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, with a particular focus on the resilience of Fortnite amidst shifting trends. According to Newzoo's PC & Console Gaming Report 2025, the battle royale genre has experienced a noticeable decline in playtime, dropping from 19% in 2021 to 12% in 2024. This data was gathered through Newzoo's Game Performance Monitor, which tracks 37 markets across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, excluding China and India.

Despite the genre's overall decline, the combined playtime for shooter and battle royale games remains strong at 40%. Interestingly, as battle royale playtime decreases, shooter games have seen an increase in playtime. However, the standout within the battle royale genre is Fortnite, which has significantly increased its dominance. From a 43% share of the genre in 2021, Fortnite's share soared to 77% by 2024, showcasing its ability to capture more of the market even as the genre itself contracts.

Parallel to these developments, role-playing games (RPGs) have also experienced growth, rising from a 9% share in 2021 to 13% in 2024. Newzoo highlighted that 18% of RPG playtime in 2024 was dedicated to major releases from 2023, including titles like Baldur's Gate 3, Diablo IV, Honkai: Star Rail, Hogwarts Legacy, and Starfield.

The competition for player attention and playtime is intense, as noted by Newzoo. While stalwarts like Fortnite, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Apex Legends continue to thrive, other games struggle to maintain relevance. Meanwhile, both shooters and RPGs are expanding their reach and influence. The success stories of games like Marvel Rivals and Baldur's Gate 3 underline this trend.

Fortnite's ability to adapt and evolve, with its ongoing updates and diverse gaming experiences, has evidently helped it weather the storm in the battle royale genre. As audience preferences continue to evolve, it will be fascinating to observe how these trends shift in the coming years.