Fortnite Dominates as Battle Royale Interest Declines, Report Finds

A recent report from the research firm Newzoo sheds light on the evolving landscape of the battle royale genre, revealing that while the genre as a whole is experiencing a contraction, Fortnite continues to dominate. According to Newzoo's PC & Console Gaming Report 2025, battle royale games have seen a decline in playtime, dropping from 19% in 2021 to 12% in 2024. This data is drawn from Newzoo's Game Performance Monitor, which analyzes 37 markets across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, excluding China and India.

Despite the genre's overall decline, the report highlights a significant shift within the battle royale space. Fortnite's share has remarkably increased from 43% in 2021 to a commanding 77% in 2024. This indicates that while the genre's total playtime has decreased, Fortnite has successfully captured a larger portion of the remaining playtime, showcasing its enduring appeal and adaptability.

In contrast, the shooter genre has seen an uptick in playtime, partially offsetting the decline in battle royale games. Together, shooter and battle royale games still constitute 40% of total playtime, suggesting a dynamic shift within the gaming ecosystem.

Outside of the battle royale genre, role-playing games (RPGs) have experienced notable growth, increasing from a 9% share in 2021 to 13% in 2024. Newzoo's report attributes 18% of the RPG playtime in 2024 to major releases from 2023, including titles like Baldur's Gate 3, Diablo IV, Honkai: Star Rail, Hogwarts Legacy, and Starfield.

The competition for players' time and attention remains intense, with games like Fortnite, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Apex Legends continuing to hold strong, while others struggle to maintain relevance. The growth in both shooter and RPG genres, driven by standout titles such as Marvel Rivals and Baldur's Gate 3, underscores the shifting preferences among gamers.

Fortnite's resilience amidst these changes can be attributed to its continuous updates, evolving content, and the integration of diverse gaming experiences within its platform. As gaming trends evolve, it will be fascinating to observe how Fortnite and other leading titles adapt to the ever-changing interests of the gaming community.