Fortnite Dominates as Battle Royale Interest Declines, Report Shows

A recent report from the esteemed research firm Newzoo sheds light on the evolving landscape of the battle royale genre, revealing that while the storm may be tightening, Fortnite continues to thrive amidst these shifts. According to the Newzoo PC & Console Gaming Report 2025, the battle royale genre has experienced a decline in playtime, dropping from 19% in 2021 to 12% in 2024. This data is gathered from Newzoo's Game Performance Monitor, which tracks 37 markets across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, excluding China and India.

Interestingly, as the playtime for battle royale games has decreased, the time spent on shooter games has increased, maintaining a combined total of 40% of playtime across both genres. However, the standout revelation from the report is Fortnite's remarkable performance within the battle royale genre. Despite the overall decline, Fortnite's share has surged from 43% in 2021 to an impressive 77% in 2024, showcasing its dominance and resilience in the face of genre-wide challenges.

Beyond battle royales, the report highlights the growth in the role-playing game (RPG) sector, which has climbed from a 9% share in 2021 to 13% in 2024. Notably, 18% of RPG playtime in 2024 was dedicated to major titles released in 2023, such as Baldur's Gate 3, Diablo IV, Honkai: Star Rail, Hogwarts Legacy, and Starfield. This surge underscores the increasing appeal and influence of RPGs in the gaming community.

Newzoo's analysis underscores the competitive nature of the gaming industry, where games like Fortnite, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Apex Legends continue to hold their ground, while others struggle to maintain relevance. The rise of shooters and RPGs indicates a shift in player preferences, with standout titles like Marvel Rivals and Baldur's Gate 3 capturing significant attention and market share.

Fortnite's ability to adapt and expand its offerings, including a continuous stream of updates and a diverse range of in-game experiences, has been key to its enduring success. As the gaming landscape evolves, it will be fascinating to observe how these trends develop and how different genres and titles respond to changing audience interests over time.