Was Fortnite a Thing in 2011? Unveiling the Game’s Origins
No, Fortnite was not a thing in 2011. While the concept existed, and development had tentatively begun, the Fortnite we know today was nowhere near release, or even public knowledge, at that point. The game was officially announced in 2011, but as a drastically different product than the battle royale phenomenon it eventually became.
The Pre-History of Fortnite: Before the Boom
Understanding why Fortnite wasn’t a household name in 2011 requires a journey back to its origins. Epic Games, the renowned developer behind titles like Gears of War, conceived the initial idea for Fortnite around 2011. The original vision was vastly different: a cooperative sandbox survival game where players would team up to build forts and defend them against hordes of monsters during the night. This version was later known as Fortnite: Save the World.
Project Development Hurdles
Early development faced numerous hurdles. Epic Games initially prioritized other projects, including the successful Gears of War franchise and the burgeoning Unreal Engine, a game development engine that powers countless games today. Fortnite, in its early form, was essentially placed on the back burner. The game suffered from a lack of clear direction and a constantly shifting vision. While it was announced in 2011, real, substantive development only began picking up speed much later.
What Players Could Expect
The initial trailers and demonstrations revealed a bright, cartoonish art style, a stark contrast to the gritty realism of Gears of War. Players would gather resources during the day to construct elaborate forts, complete with traps and defenses. At night, these forts would be tested by waves of AI-controlled monsters known as “husks”. This tower defense meets sandbox building gameplay was the core of what Epic was trying to achieve. However, the game remained largely out of the public eye, and its development was shrouded in secrecy.
The Long Road to Release: From Save the World to Battle Royale
Following years of development hell, Fortnite: Save the World finally entered early access in July 2017. While it garnered a dedicated fanbase, it never reached the massive popularity that Epic Games likely hoped for.
The Birth of Battle Royale
The game-changer came with the unexpected success of PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG), a battle royale game that took the gaming world by storm in 2017. Recognizing the potential of the battle royale genre, Epic Games quickly pivoted. They repurposed existing assets and mechanics from Fortnite: Save the World to create Fortnite Battle Royale, a free-to-play mode that launched in September 2017.
The Explosion of Popularity
Fortnite Battle Royale’s free-to-play model, coupled with its accessible gameplay, cartoonish art style, and constant updates, propelled it to unprecedented success. It quickly surpassed PUBG in popularity and became a global phenomenon, dominating streaming platforms, social media, and pop culture. This explosive growth was nowhere to be seen back in 2011 when the game was only an abstract idea struggling through development.
The Legacy of 2011 Fortnite: A Foundation for Success
While Fortnite in 2011 wasn’t the global sensation it is today, the initial concept and development laid the foundation for what would eventually become one of the most successful video games in history. The core building mechanics, the art style, and even some of the character designs can be traced back to those early years. The struggles and iterations of the original Fortnite vision ultimately paved the way for the battle royale mode that captured the hearts of millions. It’s a classic story of a project evolving and adapting to find its true potential.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the early days of Fortnite and its development:
1. What was the original genre of Fortnite when it was first announced?
The original genre of Fortnite was a cooperative sandbox survival game, focusing on base building and defending against hordes of monsters.
2. When was Fortnite officially announced?
Fortnite was officially announced in 2011.
3. Was Fortnite free-to-play in 2011?
No, Fortnite was not free-to-play in 2011. When it eventually launched in early access (2017), Save the World was a paid experience. The free-to-play Battle Royale mode launched later in 2017.
4. What engine was Fortnite being developed on in 2011?
Fortnite was being developed on Unreal Engine, created by Epic Games.
5. Did Fortnite have a battle royale mode in 2011?
No, Fortnite did not have a battle royale mode in 2011. The battle royale mode was introduced in September 2017.
6. What was the original game mode called before Battle Royale?
The original game mode was called Fortnite: Save the World.
7. Who was the lead developer of Fortnite in its early stages?
While there wasn’t a single “lead developer” in the traditional sense, the game went through many teams and iterations. Several key figures at Epic Games were involved in its early stages. Cliff Bleszinski, though more famous for his work on Gears of War, had a hand in the initial vision.
8. Was there any public gameplay footage of Fortnite from 2011?
Yes, there were trailers and demonstrations released showing gameplay of the Save the World mode. These showcased the building mechanics and horde defense gameplay.
9. Did other games inspire Fortnite?
Yes, Minecraft inspired the building elements and tower defense games inspired the horde defense aspect of the original Fortnite. Later, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) inspired the development of Fortnite Battle Royale.
10. Why did it take so long for Fortnite to be released?
The prolonged development time was due to several factors, including shifting priorities at Epic Games, development challenges, and a lack of a clear vision for the game’s direction.
11. Did Fortnite’s art style change from 2011 to its eventual release?
While the core cartoonish art style remained consistent, there were refinements and improvements over time. The overall visual fidelity and polish increased significantly from the early trailers to the final release.
12. What are the main differences between Fortnite: Save the World and Fortnite Battle Royale?
Fortnite: Save the World is a cooperative PvE game where players build bases and defend against waves of enemies. Fortnite Battle Royale is a competitive PvP game where players fight to be the last person or team standing on a shrinking map.
13. Was Fortnite popular immediately after its initial early access release?
Fortnite: Save the World had a dedicated following but didn’t achieve mainstream popularity. The popularity exploded with the release of Fortnite Battle Royale.
14. What were some of the initial reactions to Fortnite’s announcement in 2011?
Initial reactions were positive, with many players excited about the unique blend of building, survival, and tower defense elements. However, the long development time led to dwindling interest until the game finally emerged in its battle royale form.
15. How did the success of Fortnite Battle Royale affect Fortnite: Save the World?
The success of Fortnite Battle Royale significantly impacted Fortnite: Save the World. Epic Games shifted its focus and resources towards the battle royale mode, leading to updates and content for Save the World slowing down considerably. While still supported, Save the World has largely been overshadowed by the battle royale phenomenon.