception:
Lying to relatives or friends about how much time you spend gaming or doing internet activities.
9. Escapism:
It is the use of video games or the internet to escape from real-life difficulties or to ease negative emotions.
10. Physical symptoms:
This includes migraines, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other health difficulties caused by prolonged gaming or internet use.
In a Nutshell!
Fortnite addiction is a major issue of concern for health experts, parents, and educators. Even WHO has issued warnings against excessive indulgence in virtual gaming. Ever since the game was released, it has faced opposition multiple times because of its addictive gaming design. But such controversies have not affected its popularity, and gamers continue to play this legendary virtual game with the same level of excitement.
Professional and experienced players have, however, understood the psychology of the game, and thus, they do not fall prey to the trap of minor losses and rewarding victories. If you are fond of playing Fortnite, this blog will definitely help you play the virtual game responsibly.
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Your blog post does offer some intriguing perspectives on the features of Fortnite that can keep users interested. Its appeal is undoubtedly aided by the frantic action, bright graphics, and social aspect of playing with friends.
The blog post on Fortnite’s addiction potential offered a perceptive examination of the factors that have contributed to the game’s enormous success and addiction. The intriguing gameplay mechanics, social features, and dopamine rush brought on by victory were just a few of the important topics the author spoke on.
Your blog post does offer some intriguing perspectives on the features of Fortnite that can keep users interested. Its appeal is undoubtedly aided by the frantic action, bright graphics, and social aspect of playing with friends.
My 8 year old son plays fortnite everyday but I am noticing a change in his behavior from the last few days. He is getting aggressive and frustrated easily. Is it because of this nonsense game?
Sometimes a child can get grumpy after playing Fortnite because they’re very focused on winning and being the best. Video game addiction is common, and if a child is extremely frustrated, it might be a sign of it. You can refer to this article for some useful tips: TIPS TO PREVENT GAMING ADDICTION IN YOUNG CHILDREN
Can I play Fortnite offline?
No
Can Fortnite be split screen?
You can play split screen on Fortnite if you have an Xbox or PS4. It’s not available on the Switch because of hardware problems, and it only works for two-player games.
Is there any scope of learning a programming language in this game?
You can play Minecraft instead, you will get to learn Java because it’s the main programming language used in the game. Refer this Blog for more information: 5 REASONS WHY KIDS SHOULD LEARN MINECRAFT CODING
How does gaming affect the brain?
Just playing violent games for a short 10–20 minutes can really amp up the activity in brain regions tied to arousal, anxiety, and emotional responses. At the same time, it puts the brakes on activity in the frontal lobes, which are all about keeping emotions in check and making executive decisions.
Can Fortnite be played on mobile?
Yes, you can enjoy Fortnite on a variety of devices, including Android phones, Android tablets, iOS, and iPadOS.