Epic Games shatters records with nostalgic Fortnite update

This strategic move comes at a time when Epic Games has faced financial struggles, resulting in the layoff of some 800 or so employees. CEO Tim Sweeney candidly expressed in an internal memo that Fortnite's growth is primarily driven by creator content with significant revenue sharing, a lower margin business when compared to the initial surge of Fortnite Battle Royale. This financial context adds a layer of significance to the OG update's success, as it could signal a resurgence for the game and the company.

Fortnite's OG update is no mere nostalgia trip; it marks the beginning of a series of retro seasons. According to a blog post by the Fortnite team, the game will sequentially reintroduce content from its earlier seasons, allowing players to relive their glory days. For instance, Season 5 will bring back Season 2, reintroducing iconic points of interest. This strategy mirrors the World of Warcraft Classic model and is expected to sustain and amplify player engagement.

The update has elicited mixed reactions from the player base. Veterans are relearning the game, noting the scarcity of ammo and shields, which has led to shorter games and less third-party encounters. Others appreciate the need for the increased skill level, especially for mid-long range combat, as certain overpowered weapons and items have been toned down. New players and those accustomed to the no-build mode are adjusting to the open spaces and limited mobility options, leading to more cautious gameplay.

Content creators and streamers, some of whom had moved away from Fortnite, are expected to flock back to the game, buoyed by the update's excitement. The alteration in the battle pass, offering fewer items and V-Bucks than usual, has raised questions about Epic's motives, whether it's maximizing profits or a consequence of reduced content creation capacity due to recent layoffs.

With its record-breaking player engagement, Epic Games has reasserted Fortnite's dominance in the supposedly dying battle royale genre. While it remains to be seen how the developer will respond to the update's success and the player feedback, it's clear that Fortnite's OG update has rekindled the magic that made the game a cultural phenomenon.

It remains to be seen if its main competition, including Apex Legends, will take a similar dip into nostalgia-filled waters. But, we're pretty sure Call of Duty will try and take a page out of this book, especially after what it did earlier this year.