A recent report from the esteemed research firm Newzoo suggests a tightening grip on the battle royale genre, yet Fortnite continues to stand resilient amidst these shifts. 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 covering 37 markets (excluding China and India) on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, indicates a notable trend where shooter games and battle royale games together constitute 40% of total playtime. As battle royale playtime decreases, shooter games are seeing a corresponding increase in engagement.
Despite the overall 7% decline in the genre's playtime, Fortnite has remarkably increased its dominance within the battle royale category. The game's share of the genre has surged from 43% in 2021 to a staggering 77% in 2024, demonstrating Fortnite's ability to not only withstand but thrive amid a shrinking market. This growth underscores Fortnite's adaptability and its continuous evolution with new content, updates, and a diverse range of gaming experiences within its ecosystem.
Beyond battle royales, the role-playing game (RPG) genre has also seen significant growth, rising from a 9% share of playtime in 2021 to 13% in 2024. Newzoo highlighted that 18% of RPG playtime in 2024 was attributed to major releases from 2023, including titles like Baldur's Gate 3, Diablo IV, Honkai: Star Rail, Hogwarts Legacy, and Starfield. This surge in RPG popularity reflects a broader shift in gaming preferences, with RPGs and shooters gaining more ground in the gaming landscape.
Newzoo's report emphasizes the intense competition for gamers' attention and playtime. While stalwarts like Fortnite, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Apex Legends maintain their presence, other games struggle to keep up. The rise of RPGs and shooters, exemplified by successes like Marvel Rivals and Baldur's Gate 3, underscores the evolving tastes of gamers. Fortnite's resilience can be attributed to its ongoing updates and its ability to offer a multifaceted gaming experience, catering to a wide audience.
As time progresses, the gaming industry will undoubtedly witness further shifts in trends and audience interests. Fortnite's ability to adapt and grow within the battle royale genre serves as a testament to its enduring appeal, even as the broader market dynamics evolve.
