Can Fortnite Be The First Legit Metaverse?

Fortnite has been one of the most popular video games in the world ever since its release back in 2017. With millions of players logging in everyday, it has become a cultural phenomenon that has attracted a number of collaborations and special events no one has seen coming. With Fortnite’s growth seemingly to be endless, its potential is starting to extend far beyond its place than just a video game. In fact, the argument can be made that Fortnite could potentially turn into the first legitimate metaverse. In this article, we’ll explore what a metaverse is and how Fortnite can pave the way towards becoming the first legitimate metaverse.

What Is A Metaverse?

For those who have been absolutely confused on what a metaverse is (for obviously good reasons), let me break it down concisely. A metaverse is a virtual world that is entirely immersive, where users can interact with each other and their environment in a variety of ways.

Think of it as a virtual universe, where you can do everything you do in the physical world, but in a digital space. If that is still super confusing, then let me put it like this. Imagine the game Second Life, but cooler and more immersive, or the virtual world of Ready Player One, but more realistic.

Fortnite’s Potential As A Metaverse

When it comes to the discussion of whether or not Fortnite can be the first metaverse, lets take a look at the necessary components in order to become a legitimate metaverse.

Userbase

In order to have a legitimate metaverse running smoothly, there needs to a large active player base to give the virtual world life and flair. With that in mind, Fortnite already has a massive player base, with at least 350 million players registered and growing. Despite its focus on the battle royale aspect, Fortnite has a simple yet effective socializing mechanic that allows players to team up and play the game.

Depending on their interactions, players can cultivate a friendship and become even more interested in the game. With such a high player count and a socializing incentive, if Epic Games were to introduce more complex metaverse-esque features to Fortnite, it would be extremely easy for them to introduce them to the game and get some feedback on player experiences.

World & Currency

One of the core functions for having a legitimate metaverse is going to be the virtual world. This world must be designed to support various types of experiences and gameplay. Whether it’s multiplayer games, socializing, shopping, or attending virtual events, the virtual world must be versatile enough to accommodate all types of activities.

Considering these factors, Fortnite has proven that it can handle large scale multiplayer games and virtual concerts. On top of this, Fortnite already has a robust creative mode that allows players to create their own virtual spaces and game modes where other players can come and go as they please. With the recent upgrade to a new game engine, Fortnite can now allows users to create their own virtual worlds and maps in a more dynamic way that is borderline creating your own game.

Another way that Fortnite could become a metaverse is by offering new economic opportunities. Fortnite already has a virtual currency in the form of V-Bucks, which players can use to buy cosmetic goods such as skins and emotes. If Fortnite were to add features that allows players to sell their in game goods in exchange for real world currency then it could create new opportunities for players to make a profit in the game and furthering Fortnite’s potential to becoming a metaverse.

Collaborations

The role of collaborations is an important aspect when it comes to the metaverse. By referring to the 2018 film Ready Player One, there are a number of pop culture Easter eggs that were in the movie’s ‘metaverse’ indicting that all of these different IP’s are part of this one digital universe.

If we were to use the same concept that the metaverse is going to have a shared universe where Marvel and Star Wars characters can co-exist, then Fortnite has already accomplished that goal with its numerous collaborations. As Fortnite has collaborated with a number of different IP’s and franchises, from comic books, movies, television shows, video games, and even anime, if Epic Games were to give all of these IP’s and franchises their own world in the Fortnite servers then that could establish a large digital universe that is practically a metaverse.

Virtual Experiences That’s Equal To Real Life

Another one of the ways that Fortnite could become a metaverse is by offering new forms of entertainment. The game has already demonstrated the potential for hosting real life experiences in a virtual format. The most notable cases was when Fortnite hosted virtual concerts with popular musicians like Ariana Grande, Travis Scott, and Marshmello.

The attendance for these events were around millions of players and showcased a one-of-a-kind experience that is reminiscent of attending a concert in real life. If Fortnite continue this trend to hosting real life experiences in a virtual format, it could solidify its place as potential candidate for reaching metaverse levels.

So When Is The Fortnite Metaverse Going To Happen?

There are still a number of things that Fortnite has to do in order to reach metaverse status, such as adding other large scale virtual worlds to its servers, integrating easier socializing features, and adding a way for players to earn money in-game.

Despite missing these features, Fortnite has the potential to become the first legitimate metaverse and could ultimately develop entertainment and business to levels that we haven’t yet. However, only time will tell if Fortnite will become the first legitimate metaverse, but it’s certainly paving the way for a new era of virtual reality.

What do you think? Do you think Fortnite is going to reach Ready Player One status or is it gonna fade away like other popular games? Let me know in the comments and if you liked what you read, be sure to follow for more related content!