Apex Legends: Will It Dethrone Fortnite?
The sudden rise of Apex Legends has taken the gaming industry by storm. Within just a week of its release, the game has gained a staggering 10 million registered players and an average of one million concurrent players. This unexpected success can partly be attributed to the involvement of popular Twitch streamers like Ninja, shroud, and DrLupo who signed streaming contracts with Respawn and EA to showcase Apex Legends to their viewers.
A Hit to Fortnite’s Dominance
Fortnite, currently the biggest game on Twitch, faced a significant drop in streaming numbers after these influential streamers switched to Apex Legends. Even though it’s unlikely that Apex Legends will completely kill Fortnite and take over the battle royale genre, its success has raised questions about the future of Fortnite.
Why Fortnite Still Holds the Crown
Fortnite is more accessible as it is available on various platforms including PC, consoles, and mobile devices. On the other hand, Apex Legends requires a higher-spec PC build and is not yet available on the Nintendo Switch or mobile.
Furthermore, Fortnite’s basic mechanics are simpler to understand. Players only need to grasp the concept of weapon rarities, limited inventory space, and the ability to gather materials for building. In contrast, Apex Legends introduces weapon attachments, unique character abilities, and three different in-game currencies, making it more complex for casual players.
Fortnite also holds an advantage in terms of being family-friendly. While both games involve shooting, Fortnite’s cartoonish art style and visuals make the violence appear less realistic and aggressive compared to Apex Legends’ more intense graphics. Moreover, Fortnite has a lower age rating, appealing to parents who prefer their children playing a less violent game.
Lastly, Fortnite’s microtransactions are more straightforward. V-Bucks, the in-game currency, can only be used to purchase cosmetic items that do not affect gameplay. In contrast, Apex Legends has multiple currencies, loot boxes, a featured item shop, and characters that can only be unlocked through gameplay or purchase. This complexity may discourage casual players from engaging with Apex Legends.
Conclusion
While Apex Legends has made a significant impact in the gaming industry, Fortnite still reigns supreme due to its accessibility, simpler mechanics, family-friendly nature, and straightforward microtransactions. Apex Legends has some work to do before it can challenge Fortnite’s massive player base. However, both games have their appeal, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference and playing style.