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Why I Think Fortnite Threw “More Fun, Less Grind” Out The Window
(A THREAD)
(A THREAD)
I’ve explained this before, but it makes sense to me, so I’ll explain it again.
As you all know, this chapter was supposed to be, in Fortnite’s own words, “more fun, less grind”. Season 1, that was the case; it was easy to level up, there was no pressure to get...
As you all know, this chapter was supposed to be, in Fortnite’s own words, “more fun, less grind”. Season 1, that was the case; it was easy to level up, there was no pressure to get...
...the styles, everyone was having a grand old time. Pretty laid back.
Season 2 was a stark contrast to that. After the introduction to enlightened skins mid to late season 1, they not only built upon it, but also provided shit XP for you to get...
Season 2 was a stark contrast to that. After the introduction to enlightened skins mid to late season 1, they not only built upon it, but also provided shit XP for you to get...
...the golden styles. In addition, if you didn’t max one out during the season, you were stuck with it looking like that. That meant that people had to play more and more with little XP provided per game to max out these skins.
As people got higher and higher...
As people got higher and higher...
...leveled, that meant they had to play even MORE to level up ONCE. And it doesn’t help that the styles were maxed out every 30 levels. Long story short, unless you spent your entire day playing (or just managed your playtime well), you weren’t getting...
...many styles from there, much less Golden Peely.
Season 3, Enlightened styles were still a thing, but XP was better; it was much easier to max out eternal knight just by playing normally.
And that brings us to this season. Enlightened styles are...
Season 3, Enlightened styles were still a thing, but XP was better; it was much easier to max out eternal knight just by playing normally.
And that brings us to this season. Enlightened styles are...
...(hopefully) a thing of the past, and we’re back to our roots with season levels. Holo Wolverine is unlocked at level 220. Unfortunately, the XP is back to being shit.
Mind you, we still have things like XP coins, hidden missions, punch cards, etc. to make the grind...
Mind you, we still have things like XP coins, hidden missions, punch cards, etc. to make the grind...
...more bearable. But it’s still a slow grind; the lack of XP provided when you’re out of challenges and stuff to do doesn’t necessarily make people want to play the game for hours and hours on end.
So what happened? What’s the point I’m trying to make?
So what happened? What’s the point I’m trying to make?
The point is, I think playtime is the name of the game.
What do I mean? Well, take a look at the latter half of chapter 1.
What do I mean? Well, take a look at the latter half of chapter 1.
Skins in the battle pass had progressive styles, which allowed you to unlock stuff at your own pace, which people enjoyed.
HOWEVER, think of it from a business standpoint.
If people were able to get styles at their own pace, once they hit tier 100, they might start...
HOWEVER, think of it from a business standpoint.
If people were able to get styles at their own pace, once they hit tier 100, they might start...
...playing less and less until next season. Why? Because there’s no rush to get the extra styles. They’ll always be there for whenever you decide to get them.
Playtime goes down, and you know that when numbers are going down for a business, that ain’t good.
Playtime goes down, and you know that when numbers are going down for a business, that ain’t good.
That also inadvertently affects shop sales too; if they’re not playing the game as much, that also means they’re not sticking around to see what’s in the shop, which means they’re less likely to buy V-bucks.
Additionally, them waiting for next season...
Additionally, them waiting for next season...
...might incentivize them to ignore cosmetic leaks in updates, which ALSO results in them losing sales.
So, what do they do to circumvent this issue? Reintroduce season styles with enlightened skins/holo foils.
So, what do they do to circumvent this issue? Reintroduce season styles with enlightened skins/holo foils.
The styles require a lot of playtime, in addition to taking advantage of any FOMO the player might have in their mind.
Of course, the option to not play is still there, but they know that there will be completionists out there who will regret it if they don’t grind now.
Of course, the option to not play is still there, but they know that there will be completionists out there who will regret it if they don’t grind now.
And while they’re already online grinding, why not check out the shop to see what’s in there?
FOMO is at work again here: want it? May wanna buy this now before it rotates, it might not return for a long time!
As a result of people playing more, you got shop...
FOMO is at work again here: want it? May wanna buy this now before it rotates, it might not return for a long time!
As a result of people playing more, you got shop...
...sales, more people spending time on the game, meaning the numbers go back up (but the enjoyability of the game goes down due to grinding AND cross play/SBMM) which looks pretty sexy for investors.
Or at least that’s what I think.
Or at least that’s what I think.
