For months, whispers among gamers hinted at a nostalgic return to Fortnite’s roots. The grapevine turned out to be right, as Epic Games‘ classic battle royale map, famously known as Fortnite OG or Chapter 1, made its grand re-entry. After weeks of anticipation, a tweet with the iconic Battle Bus using the hashtag #FortniteOG finally cleared the air.
This monumental return has not only brought back the 2017 version of the map, which many missed but also managed to keep the newer mechanics. In other words, while players can bask in the charm of the original map, features like sprinting and sliding won’t be left behind.
The game’s ability to intertwine past aesthetics with present dynamics truly showcases its evolution. For instance, even though construction might be absent in the Zero Build mode, players will find ziplines and climbing wires, ensuring no part of the map remains out of reach.
Moreover, reputable sources hint at the comeback of favorite items. These leaks suggest the possibility of witnessing beloved assets such as the Shopping Cart and familiar skins like Peely. Undoubtedly, as November 3, 2023, draws near, the gaming community’s anticipation reaches its zenith.
Fortnite’s player count reaches 5 million
The resurgence of Fortnite’s OG map has not just pleased old fans; it has caused ripples in the gaming world, evident by the soaring player count. Following the release, Fortnite.GG’s data showed impressive statistics.
Starting from 3.3 million players at the beginning of the day, the game’s active count jumped dramatically, reaching a remarkable 5 million by evening. When examining the month-on-month growth, Fortnite experienced an impressive 115.8% increase from October to November 2023, adding 2.71 million more active players.
Fortnite reportedly just peaked at over 5 million concurrent players with the OG map return pic.twitter.com/iHjJuxrLsv
— Dexerto (@Dexerto) November 3, 2023
This robust growth is not confined to mere numbers. Core game modes, especially Battle Royale and Ranked Battle Royale, are witnessing peak popularity. Fortnite’s strategic decision to rewind to Chapter 1 is evidently a success. And considering the current trends, it’s safe to assume that the game might shatter its past records soon.
Streaming platforms, particularly Twitch, echo this success. With over 600K viewers tuning in on the new season’s inaugural day, it’s evident that the game’s nostalgic pull has a widespread appeal. Notable streamers like “Ninja”, “GrefG”, and “Mongraal” are riding this wave, gaining massive viewership.
With the rising audience for the game, the prospects for the franchise is rising exponentially which in turn might be a good thing for the game and the fans. The collaboration of old-world charm with new-age features has truly resonated with its audience, both old and new.
In conclusion, the decision to reintroduce the OG map has not just been a trip down memory lane; it’s a strategic masterstroke, paving the way for a brighter future for Epic Games.