Research Summary
The report discusses the launch of three new experiences in Fortnite: LEGO Fortnite, Rocket Racing, and Fortnite Festival. It analyzes the success of these launches, their impact on player engagement, and the implications for Epic’s long-term strategy. The report also raises questions about the potential overshadowing of non-Epic creators and the need for further development of the Unreal Engine Fortnite Network (UEFN).
Key Takeaways
Success of the Big Bang Launch
- Massive Player Engagement: The Big Bang launch by Epic Games, which introduced three new experiences in Fortnite, was a huge success. LEGO Fortnite hit 2.4M peak concurrent users, Rocket Racing reached a peak of 625K, and Fortnite Festival peaked at 847K concurrent users.
- Increased Interest: The launch sparked interest from new players and those who had churned out, with Twitch channels covering racing, rhythm, and survival games seeing a significant spike in viewership.
Analysis of New Experiences
- LEGO Fortnite: This survival crafter game, reminiscent of Minecraft and Animal Crossing, was the largest and most full-fledged of the new experiences. It was well-received, with the only criticism being the slightly clunky building process.
- Rocket Racing: This arcade racer, created by Rocket League developer Psyonix, was praised for its core racing gameplay. However, the lack of stat differences between vehicles was seen as a limitation.
- Fortnite Festival: This rhythm game, created by Harmonix, was the most different of all the new experiences. It was seen as a fun mode that broadened Fortnite’s appeal.
Long-term Strategy Questions
- Impact on Non-Epic Creators: The report raises questions about whether the success of Epic’s first-party experiences will overshadow non-Epic creators, making it harder for them to gain attention and players.
- Need for UEFN Development: The report suggests that Epic needs to accelerate the development of UEFN to allow creators to leverage the renewed interest in Fortnite and create new experiences.
Monetization and Revenue
- Monetization Strategy: Epic continues to rely on selling customizations for revenue, with over 1,200 outfits now coming with LEGO versions.
- Revenue Impact: The report suggests that the additional V-Bucks purchases from the increased player base may offset the loss in engagement for non-Epic creators.
Actionable Insights
- Monitor Player Engagement: Companies in the gaming industry should monitor the player engagement trends following the launch of new experiences in popular games like Fortnite. This can provide insights into what types of experiences resonate with players and drive engagement.
- Consider the Impact on Creators: Gaming companies should consider the potential impact of their first-party experiences on non-company creators. Balancing the success of company-created experiences with the opportunities for independent creators can be crucial for maintaining a vibrant and diverse gaming ecosystem.
- Invest in Development Tools: The report highlights the importance of investing in development tools like UEFN to enable creators to leverage renewed interest in games and create new experiences. Companies should consider investing in similar tools to empower their creator communities.
