A recent report from the esteemed research firm Newzoo sheds light on the evolving landscape of the battle royale genre, revealing that while the sector faces a tightening storm, Fortnite remains a formidable force. According to Newzoo's 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, derived from Newzoo's Game Performance Monitor, encompasses 37 markets across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, excluding China and India.

Interestingly, while the battle royale genre has seen a reduction in playtime, shooter games have witnessed an increase, maintaining a combined playtime of 40% with battle royale games. This shift underscores a dynamic change within the gaming community's preferences. Despite the overall decline, Fortnite has remarkably expanded its dominance within the battle royale genre, increasing its share from 43% in 2021 to a staggering 77% in 2024. This indicates that while the genre as a whole may be contracting, Fortnite continues to captivate a significant portion of its audience.

Beyond battle royales, role-playing games (RPGs) have also seen a surge in popularity, growing from a 9% share in 2021 to 13% in 2024. Newzoo highlights 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. This growth reflects a broadening appeal for immersive storytelling and expansive worlds within the gaming industry.

Newzoo's report emphasizes the intense competition for players' attention and time, with established titles like Fortnite, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Apex Legends continuing to thrive, while others struggle to maintain relevance. The rise of shooters and RPGs is evident, with standout games like Marvel Rivals and Baldur's Gate 3 capturing significant mindshare.

Fortnite's resilience amidst these shifting trends can be attributed to its continuous evolution through updates, changes, and an ever-expanding array of gaming experiences and genres. As audience interests evolve over time, it's clear that the gaming landscape will continue to transform, with Fortnite currently standing strong against the storm.