How Much Did Fortnite Originally Cost? Unveiling the History of a Gaming Phenomenon
Fortnite, the global gaming juggernaut we know and love, wasn’t always the free-to-play sensation it is today. When Epic Games first unleashed Fortnite upon the world in July 2017, it came with a price tag of roughly $40. This initial version was known as “Fortnite: Save the World”, a cooperative tower defense shooter where players battled hordes of computer-controlled zombies. This marked the beginning of an epic journey, a transition from a paid experience to a free-to-play model that would redefine the gaming landscape.
The Paid Origins of Fortnite: Save the World
Before the explosive arrival of Fortnite Battle Royale, “Fortnite” was synonymous with “Save the World”. This mode, envisioned as a blend of tower defense and cooperative shooting, tasked players with scavenging resources, building fortifications, and fending off waves of monstrous creatures. It was a very different beast than the last-person-standing frenzy that would soon captivate the world. This original vision had the familiar $40 price point.
The initial release wasn’t just about selling a game; it was about testing a concept. Epic Games saw “Save the World” as a testbed for their “games as a service” (GaaS) model. By charging for early access, they could gather crucial player feedback, refine the gameplay, and iron out any technical issues before opening the floodgates to a broader, free-to-play audience.
The decision to launch as a paid early access title in July 2017 was strategic. It allowed Epic to generate revenue while simultaneously improving the game based on real-time player experiences. This iterative process was crucial in shaping the direction of “Fortnite,” ultimately paving the way for the revolutionary Battle Royale mode.
The Pivotal Shift: From Paid to Free-to-Play
The transformation of “Fortnite” from a paid game to a free-to-play juggernaut is one of the most remarkable stories in gaming history. While “Save the World” laid the groundwork, it was the introduction of Fortnite Battle Royale in September 2017 that truly ignited the global phenomenon. The game modes are now separate, with Save the World still available to purchase, and Battle Royale as the free game mode.
Inspired by the success of “PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds” (PUBG), Epic Games developed a free-to-play Battle Royale mode within “Fortnite.” This bold move was a game-changer. By removing the initial cost barrier, Epic opened “Fortnite” up to a massive audience, attracting millions of players who were eager to experience the thrill of the Battle Royale genre without having to pay upfront.
The free-to-play model was coupled with a clever monetization strategy. “Fortnite Battle Royale” generated revenue through in-game purchases, primarily cosmetic items like skins, emotes, and gliders. Players could customize their characters and express themselves without affecting the core gameplay, creating a fair and engaging system that resonated with the community.
This strategic shift, from a paid early access title to a free-to-play phenomenon fueled by cosmetic purchases, propelled “Fortnite” to unprecedented heights. It demonstrated the power of accessibility, community engagement, and a well-executed monetization strategy in the ever-evolving gaming industry.
The Legacy of a Paid Past
While “Fortnite Battle Royale” is now synonymous with free-to-play gaming, it’s important to remember the game’s paid origins. “Fortnite: Save the World” not only served as a crucial testing ground for Epic Games but also laid the foundation for the game’s overall success.
The revenue generated from the initial paid access helped fund the development and refinement of the game, allowing Epic to invest in new features, content, and server infrastructure. Furthermore, the early player base provided invaluable feedback that shaped the direction of “Fortnite,” ensuring that it resonated with its target audience.
Even today, “Fortnite: Save the World” remains available for purchase, offering players a unique cooperative experience that complements the Battle Royale mode. It serves as a reminder of the game’s roots and the journey it has taken to become the global phenomenon it is today.
The original price of around $40 for Fortnite wasn’t just a transaction; it was an investment in the future of a game that would redefine the gaming landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Fortnite’s Cost and History
1. Was “Fortnite” always free-to-play?
No, “Fortnite” was originally launched as a paid early access title in July 2017. The initial version, “Fortnite: Save the World,” cost around $40. The free-to-play “Fortnite Battle Royale” mode was released later in September 2017.
2. What was “Fortnite: Save the World”?
“Fortnite: Save the World” is the original game mode in “Fortnite,” where players team up to defend against hordes of monsters by building fortifications and crafting weapons. It’s a cooperative tower defense shooter that still exists as a separate purchase.
3. When did “Fortnite Battle Royale” become free?
“Fortnite Battle Royale” was released as a free-to-play mode in September 2017, shortly after the initial launch of “Fortnite: Save the World” as a paid title.
4. How does “Fortnite” make money if it’s free-to-play?
“Fortnite” generates revenue through in-game purchases, primarily cosmetic items like skins, emotes, and gliders. These items do not affect gameplay and are purely for customization.
5. How much revenue has “Fortnite” generated?
“Fortnite” has generated billions of dollars in revenue. For example, the provided text mentioned $5.8 billion in revenue in 2021, and over $9 billion in its first two years.
6. Why did Epic Games have to pay a $520 million fine?
Epic Games was fined by the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for violations related to children’s privacy laws and various other predatory practices surrounding “Fortnite’s” in-game purchases.
7. Who created “Fortnite”?
Tim Sweeney is the cofounder and CEO of Epic Games, the developer of “Fortnite.”
8. Is “Fortnite” safe for children?
Common Sense Media recommends “Fortnite” for teens 13 and up due to open chat and action violence. PEGI rates it 12+ for frequent scenes of mild violence.
9. What is the oldest skin in “Fortnite”?
The Renegade Raider is considered the oldest skin in “Fortnite,” released during Season 1 in 2017.
10. Is “Fortnite” still popular?
Yes, “Fortnite” remains a massively popular game with millions of players consistently logging in and attention-grabbing live events.
11. How did “Fortnite” become so popular?
“Fortnite’s” popularity is attributed to its free-to-play model, easy-to-learn gameplay, constant updates, and engaging community events.
12. What was “Fortnite’s” peak player count?
“Fortnite” reached an all-time peak player count of 5,471,208 players on November 3, 2023, with the start of Chapter 4 Season 5, named “Season OG.”
13. How much does “Fortnite” make per day?
An April report by analytics firm Sensor Tower found that “Fortnite” was making an average of $1 million every single day from player spending.
14. Where is “Fortnite” most popular?
Based on the article, Norway is crowned the biggest “Fortnite” fans in the world.
15. How did “Fortnite” get started?
Epic Games first launched “Fortnite” on PC, Playstation 4, Xbox One and Mac in July 2017 as a game that cost roughly $40 to download, with players battling against computer-controlled zombies.
“Fortnite’s” journey from a $40 paid game to a global free-to-play phenomenon is a testament to Epic Games’ innovative approach and strategic decisions. The game’s success underscores the importance of accessibility, community engagement, and a well-designed monetization model in the ever-evolving world of gaming.
Interested in learning more about the evolution of gaming and its impact on society? Visit the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for research, articles, and insights into the world of games and learning.