Developed by Epic Games, Fortnite was an immediate success upon its release in 2017. However, as time went on, new titles emerged and its once invincible status waned. Recently, Epic Games introduced “Fortnite OG,” a new game mode which brought back the game’s original map and mechanics and sparked a nostalgic surge in its popularity.
Fortnite is a battle royale game where 100 players are dropped onto an island and fight each other using different weapons and items they find throughout the map. Players must avoid a shrinking storm that forces opponents into closer proximity until one player is left standing and receives a “victory royale.”
Fortnite has different seasons, similar to a TV show, to keep the gameplay fresh and differentiate itself from competitors like Apex Legends or Call of Duty. Each new season lasts around 90 days and adds to the game's storyline. Players can earn rewards through the Battle Pass, which changes each season.
The game frequently collaborates with other media to bring in new players. Epic Games has partnered with popular franchises, from “Star Wars” and Marvel to celebrities such as Ariana Grande and Juice WRLD. Users can also buy different dances, called emotes, which are often inspired by viral songs or internet memes to attract new players.
Riley McKee, a junior studying communication studies, recently got into Fortnite after being introduced to the game last year.
“I think that having new skins is definitely something that keeps people coming back,” McKee said. “I know that I really only put my money in the skins and also the dances because they're just kind of funny. I think that doing that kept people staying in the game.”
Although many fans embrace the complexity and new layers of gameplay introduced through these collaborations and updates, many original players miss the simplicity of the game's early seasons.
On Dec. 6, 2024, Fortnite brought back “Fortnite OG” based on the original Chapter 1 Season 1 map and gaming experience. OG includes fan-favorite locations like Dusty Depot, Greasy Grove and Pleasant Park.
Ryan Hoffman, a sophomore studying sports management, started playing Fortnite when it was first released and compared the two game modes as a long-time fan.
”It’s more laid back,” Hoffman said. “I feel like the new one’s more modern. OG is more like what you think it would be.”
McKee, who only started playing last year, gets why OG is so popular.
“I think the nostalgia of playing the OG maps is what brings people back to it,” McKee said. “I think with new maps, it’s more the mythical weapons that are probably more fun to play with than just the generic guns in the OG map.”
Many people, especially college students, use video games such as Fortnite as a way to unwind at the end of the day. Although the game is inherently competitive, a lot of students play to relax or connect with friends.
Arianna Schaus, a junior studying integrated health care studies, got into Fortnite during the COVID-19 lockdown to pass the time but recently got back into it.
“I don’t really care about winning,” Schaus said. “I think it’s just a social thing and something to distract me from school and work…It’s just a fun thing to do.”
Fortnite has multiplayer settings that allow users to play as duos, trios or squads, which many players utilize to play with friends virtually.
“I got a headset so I was able to play with my sister and nephew,” Schaus said. “That’s really the only reason I play to do something with them while still being away.”
For college students like Schaus, Fortnite serves as a fun way to unwind and stay connected with friends and family. Whether it is the nostalgic pull of Fortnite OG or the excitement of new skins and dances, Fortnite continues to provide an immersive gaming experience for its users.
