Fortnite is not just an online game, but has now advanced to become a new social media platform. This is the result of a new study on the game, which now has more than 250 million active players worldwide.

“Fortnite is down” – some people may not be able to do much with this news, but for many players of the online role-playing game it resembles a small catastrophe. Because when “Fortnite is down”, it means that the servers have been shut down – for example, to perform maintenance work or to upload new updates. And that means that you can neither play online nor can your friends in the game be reached.

Fortnite is much more than just a game. It is now also a social media platform and that is precisely why it is so important for many players. This is the conclusion of a new study by the National Research Group (NRG). It says that Fortnite has long since eclipsed Facebook and Instagram among its followers, as well as the use of YouTube and Netflix.

Since its launch on July 25, 2017, the co-op survival game has become a global phenomenon. More than 250 million people – 82 percent of them under the age of 35 – regularly romp around on the gaming platform.

Fortnite was the most played title in 2018, with manufacturer #EpicGames generating $3 billion last year. 2.4 billion US dollars of this was flushed into the coffers solely through Fortnite.

Fortnite has the highest share of free time

The NRG study concluded that players in the 10-17 age group spend 25 percent of their free time exclusively in the online game; in terms of all age groups, the figure is still a massive 21 percent. Only 14 percent of free time is spent on social media channels such as Facebook or Instagram. Fortnite players spend 16 percent of their free time streaming videos or movies, 11 percent is spent on music and podcasts, 16 percent on other games, 8 percent on watching movies, and only 14 percent of free time is screen-free.

The reasons why players spend so much time playing Fortnite are provided by the #NRG study. The more than 1,500 respondents cited social elements as the main motivation for playing. It allows users to express “who they are right now” and be connected on a level that is not disrupted by other influences. Respondents also said it was the best place to “be authentic,” “be connected to what everyone is talking about,” and “not be alone.”

In addition, he said, the overwhelming amount of content and experiences in the game is crucial, allowing each participant to be able to express themselves authentically to their peers. According to Tim Sweeney, CEO of the Fortnite-Developer Epic Games, said Fortnite is intended to be “a social experience.”

In the game, the developer regularly hosts events. Such as an in-game concert with DJ Marshmello in February, which attracted an incredible ten million viewers. Epic Games also hosted events this year for the superhero blockbuster Avengers, which made an appearance in the final round of the game. There was also in-game content for the motion picture John Wick: Chapter 3.

Jon Penn, CEO at NRG, explains what makes Fortnite a social platform and therefore a real competitor for Facebook, Instagram and co: “Our research shows what the Fortnite phenomenon is all about – it’s a universe full of interesting contrasts: A competitive game that fosters deep community. It’s an inclusive experience that focuses on social connection; it’s a playground where everyone can express their true, authentic selves. Polarization and division seem to define our culture. Fortnite provides an expectant, virtual space where community, exclusive content, creativity, and genuine friendships can thrive.”