Since its release in July 2017, Fortnite has grown to become one of the world’s biggest gaming titles in the world of competitive gaming. Boasting over 1 million players less than a month after its release, Fortnite has taken the online gaming community by storm.
In the month of April 2018 alone, the game generated $298 million across mobile, console, and PC platforms. That number is more than double what it generated just two months prior, when it officially surpassed Playerunknown’s Battlegrounds in monthly sales for the first time.
The game’s free-to-play model with optional, for-purchase skins that don’t affect gameplay is one of the main reasons for the game’s success.
Fortnite developer Epic Games also recently announced it would be providing $100 million to fund prize pools for Fortnite competitions, making a considerable investment in the game’s future in the Major League Gaming arena.
“In the 2018 — 2019 season, Epic Games will provide $100,000,000 to fund prize pools for Fortnite competitions,” reads a blog post on the developer’s website. “We’re getting behind competitive play in a big way, but our approach will be different – we plan to be more inclusive, and focused on the joy of playing and watching the game. Stay tuned for more details about competitive structures and eligible platforms in the weeks ahead.”
In comparison, Valve’s Dota 2 has paid out more than $140 million in more than 900 tournaments since 2013.
Epic is also hosting a tournament for charity at E3 next month which will pit teams of celebrities and pro players against one another for the chance to donate to the charity of their choice.
No matter how you look at it, Fortnite is capitalizing on its success and carving out a path for a bright – and lucrative – future.
Grab your gear, drop in and start training. Epic Games will provide $100,000,000 to fund prize pools for Fortnite competitions.https://t.co/ZcBe9fZD0S
— Fortnite (@FortniteGame) May 21, 2018
