Fortnite Dominates as Battle Royale Interest Declines, Report Shows

A recent analysis from Newzoo's PC & Console Gaming Report 2025 sheds light on evolving trends within the gaming industry, particularly highlighting shifts in the battle royale genre. According to Newzoo's data, playtime for battle royale games has decreased, dropping from 19% in 2021 to 12% in 2024. This decline is set against the backdrop of a broader gaming landscape where shooter games and battle royale games together still command a significant 40% of total playtime, with shooter games seeing an uptick as battle royale playtime declines.

Despite the genre's overall contraction, Fortnite has remarkably expanded its dominance within the battle royale space. The game's share of the genre has surged from 43% in 2021 to an impressive 77% in 2024, demonstrating Fortnite's resilience and growing appeal amidst shifting player preferences.

In parallel, role-playing games (RPGs) have experienced a notable rise, increasing from a 9% share of playtime in 2021 to 13% in 2024. Newzoo's report highlights that 18% of 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, underscoring the significant impact of these games on the genre's growth.

Newzoo's findings reflect the intense competition for player attention in the gaming world. While stalwarts like Fortnite, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Apex Legends maintain their foothold, other games struggle to retain player interest. Simultaneously, shooters and RPGs are gaining ground, with successful titles such as Marvel Rivals and Baldur's Gate 3 exemplifying the strength of these genres.

Fortnite's ability to adapt and evolve through constant updates and a diverse array of gaming experiences has likely contributed to its enduring popularity. As gaming trends continue to evolve with changing audience interests, the industry will undoubtedly witness further shifts in the coming years.