An Epic Games’ video game is currently taking the gaming world by storm through its unique plot that actually lets gamers win. It’s called “Fortnite.”
Based in a post-apocalyptic world, a giant storm has wiped out 98 percent of the population, leaving survivors to fend for themselves on a desert island. Each player is paradropped onto the island to kill as many zombies and fellow competitors as possible while under a time constraint. The object of the game is to be No. 1 after the 100 other people have been slain.
Spring Hill College sophomore Dalton Bodet described the game by saying, “It starts off with 100 players. You skydive down, then you survive until there’s one person left: you. And that’s the game.” Essentially, the game gives people the power to take over an island and be its hero.
Mark Vache, an SHC junior and Sigma Chi member, said it brings out friendly comradery between guys. He continued, “It’s a really fun thing to do with my friends, and it brings out the competitive side in each other. Us dudes like getting together and battling it out to see who is really the best at video games.”
One can play the game with up to four players and coordinate one’s mission on other maps. The various maps can be used to collect extra resources and unlock new weapons. Although players may die on certain missions, they can keep the items they’ve collected. Players can also build forts and other defense mechanisms, like traps, to protect themselves from other islanders and zombie-like creatures.
The game was first released in July 2017, but just recently gained popularity. Male college students have been its main consumers. Some gamers will play “Fortnite” for hours on end until they surpass their previous score.
SHC junior Neal Speares said, “The reason I like this game is because there aren’t others like it. Most games have other complicated rules, but this one is straight to the point. I typically play ‘Fortnite’ one to three hours a week.”
Due to its unique graphics and plot line, users remain hooked for hours. Previously, most gamers played “Call of Duty” or “Halo,” but “Fortnite” has replaced those.