Where did Fortnite get its name?
Fortnite, the popular battle royale game, has become a cultural phenomenon since its release in 2017. But have you ever wondered where the game got its name? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of Fortnite and its naming process.
The Name Origin
Fortnite was created by Epic Games, a veteran game development company that has produced several successful titles, including the Unreal series and Gears of War. In an interview with Polygon, Donald Mustard, Creative Director at Epic Games, revealed that the game’s name was inspired by a combination of words.
"We were trying to come up with a name that was fun and irreverent, and we settled on ‘Fortnite’ because it has a bit of a retro feel to it," Mustard said. "Fort" comes from the word "fortress," suggesting a strong and secure base of operations, while "nite" is a playful twist on the word "night," implying a sense of darkness and danger.
Initial Concept
Before settling on the name Fortnite, the game was known as "Fortress Mode". This name reflected the game’s initial concept, which revolved around building and defending structures. Players would build forts to protect themselves from enemy attacks and engage in intense battles.
However, as the game’s development progressed, the team at Epic Games began to shift the focus towards a battle royale format, where players would drop onto an island and scavenge for resources to survive. The name "Fortress Mode" didn’t quite fit this new concept, so the team decided to experiment with different names.
Contenders and Rejections
According to Mustard, the team considered several other names before settling on Fortnite. Some of these contenders included:
- Survive the Storm: A name that reflected the game’s battle royale format and the storms that would periodically sweep across the island.
- Warzone: A name that emphasized the game’s military theme and competitive nature.
- Battle Bus: A name that referenced the game’s iconic "Battle Bus", which players use to start their matches.
However, none of these names seemed to resonate with the team, and they continued to search for the perfect fit.
The Breakthrough
After months of experimentation, the team at Epic Games discovered the name Fortnite. According to Mustard, the name was chosen because of its "unique sound" and "retro vibe". The team was drawn to the name’s uniqueness and its ability to evoke a sense of playfulness and irreverence.
From Concept to Reality
With a name in place, the team at Epic Games began to build around the concept of Fortnite. They developed a colorful and cartoonish art style, created a cast of quirky characters, and designed a series of game modes that showcased the game’s competitive and social features.
Today’s Fortnite
Fortnite has become a global phenomenon, with millions of players worldwide. The game has released several successful seasons, each featuring new characters, game modes, and cosmetic items. The game has also spawned a thriving esports scene, with professional players competing in high-stakes tournaments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the name Fortnite mean?
A: The name Fortnite is a combination of the words "fort" and "nite", suggesting a strong and secure base of operations, while also implying a sense of danger and darkness.
Q: Who came up with the name Fortnite?
A: The name Fortnite was created by Epic Games, a veteran game development company that has produced several successful titles, including the Unreal series and Gears of War.
Q: What was Fortnite originally called?
A: Fortnite was originally known as "Fortress Mode", a name that reflected the game’s initial concept of building and defending structures.
Q: What were some other names that Epic Games considered?
A: Some other names that Epic Games considered included "Survive the Storm", "Warzone", and "Battle Bus".
Q: Why was Fortnite chosen over these other names?
A: Fortnite was chosen over these other names because of its "unique sound" and "retro vibe", which appealed to the team at Epic Games.
Q: How did Epic Games come up with the art style for Fortnite?
A: The art style for Fortnite was inspired by a combination of cartoonish and kiddie elements, along with a touch of punk rock attitude.
Q: What is the most popular game mode in Fortnite?
A: The most popular game mode in Fortnite is the "Battle Royale" mode, where players drop onto an island and scavenge for resources to survive.
Q: Has Fortnite influenced other games?
A: Yes, Fortnite has influenced other games, particularly in the battle royale genre. Games such as PUBG and Apex Legends have borrowed elements from Fortnite’s battle royale format.
In conclusion, the name Fortnite has become synonymous with the battle royale genre, and its unique sound and retro vibe have made it a beloved and recognizable brand.