Fortnite Dominates as Battle Royale Interest Declines, Report Shows

A recent report from the research firm Newzoo sheds light on the evolving landscape of the battle royale genre, highlighting a contraction in its overall playtime. According to Newzoo's PC & Console Gaming Report 2025, the battle royale genre has experienced a notable decline, dropping from 19% of total playtime in 2021 to just 12% in 2024. This data, sourced from Newzoo's Game Performance Monitor which tracks 37 markets (excluding China and India) across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, reveals that while the battle royale genre has seen a decrease, shooter games have been on the rise, filling the gap in playtime.

Despite the overall downtrend in the genre, Fortnite has emerged as a dominant force within the battle royale space. Newzoo's report indicates that Fortnite's share of the battle royale genre has surged impressively from 43% in 2021 to a commanding 77% in 2024. This growth showcases Fortnite's ability to capture and retain player interest even as the broader genre experiences a decline.

In addition to the shifts within the battle royale and shooter genres, role-playing games (RPGs) have also seen significant growth. RPGs have increased their share of playtime from 9% in 2021 to 13% in 2024. Newzoo's data points out that 18% of the 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 surge in RPG popularity underscores the genre's growing appeal and its ability to draw players away from other gaming categories.

Newzoo's analysis emphasizes the intense competition for player engagement across various genres. While stalwarts like Fortnite, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Apex Legends continue to thrive, other games struggle to maintain relevance. The rise of shooters and RPGs, exemplified by successes such as Marvel Rivals and Baldur's Gate 3, reflects shifting player preferences and the dynamic nature of the gaming industry.

Fortnite's resilience amidst these trends is attributed to its continuous evolution through updates, changes, and an expanding library of gaming experiences and genres. As the gaming landscape evolves, Fortnite's adaptability positions it well to navigate future shifts in player interests. However, as time progresses, the gaming industry will undoubtedly witness further transformations, driven by the ever-changing preferences of its broad audience.