Fortnite still earns a lot of money in 2019, but not nearly as much as in 2018. In the second quarter of 2019, revenues in the USA are said to have dropped by 52%. This comes from a new report. The company surveyed US customers via email.
Where do the numbers come from? The numbers come from Edison Trends. This is a US company that monitors the market. Edison sends out millions of emails to US customers, analyzes the data, and then makes a report.
Hype peaked in May 2018 – drop in June 2019
How have Fortnite’s numbers developed? Revenues from Fortnite steadily increased from November 2017 to May 2018, but have actually been steadily declining since then.
In May 2018, the peak of the Fortnite craze was apparently reached. At that time, Fortnite was considered a “cultural phenomenon” and mainstream media reported on the game.
This hype lasted quite long but gradually faded. People got used to the game. Although Epic constantly changes Fortnite, it cannot maintain the success permanently.
In June 2019, around the Fortnite World Cup, a significant drop in revenues is noticeable. It seemed that the air was out of Fortnite. This is also reflected in the mood in the game and the forums.
Grandma buys grandchildren something for “this Fortnite” for Christmas
What was the trigger in December? The big outlier was December 2018. The months prior consistently saw declining revenues, but in December, Fortnite’s earnings shot up again, reaching an all-time high that far surpassed the peak in May.
This was likely due to exceptionally good “Christmas skins” and because many parents and grandparents wanted to give their kids something related to Fortnite for Christmas. During that time, Epic even brought Fortnite to stores and offered many bundles – likely to reach an older generation that still views digital purchases with suspicion.
Where do the 52% come from? Fortnite earned 52% less money in the second quarter of 2019 compared to the second quarter of 2018:
- In the second quarter of 2018, Fortnite was at its cultural peak – it had maximum significance
- In the second quarter of 2019, Fortnite stagnated and fell – the major downturn began only in the third quarter of 2019
At the moment, it seems that revenues will continue to deteriorate.
Even though Fortnite’s revenues are declining: Compared to competitors like PUBG, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, the numbers are still enormous.
What do Fortnite players spend their money on? According to the report, players predominantly spend their money on V-Bucks (83%). This is the premium currency of the game. With V-Bucks, players can purchase the Battle Pass or skins in Fortnite. This currency can also be earned by players themselves.
For packs (13%) and bundles (3%), the direct sales, players spend significantly less money.
Apex Legends players are loyal buyers
What about other games? For other games, the curve is similar. Players spend the most at release, and then it tapers off.
One exception is Call of Duty: Black Ops 4. This is the only “purchase game” on the list of 4 online games. The massive increase in spending in October 2018 was simply due to people purchasing the game.
It is also interesting that Apex Legends players are reportedly the “most reliable”. 62% of the people who spent money in Apex Legends in June 2019 also did so in July 2019.
It should be noted that PUBG is now significantly stronger in the Asian market and on mobile than in the West. It doesn’t look as bad worldwide as the US numbers suggest.
