Fortnite

Top 5 Reasons Fortnite is a Pop Cultural Phenomenon

Fortnite is more than just a game!

by Todor Ivanov
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Fortnite has become a cultural phenomenon; we’re here to explain why! We’ll be emphasizing its impact on pop culture exclusively. We’ll also delve into the many memes spawned by the game, including popular dances and viral moments, and highlight some of the coolest things related to Fortnite that are trending among younger fans, such as cosplay and eSports.

What is Fortnite?

Fortnite is a free-to-play online video game that has taken the world by storm since its release in 2017. It’s a battle royale-style game that pits up to 100 players against each other on a constantly shrinking island, where they must scavenge for weapons and resources while trying to eliminate their opponents. What sets Fortnite apart from other battle royale games, however, is its unique blend of fast-paced action, cartoonish graphics, and wacky humor.

Fortnite’s popularity

With over 350 million registered players worldwide, Fortnite has become a cultural phenomenon that has crossed over into mainstream pop culture. Its influence can be seen in everything from viral dances to celebrity endorsements, and its impact on the gaming industry cannot be understated. In this article, we’ll look closer at what makes Fortnite so popular, how it has crossed over into pop culture, and the various memes and other cool stuff related to the game trending amongst younger fans.

Fortnite

The characters

Fortnite’s roster of characters features a variety of beloved and popular figures. Let’s take a look at some of the most iconic characters in the game:

Jonesy

Jonesy is the default character in Fortnite. With his versatile looks and various outfits, Jonesy has won the hearts of players across the community. He has become a symbol of the game itself.

Drift

Drift stands out with his white and orange hoodie, mask, and graffiti-inspired appearance. Players have gravitated towards Drift for its advanced customization options and distinct design.

Raven

The mysterious and dark-themed character Raven has captured the attention of many Fortnite enthusiasts. His black-feathered outfit and piercing purple eyes create a compelling and memorable presence.

Fishstick

Fishstick brings humor and charm to Fortnite as a lovable humanoid fish dressed in fishing gear. His goofy grin and adorable design have made him a fan favorite.

Peely

Peely, a giant banana with a playful personality, has garnered a massive following. His ever-evolving appearance, including various skins and styles, adds to his appeal and comedic presence.

Midas

Midas’s stylish and powerful character shines with a golden touch, turning weapons and items into gold. Known for his charisma and sophisticated design, Midas has left a lasting impression on players.

These characters represent just a fraction of Fortnite’s diverse and expanding roster. With a wide array of styles and personalities, Fortnite offers something for every player, allowing them to find a character that resonates with their taste and adds to their enjoyment of the game.

Fortnite

Crossover popularity

In terms of its crossover into mainstream culture, Fortnite has become a cultural phenomenon due to its unique blend of humor and creativity. The game’s iconic dances, such as the “Floss” and “Orange Justice,” have become viral sensations and have been replicated by celebrities and athletes alike.

Fortnite’s collaborations with popular franchises have also helped it cross over into mainstream culture, as these crossovers generate a lot of buzz and hype. Additionally, Fortnite’s constant presence in the media and social media has helped to keep it in the public eye and fuel its ongoing popularity.

Fresh content

A significant factor contributing to Fortnite’s ongoing popularity is its constant stream of updates and new content. The developers at Epic Games are constantly working to introduce new features, items, and challenges that keep the game fresh and engaging for players.

These updates come in a variety of forms. Some updates introduce new weapons, items, or vehicles that change Fortnite’s gameplay, while others offer new strategic options for players.

New events in Fortnite

Other updates introduce new game modes or limited-time events that offer unique challenges and rewards for players. For example, the game’s “Party Royale” mode is non-violent, offering a more relaxed and social experience. At the same time, limited-time events like the “Fortnite x Avengers” crossover event allow players to take on Thanos and his minions in a battle for the universe’s fate.
Sometimes, updates may include collaborations with popular franchises and artists, such as Marvel, Star Wars, and Travis Scott. These collaborations bring in new players and generate buzz around the game while offering unique skins, emotes, and other rewards.

Dances in Fortnite, songs, and emotes

Fortnite’s influence on pop culture is undeniable, especially through its iconic dances and emotes. These dances have transcended the game itself, becoming a prominent part of mainstream culture and inspiring countless memes and social media posts.

The impact of Fortnite’s dances goes beyond gaming, as they have made their way into music videos, live performances, and various forms of entertainment. Some artists have even created songs specifically inspired by these dances. For instance, rapper 2 Milly sued Epic Games for featuring his “Milly Rock” dance without proper credit in the game.

While there have been criticisms about Fortnite appropriating and monetizing these dances without acknowledging their creators, they undeniably left a lasting mark on popular culture. They have become a symbol of the game’s immense popularity and have helped solidify Fortnite’s position in the mainstream consciousness.

The Floss

The most famous of these dances is the “Floss,” which involves swinging your arms and hips from side to side while keeping your feet planted. The Floss was first popularized in Fortnite and quickly became a viral sensation, with celebrities, athletes, and even politicians dancing on social media.

Take the L

Other popular Fortnite dances include the “Take the L,” which involves making an L shape with your fingers and then swinging your arms back and forth in time with the music, and the “Hype,” which involves pumping your arms up and down while jumping and turning.

Fortnite

Other influenced spheres

Besides dances and emotes, Fortnite has significantly impacted pop culture in other ways, including:

Fashion

Fortnite’s iconic skins and outfits have become famous fashion statements, particularly among younger audiences. From the skull trooper to the gingerbread man, these costumes have been worn for Halloween, cosplay events, and everyday fashion.

Sports

Fortnite’s dances have become famous for athletes to celebrate after a big win. For example, the NFL has allowed players to use Fortnite’s emotes as touchdown celebrations. In contrast, soccer players like Antoine Griezmann have incorporated Fortnite dances into their goal celebrations.

Entertainment

Fortnite has become a popular subject for content creators on YouTube, Twitch, and other platforms. From gameplay highlights to reaction videos, these creators have helped to build a dedicated community around the game and spread its influence even further.

Celebrities

Fortnite has also attracted the attention of numerous celebrities, who have either played the game themselves or incorporated it into their work. For example, rapper Drake once streamed himself playing Fortnite with popular streamer Ninja. At the same time, action hero John Wick had his character skin in the game.

Fortnite collabs

Collabs

These collaborations have helped keep Fortnite exciting for players, generating buzz and attracting new audiences. By partnering with some of the biggest names in pop culture, Fortnite has solidified its place as a cultural phenomenon that transcends the gaming world.

Fortnite’s collaborations with other pop culture franchises have been hugely successful in hyping the game among fans and driving revenue. The collaborations have also helped position Fortnite as a leading entertainment platform that can unite different brands and franchises uniquely and engagingly. By partnering with major players in the entertainment industry, Fortnite has been able to cement its status as a cultural phenomenon that is here to stay.

Why would someone famous collaborate with Fortnite?

What makes these collaborations so successful is that they offer something for everyone. Whether you are a fan of Marvel comics, Star Wars movies, or John Wick action films, something in these collaborations will appeal to you. This has helped to bring new players into the game and keep existing players engaged and excited.

Also, these collaborations have helped to create a sense of community among Fortnite players. Participating in these events and sharing their experiences with others makes players feel part of something bigger than just a video game. This has helped build strong loyalty among players and ensure that Fortnite remains a popular and relevant game for years to come.
Some big names

Fortnite’s collaborations with other pop culture franchises have significantly influenced the game’s success. They have allowed the game to tap into a wide range of fan bases, expand its reach beyond just the gaming community, and position itself as a leading entertainment platform. These collaborations signify the game’s cultural significance and ability to bring people together fun and engagingly.

Marvel

The Marvel and Fortnite collaboration was a massive event in 2018 and 2019, coinciding with the releases of Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. During the event, Fortnite players could play as the villain of Infinity War, Thanos, in a special limited-time game mode called “Infinity Gauntlet.”

There, one player was randomly chosen to play as Thanos. They had significantly increased health and strength compared to other players. Thanos could also use his Infinity Gauntlet to shoot powerful energy beams and jump high, making him a formidable opponent.

The other players had to work together to take down Thanos. If they were successful, the Infinity Gauntlet would drop, and another player could pick it up to become Thanos. The game mode was prevalent, with players logging millions of hours of gameplay during the event.

Players could unlock skins and items based on their favorite Marvel characters, such as Iron Man, Captain America, and Thor. The collaboration was a huge success, generating buzz within the gaming community and the broader pop culture world. It also helped to cement Fortnite’s status as a significant player in the world of entertainment and media.

Star Wars

In December 2019, Fortnite teamed up with the Star Wars franchise for a special event called “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.” The event was held to coincide with the release of the final installment in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, and it featured a range of exclusive content for Fortnite players.

During the event, Fortnite players could visit a custom-designed game area called “Risk Runner,” modeled after the desert planet of Tatooine from the Star Wars movies. The area featured iconic Star Wars locations such as the Mos Eisley Cantina and the Millennium Falcon, and players could explore the environment to discover hidden easter eggs and other surprises.
Players could also purchase Star Wars-themed skins, including Rey, Finn, Sith Trooper, and a remarkable glider modeled after the Millennium Falcon. Players could also participate in a special limited-time game mode called “The Rise of Skywalker,” which was set on the Starkiller Base from the movie.

The event’s highlight was a live in-game appearance by J.J. Abrams, the director of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, who introduced a clip from the movie. The clip was played on a virtual screen within the game, and players could watch it live in real time from their screens.

Stranger Things

In July 2019, Fortnite teamed up with the popular Netflix series Stranger Things for a special event called “Fortnite X Stranger Things.” The event coincided with the release of the show’s third season, featuring exclusive content for Fortnite players.

During the event, players could visit the “Upside Down,” a custom-designed area of the game inspired by the alternate dimension featured in the show. The Upside Down was a darker, spookier version of the game’s usual environment, with creepy music and flickering lights.

Players could purchase Stranger Things-themed skins, including Chief Hopper, Demogorgon, Eleven, and a special “Scoops Ahoy” ice cream parlor-themed glider. A special limited-time game mode called “Fortnite x Stranger Things: Welcome to the Upside Down” was introduced, where players had to survive hordes of creatures while avoiding getting trapped in the Upside Down.

The highlight of the event was the appearance of a giant Demogorgon, which players could see looming in the distance and which would occasionally attack players, making the game even more challenging and exciting.

Fortnite John Wick

John Wick

In May 2019, Fortnite teamed up with the popular action movie franchise John Wick for a special event called “Fortnite x John Wick: Wick’s Bounty.” The event was held to coincide with the release of the third installment in the John Wick series, and it featured a range of exclusive content for Fortnite players.

During the event, players could purchase John Wick-themed skins, including a John Wick character model and a special “Assassin Pack” back bling, which included a gold coin currency and a tactical shotgun modeled after the one used by the character in the movies.

A special limited-time game mode called “Wick’s Bounty” was also introduced, where players had to collect gold coins by defeating other players or completing challenges. The top players on the leaderboard were rewarded with special John Wick-themed prizes.

The event’s highlight was the appearance of the Continental Hotel, a central location in the John Wick movies, which was featured as a custom-designed area in the game. Players could visit the

DC

Fortnite has collaborated with DC Comics, including a special event called “Fortnite x Batman” in September 2019. During the event, players could purchase Batman-themed skins, including the Caped Crusader himself and several other iconic characters from the Batman universe, such as Catwoman and the Joker.

In addition to the skins, the event also included a new location on the game’s map, Gotham City, inspired by the iconic city from the Batman comics and movies. Players could explore Gotham’s dark and moody streets and find hidden easter eggs and other surprises.

The Fortnite x Batman collaboration also featured several limited-time game modes, including “Batman Grappling Hook,” which allowed players to swing through the city like the Dark Knight himself, and “Explosive Batarang,” which gave players access to a powerful explosive weapon that was shaped like Batman’s signature weapon.

Fortnite meme

Memes of Fortnite

Fortnite has spawned countless memes since its release, with players creating humorous videos, images, and jokes based on their game experiences. Some of the most popular Fortnite memes include:

Default Dance

The “Default Dance” is a dance move that players can perform in Fortnite when they have not selected a specific dance move. The dance has become a popular meme, with players incorporating it into music videos and other creative content.

Loot Llama

The Loot Llama is a rare item in Fortnite that players can find and open for valuable loot. The cute and quirky design of the llama has made it a popular meme, with players using it to represent good luck or surprises.

Victory Royale

“Victory Royale” is the message players receive when winning a Fortnite game. The phrase has become a popular meme, with players using it to represent success and accomplishment in other areas of life.

Tilted Towers

Tilted Towers was a popular landing spot in Fortnite’s early seasons but was eventually destroyed and removed from the game. The location has become a popular meme, with players joking about its significance and reminiscing about their memories of playing there.

The Storm

The Storm is a dangerous weather phenomenon that players must avoid in Fortnite to survive. The storm has become a popular meme, with players joking about its relentless pursuit and their strategies to escape it.

Crossover memes

Apart from the in-game memes of Fortnite, the community spawned multiple memes in collab with other games like Minecraft or other jokes that were trending at that time.

  • “Building is just Minecraft with guns”: This meme pokes fun at the building mechanics in Fortnite, which many players compare to the block-building gameplay of Minecraft.
  • “Just Build, LOL”: This meme refers to the advice that players give each other during intense build battles in Fortnite. It has become a catchphrase among players and is often used to mock opponents who struggle with the building.
  • “Fortnite Bad, Minecraft Good”: This meme originated as a backlash against Fortnite’s growing popularity, with fans of Minecraft claiming that their game was superior. It has since become a running joke among gamers and applied to many other games and topics.
  • “Sweaty Tryhard”: This meme refers to players who take the game too seriously and try too hard to win. It is often used to mock players who use advanced tactics and strategies to gain an advantage.
  • “Fortnite Dance Therapy”: This meme pokes fun at the idea that dancing in Fortnite can be therapeutic and a form of stress relief. It has been used to promote the game’s positive effects on mental health and well-being.

Fortnite cosplay

Cosplay and fan art

Fortnite has a dedicated fan base that produces various cosplay and fan art based on the game’s characters and themes. Fans of all ages and backgrounds have been inspired to create versions of the game’s iconic skins, outfits, and original designs and concepts.

Often enough, this huge fan community comes up with amazing Fortnite pictures, coloring pages, videos, thumbnails, and gifs! Some fans swear that they’ve even seen Fortnite burgers!

Cosplay

Cosplay is a popular form of expression within the Fortnite community, with fans attending conventions and events dressed up as their favorite characters from the game. Many cosplayers create their costumes from scratch, using materials like foam, fabric, and plastic to create accurate and detailed replicas of the in-game outfits. Some of the most popular cosplay designs include characters like Jonesy, Raven, and Drift and the various skins that have been added to the game over time.

Fan art

Fan art is another popular form of expression within the Fortnite community, with fans creating drawings, paintings, and digital artwork based on the game’s characters and themes. Many of these works of art are highly detailed and reflect the artists’ creativity and skill. Some of the most popular fan art pieces include depictions of the game’s landscapes and settings and illustrations of the game’s characters in various poses and situations.

You can find Fortnite fan art and cosplay online in many places. One popular destination is social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter, where fans often share their latest creations and designs. You can search for hashtags like #FortniteCosplay or #FortniteFanArt to find a wide variety of content.

Fortnite’s fan art in Reddit and Discord

Many online communities and forums, such as Fortnite’s Reddit and Discord, are dedicated to cosplay and fan art. These communities offer a space for fans to share their work, collaborate with other artists, and get feedback and support from other members.

In terms of conventions, there are currently no dedicated Fortnite conventions. Still, the game is often featured at more extensive gaming and pop culture conventions. For example, Epic Games has been present at events like San Diego Comic-Con and PAX, showcasing new content and merchandise related to the game. Fans of Fortnite cosplay and fan art may be able to find others who share their passion for the game at these events and connect with other members of the community.

Fortnite Funko

Merchandise

Fortnite has a vast selection of merchandise for fans, including clothing, toys, accessories, and more. The game has collaborated with various well-known brands and designers to create unique and eye-catching products that appeal to both fans of the game and collectors alike.

Merchandise Collabs

One of Fortnite’s most successful merchandising collaborations has been with the fashion designer and streetwear brand BAPE. BAPE has created several clothing and accessories collections featuring designs inspired by the game’s characters and settings. These collections have been highly popular with fans and have sold out quickly upon release.

Other notable collaborations for Fortnite merchandising include partnerships with brands like Nike, Adidas, and Puma to create unique edition sneakers and apparel. The game has also collaborated with Hasbro to create a line of action figures and other toys based on the game’s characters.

Along with these more significant collaborations, Fortnite offers a wide range of branded merchandise through its official online store. Fans can purchase t-shirts, hats, backpacks, and a life-sized replica of the game’s iconic Battle Bus.

Funko Pop!

Fortnite has teamed up with Funko, a famous brand of vinyl collectible figures, to create a line of Funko Pop! figures based on the game’s characters. These figures have become highly sought after by both collectors and fans of the game.

Nerf

Fortnite has also partnered with Nerf, a well-known brand of foam dart blasters, to create a line of Fortnite-inspired blasters and accessories. These blasters are designed to resemble weapons from the game and are a hit with both kids and adults.

Samsung

Fortnite teamed up with Samsung in a unique collaboration to offer exclusive in-game items to users who purchased Samsung’s Galaxy devices. This promotion helped drive sales for Samsung and increased the game’s visibility to a broader audience.

Travis Scott

In 2020, Fortnite collaborated with the rapper Travis Scott to create a virtual concert experience within the game. This event was hugely popular, with millions of players logging in to watch the concert and purchase exclusive Travis Scott-themed in-game items.

NFL

Fortnite has also teamed up with the NFL to offer custom NFL team uniforms for players to wear in-game. These uniforms allow players to represent their favorite teams while playing Fortnite and have been a popular addition to the game.

Fortnite Ninja

Celebrity endorsements

Celebrity endorsements and appearances have helped to boost Fortnite’s profile and appeal, especially among younger audiences. By partnering with famous music, sports, and entertainment figures, Fortnite has reached new audiences and established itself as a cultural phenomenon.

Marshmello

In 2019, electronic music producer Marshmello held a virtual concert within Fortnite, attracting over 10 million players to attend the event. This was the first in-game concert and was seen as a significant success.

Ninja

Richard Tyler Blevins, better known as Ninja, is a popular Twitch streamer and professional gamer who has played Fortnite extensively. His endorsement of the game helped to popularize it among the gaming community.

Drake

In 2018, famous rapper Drake played Fortnite with Ninja during a live stream, setting a new record for the number of concurrent viewers on Twitch. This event helped to raise Fortnite’s profile among non-gaming audiences. It showed that even celebrities were getting in on the craze.

LeBron James

NBA superstar LeBron James has been a vocal fan of Fortnite and has even used the game to connect with his fans. In 2020, James held a virtual “Fortnite Fridays” event on his Instagram page, where he played the game with other celebrities and interacted with fans.

Conclusion

Fortnite has been a cultural phenomenon and a gaming sensation that has captivated millions of players worldwide. Fortnite has stayed fresh and relevant for years with its constantly evolving gameplay, collaborations with popular franchises, innovative events, and celebrity appearances.

Looking toward the future, Fortnite shows no signs of slowing down. The game’s developers, Epic Games, have proven themselves innovative and adaptable, constantly updating the game to keep up with new trends and technologies. The recent addition of the metaverse-like experience, Fortnite Creative, opens up new possibilities for player creativity and interaction.

Fortnite’s continued collaborations with significant franchises and partnerships with big names in entertainment suggest that the game will continue to be a platform for cultural exchange and innovation.

The future of Fortnite is promising, and it will be exciting to see what new features and collaborations will be added to the game in the coming years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Battle Pass Song the most popular song of Fortnite?

The Battle Pass Song is certainly amongst the popular meme songs that came out from Fortnite. It has its fair share of followers but is seriously rivaled by several more!

Where can I get some Fortnite Merchandise?

There is an official Fortnite Store where you can shop from a wide variety of cool merch! Besides that, the different collabs are sold at the stores of their respective brands. The Fortnite logo was also seen at the recent world cup, as many fans took inspiration from the game and transferred it to the stands.

How do I refer a friend to Fortnite?

To refer a friend to Fortnite, follow these steps:

Launch Fortnite and go to the “Friends” or “Party” section in the game’s menu.

Look for the referral option, which may be called “Refer a Friend” or similar.

Fortnite will provide you with a unique referral link or code.

Share the link or code with your friend via messaging apps, social media, or email.

Instruct your friend to register or install Fortnite using the referral link or code.

You can start playing together once your friend completes the registration or installation.

Read More Here: Fortnite: The Shrinking Map, The Item Shop, and Three More Gameplay Mechanics

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