A recent report from the research firm Newzoo sheds light on the evolving landscape of the battle royale genre, yet underscores Fortnite's enduring dominance. According to Newzoo's PC & Console Gaming Report 2025, the battle royale genre has experienced a contraction in playtime, decreasing from 19% in 2021 to 12% in 2024. This data was gathered from Newzoo's Game Performance Monitor, which examines 37 markets across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, excluding China and India.
While the battle royale genre has seen a decline, shooter games have simultaneously gained in popularity, with both genres together consistently making up 40% of total playtime. This shift indicates a dynamic change within the gaming community's preferences. However, within the battle royale genre itself, Fortnite has remarkably increased its market share, rising from 43% in 2021 to a staggering 77% in 2024. This growth showcases Fortnite's ability to capture and retain player interest amidst a broader trend of declining genre playtime.
In parallel, role-playing games (RPGs) have also seen a surge in popularity, climbing from a 9% share in 2021 to 13% in 2024. Newzoo highlighted that 18% of RPG playtime in 2024 was dedicated to major releases from 2023, such as Baldur's Gate 3, Diablo IV, Honkai: Star Rail, Hogwarts Legacy, and Starfield. This growth in RPGs reflects a broader diversification of player interests.
The competition for player attention remains intense, as noted by Newzoo. While stalwarts like Fortnite, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Apex Legends continue to thrive, other titles struggle to maintain relevance. Meanwhile, shooters and RPGs are expanding their footprint and capturing more of the gaming audience. The success of standout titles in these genres, like Marvel Rivals and Baldur's Gate 3, cannot be overlooked.
Fortnite's resilience can be attributed to its continuous updates, evolving content, and its ability to incorporate various gaming experiences and genres within its platform. As gaming trends continue to evolve, it will be fascinating to observe how these shifts in player preferences influence the industry in the coming years.
