Fortnite, has blown up in popularity across the globe in recent months. The game’s ease of accessibility has allowed millions to play the game. The game is free and accessible on all platforms: consoles, PC and mobile.

This smart move by the developer, Epic games, allows the game to cement itself in all markets of the gaming industry. The number of concurrent players of this game includes hardcore gamers but as well as to the casual gamers. With a simple download one can start playing in minutes.

The game’s premise revolves around a 100 player free for all that gives the player access to a building mechanic that allows the player to build forts to cover from enemy fire. All while fighting opponents, the player must keep an eye on the incoming storm that will eliminate  the player if they get caught in it. The storm forces the remaining players to get closer as the storm start closes in. This is when things get very intense and a reason why many people play. The final minutes of a match can be stressing and cause an adrenaline rush. If a player manages to defeat their enemies they win the game and earn a “Victory Royale.”

The game also includes a duo game mode in which a person can play with a friend and a squad game mode that one can play with three other friends.

Another reason the game is so successful is the hype. In six months this game broke through from the gaming world to mainstream pop culture. The games is talked about in school, has been made into memes and is hated by ignored girlfriends mad at their boyfriends for playing Fortnite so much.

Even the biggest movie right now, Avengers Infinity War, made a mash-up gamemode with Fortnite starring the villain of the film Thanos. Not since Minecraft and the Call Of Duty game series has a video game generated so much attention.  

The game continues to be relevant due to the streaming community on Twitch, a streaming service, and the weekly addition of new content in the game. A popular Twitch streamer that goes by the name Ninja, has blown up with the success of Fortnite and has helped it grow. According to Forbes back in April, Ninja broke Twitch records bringing in 628,000 concurrent viewers when he played Fortnite with rapper Drake. This record breaking stream made headlines across the internet boosting Fortnite’s popularity.

The weekly added content in the game is available for the player to purchase or adds new game modes to play, along with new items to find in game to keep things fresh.

Fortnite has been an anomaly in gaming by breaking past the gaming scene and making its way into mainstream media. It shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.

“Fortnite is a fun yet challenging game,” junior Isaiah Guevara said, “Every new match I get into tests my skill of the game.” 

Fortnite’s unique qualities have brought it major success.

“Fortnite is really something I’ve never played before, it’s so different,” junior Dante Rubio said, “I think the game being so different is why it’s the most popular game in the world.”