Ever since its release in 2017, Fortnite has been a popular game among the general audience, especially younger players. Season after season, the programmers of the video game improve and therefore, evolve it in its entirety. This is done with the purpose that it can increase user satisfaction, but also to add validity to itself as a successful text- a communicative artifact.
How is Fortnite a Text?
The popular gaming platform is considered a text by nature. It facilitates significant communication between the goals it exhibits. Fortnite fosters a sense of both community and competition, allowing players to play with friends in teams or solo against other players. Even watching someone else play the game brings you into the community, as you learn to understand the lingo.
As well, it has a solid set of rules that dictate the gameplay that is allowed and celebrated. For instance, they have rules as to what game play is legal and which could lead you to be banned. There are also ways to team up with people, forming a group or “party” in the lobby before entering the game. Likewise, they must follow certain environmental rules in the game, such as having to stay within the circle or collect bandages to aid in survival. These rules necessitate the gameplay into instinctual survival hacks that help gain advantages.
Textuality in the Game
The textuality in the video games allows for two important features to be set out: intentionality and intertextuality.
Intentionality is set through the thoughtful game design, from jumping off a flying school bus to looting chests scattered all across a player’s favorite areas on the map. Many player choices are promoted through the customization of their attitude. This ranges from their emotes to the music they play.
This is heavily connected to the idea of intertextuality, as the customization often relates to today’s pop culture moments. With every new season that drops, new skins are added- that often feature singers, actors, and even characters from TV shows. Also, the latest dance moves and songs will be programmed into the game, available to buy in-game.
The Multilayered Experiences
Through constant change and improving design, the game developers of Fortnite can create a multilayer experience. They design the game-play rules, which dictate the standards for winning a “Victory Royale”. Additionally, the visual aesthetic in the design appeals to the audience’s interest through cartoonish art and identifiable character “skins”. Likewise, time plays an active role, as months pass in real life, a new season is to be expected in the game. This helps move along gameplay, as it formulates an eventful and orderly timeline. Lastly, the game connects people. Whether you play with or against your friends, or even watch streamers on Twitch, you are all connected by the passion for it and even the desire to win!
Fortnite is a Text!
The key takeaway from Fortnite is to show how it is considered a text. It exists in a digital form, providing players with an interactive and multimodal experience, all relevant to today’s social scene. Fortnite truly proves Eyman’s point, as an experience in a digital space is the most important takeaway!
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