Fortnite’s Highs, Lows, and Future

The game industry juggernaut’s story isn’t over, but it’s already been a hell of a ride

Fortnite is many things. It’s an exhilarating video game, a global phenomenon, and a money-making machine. It should come as no surprise that the world’s biggest video game attracts all kinds of attention — from legions of enthusiastic fans to numerous critics. It has managed to persevere for the last few years, and break barrier after barrier, despite the criticisms.

And yet, Fortnite is now at a critical inflection point, thanks in large part to the cataclysmic legal battle between Epic Games and Apple. If you’re unfamiliar with the particulars, this recent SUPERJUMP piece serves as a great explainer. In addition, the United States’ approach to Chinese-owned tech companies is a factor (although there’s no evidence that Fortnite itself is likely to be impacted).

It’s worth pointing out that while Fortnite is still a massive juggernaut (pulling in $1.8 billion in 2019), it has been in a steady decline since its peak in 2018. Several competitors are nipping at its heels, and it seems that each new month brings news of an emerging game gunning for the Fortnite throne.

So, where does Fortnite stand now? It’s a franchise that has fought off many challengers in recent…