Fortnite.
The word itself is known across campus, across the state and across the globe. It filters its way through conversations and forms relationships in a way coffee never could (that’s right, I said it). If you step into any male dorm on campus, you’re likely to see a TV lit up in blue with the words “Fortnite: Press Any Button to Play” scribbled in thick font across the screen.
Fortnite is here, and it’s taking over Union University.
If you’re one of the select few people who haven’t heard of Fortnite (seriously?), it would be wise to take a casual stroll through campus and shout its name. You wouldn’t have to wait long for someone to hear you and run over to discuss it, or perhaps invite you to play with them.
Developed by EpicGames, Fortnite is a free, online, cartoon multiplayer video game that hit personal computers, Playstation and Xbox One on July 25 of last year. Since then, this incredibly addictive video game has maintained a player base of almost 3.4 million. The premise of the game is simple. You and 99 others are dropped from a bus onto an island with many different locations.
Much like the Hunger Games, players must find weapons and other materials to fight their way to victory. Building bases, supporting your teammates in the “Squad” and “Duo” categories and eliminating other players is essential to survival. A storm slowly moves from the edge of the map to make it continually smaller over time, making battles with other players more intense and more frequent as the game prolongs. Eventually, the circle becomes so small that players must fight if they haven’t already. The last player alive wins.
Here at Union University, Fornite is perhaps the most popular game being played. Late night antics involving rage screaming and other various loud noises are common occurrences. However, nothing compares to the excitement of winning, also known as a “Victory Royale,” which causes an uproar at 2 a.m. that is unparalleled.
“It really helped bring a lot of my friends together,” said Jonathan Greer, an avid Fortnite player and senior at Union, who recalled playing with friends from different states as well as people on campus. “But not just physically, because you can also connect and play together online. We form up together and play as a team. What was once just me hanging out with my younger brother playing once a week or so, became guys trying to organize playing with five or so TVs at once. It’s also free, so really anyone can download it.”
Fortnite’s bonding capability is remarkable. It draws in people from different backgrounds and social status and invites them to cooperate to achieve a common goal. No matter who you are or where you come from, someone will most likely play Fortnite with you. If there’s one thing college kids want more than good grades, it’s new friendships. Fortnite is providing a way for those new friendships to start and for college guys to spend time with each other. After all, working together is the key to victory.
Yet, Fortnite isn’t just for the boys.
“I play as much as I can,” said freshman soccer player Taylor Knight when asked about the game. “It’s just fun and easy to play.”
Knight is a regular Fortnite player and remarks at how addicting the game can be. She also acknowledged how popular it was among guys at school and how lots of girls may be missing out on the fun.
“I think that more girls should try it because then they won’t get onto their boyfriends for playing it too much,” she said jokingly.
Both men and women are susceptible to the lure of the game, and it has become a roaring success. Whether it be its addictive nature or surprising ability to bring people together, there’s no denying that Fortnite is the new go-to entertainment choice. It’s time to put down the coffee and pick up a controller with some friends, ladies and gentlemen. A Victory Royale is at stake.