Overview
This lecture provides an accessible guide to analyzing the Fortnite website, focusing on how it engages different audiences and operates as part of the video game industry, with relevance to GCSE Media Studies.
Website Design and Accessibility
- The Fortnite website is highly visual, colorful, and simple, making it appealing and accessible to younger users.
- Navigation is clear with direct links to "Play Now" and multiple ways to access the game depending on users' technology.
- Step-by-step instructions are provided for different game modes like Islands and Battle Royale.
Audience Targeting and Regulation
- PEGI (age) ratings are clearly displayed to help parents and younger players assess appropriateness.
- Despite ratings, games are easily downloadable and not age-restricted, complicating regulation.
- Showing the number of active players and community features encourages participation and counters fear of missing out (FOMO).
Engagement Features and Interactivity
- Sections like "Fan Favorites" and "Trending" guide players towards popular content through peer influence.
- The news section uses images to announce updates and events with minimal text.
- The "Make Your Own Game" section and Unreal Editor cater to active users (“prosumers”) who wish to create content.
- Advanced tools (e.g., Twinmotion, RealityScan, MetaHuman) are offered for more experienced game designers.
Monetization and Incentives
- Epic Games earns revenue from a cut of user-published games on the Epic Store.
- The website heavily promotes paid content like the Battle Pass, showing unlockable perks and offering in-game currency incentives.
- Referral programs reward players for inviting friends, expanding the audience.
Cross-Promotion and Partnerships
- Social media links encourage sharing and community growth.
- The site cross-promotes other Epic Games titles (e.g., Rocket League).
- Celebrity collaborations (e.g., Billie Eilish) and partnerships (e.g., Star Wars, LEGO, Coachella) attract new audiences and generate revenue.
Community and Competition
- Features like Fortnite Crew subscription (ÂŁ10/month) provide exclusivity and perks for fans.
- Pages dedicated to cups and competitions with cash prizes appeal to competitive players.
- Global leaderboards allow players to compare scores worldwide, fostering engagement.
Global Access and Parental Controls
- The website supports multiple languages for global accessibility.
- Sign-in features enable account management, friend lists, and v-bucks purchases.
- Account settings allow for player blocking/inviting, offering some parental control for younger users.
Key Terms & Definitions
- PEGI Rating — Pan-European Game Information rating system for age appropriateness.
- FOMO — "Fear of Missing Out," a feeling that encourages users to join popular activities.
- Prosumer — A user who both produces and consumes content.
- Battle Pass — A paid subscription offering rewards and perks in the game.
- V-Bucks — Fortnite’s in-game currency for purchasing items and rewards.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the Fortnite homepage and at least 2-3 additional pages as required by your course.
- Make notes on how different website sections target specific audiences and industry strategies.
- Prepare examples of cross-promotion and partnerships for classroom discussion.