A new report from research firm Newzoo indicates the storm may be tightening on the battle royale genre, but Fortnite is still holding strong.
Newzoo’s PC & Console Gaming Report 2025 has detailed a number of shifts and trends across the industry, and one of those moving trends is the battle royale genre. Newzoo’s tracking indicates the battle royale genre has shrunk in playtime, going from 19% of playtime in 2021 to 12% in 2024.
Citing its Game Performance Monitor which looks at 37 markets (excluding China and India) across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, Newzoo indicated that as a pair, shooter games and battle royale games routinely account for 40% of playtime. So as battle royale playtime has gradually shifted down, shooter playtime has been going up.
Despite the 7% shift, the difference within the genre might be the more surprising number. Per Newzoo, Fortnite went from a 43% share of the battle royale genre in 2021 to a 77% share in 2024. Essentially, even as battle royale games trended down, Fortnite ate up more and more of the space within the genre.
Role-playing games have also seen some noticeable growth, up to 13% in 2024 over their 9% share in 2021. Newzoo reported that 18% of RPG time in 2024 was spent in major releases from 2023, spotlighting Baldur’s Gate 3, Diablo IV, Honkai: Star Rail, Hogwarts Legacy, and Starfield.
As Newzoo stated in its report, the fight for attention in playtime and hours is fierce. While games like Fortnite, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Apex Legends carry on, other games fall by the wayside. Meanwhile, shooters and role-playing games seem to be encroaching on more territory and mindshare. Looking at the success of standouts in those genres, be they Marvel Rivals or Baldur’s Gate 3, it’s hard to argue.
With its constant slate of changes, updates, and growing library of gaming experiences and genres contained within it, it might not be surprising that Fortnite has weathered the storm. Still, time passes, and we’ll doubtlessly see trends continue to shift as broad audience interests change as the years roll on.
Eric is a freelance writer for IGN.
Review :
Battle Royale Interest is Declining But Fortnite Continues To Dominate, New Report Says
Review by Games News Daily – April 9, 2025
Yo, gamers! If you’ve been dropping into battle royale matches lately, you might’ve felt the vibes shifting—and Newzoo’s latest PC & Console Gaming Report 2025 just dropped some stats to back that up. The article from Games News Daily, “Battle Royale Interest is Declining But Fortnite Continues To Dominate,” breaks it down, and I’ve got thoughts. Let’s dive in.
First off, the numbers don’t lie: battle royale playtime’s taken a hit, sliding from 19% of total hours in 2021 to just 12% in 2024. Meanwhile, shooters and RPGs are sneaking up, with shooters eating into that space and RPGs flexing a glow-up to 13% (shoutout to bangers like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Diablo IV). But here’s the wild part—Fortnite? It’s not just surviving; it’s thriving. It went from owning 43% of the battle royale pie in 2021 to a monstrous 77% in 2024. That’s right—while the genre’s shrinking, Fortnite’s out here sniping the competition and hoarding the loot.
So, what’s the deal? The article nails it: Fortnite’s a chameleon. New modes, collabs, and updates keep it fresh—whether you’re vibing in Creative or sweating in Zero Build, it’s got something for everyone. Compare that to Warzone or Apex Legends, which feel stuck in their lanes. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve got love for both, but they’re not evolving fast enough to keep up with Fortnite’s chaos engine. Newzoo’s report hints at this “fight for attention,” and honestly, Fortnite’s winning by not playing it safe.
Here’s my take: battle royale isn’t dead, but it’s definitely on life support outside Fortnite. The genre’s getting predictable—drop, loot, fight, repeat—and gamers like us crave variety. That’s why RPGs are popping off; they’re giving us stories, progression, and worlds to get lost in. Hogwarts Legacy and Starfield aren’t just games—they’re escapes. Meanwhile, shooters like Marvel Rivals are stealing thunder with fast, flashy action. Battle royale needs a shake-up, and Fortnite’s the only one bringing it.
What bugs me about the article? It doesn’t dig into why the genre’s fading beyond Fortnite. Are we burnt out on 100-player lobbies? Is matchmaking sucking the fun out? I’d kill for some deeper insight there. Still, it’s a solid read that’ll make you think about where your gaming hours are going.
Insight for You: If you’re a battle royale diehard, stick with Fortnite—it’s the last titan standing for a reason. But if you’re itching for something new, peek at those RPGs or hot shooters climbing the charts. Trends shift, and 2025’s looking like the year to branch out. Me? I’m keeping one eye on Fortnite’s next wild update and the other on Baldur’s Gate 3’s replay value. What about you—what’s keeping you in the game lately? Drop your thoughts below!
