Tag: Fortnite

  • PS5 Now Shows Player Counts for Top PlayStation Games

    PS5 Now Shows Player Counts for Top PlayStation Games

    Key Takeaway

    – PS5 Welcome Hub beta now shows weekly top 10 and trending games with visible concurrent player counts, offering a rare CCU view for consoles.
    – Fortnite leads with 14.6 million players in the past 7 days; GTA V, Call of Duty, and Minecraft hover around 5 million each.
    – Not all PS5 store/retail titles are included; Roblox and NBA 2K appear missing, with unclear criteria (revenue or publisher opt-in may factor in).
    – The top-10 list can be repetitive week to week; trending may offer more variety, but new releases may struggle to break in.
    – Console CCU data comes from third-party sources with limited transparency, though some services offer projections to aid cross-platform engagement comparisons.

    Often, when an anticipated title launches on Steam, fans use player counts to judge its success. Similar concurrent user (CCU) data is much less accessible on consoles, making comparisons difficult for observers who rely on cross platform metrics. Yet a new beta PS5 feature reveals how many gamers are actively playing the top 10 and trending games.

    PS5 Beta Shows Top 10 and Trending Counts

    On a recent podcast, YouTuber Mystic discussed the Welcome Hub currently in testing. Gamers can choose to see a week’s 10 most popular PlayStation games or which additions are trending. What’s significant is that player counts, normally difficult to gauge, are also visible, providing a rare glimpse that fans and analysts alike have craved.

    Highlights from the Welcome Hub

    Maki on the ResetEra forums shared statistics showing Fortnite dominating with 14.6 million users in the past 7 days. GTA 5, Call of Duty, and Minecraft are all around the 5 million mark. The numbers illustrate a snapshot of the community’s engagement and where attention is currently concentrated, these days.

    Fortnite Leads and Other Big Titles

    Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem that all PS5 games sold on the PS Store or at retailers are considered. One poster noted that ultra-popular Roblox is missing, as are live-service sports titles like NBA 2K. It’s unclear how Sony makes the lists, but revenue or whether a publisher opts in may be factors.

    Missing Titles and List Criteria

    As Mystic explained, another issue is that the same top PlayStation games could appear every week. New releases would struggle to place unless they draw massive audiences, and that’s a risk with the top 10 option, though the trending category may offer more variety. For those watching across platforms, the approach hints where interest lies, yet it may overemphasize big franchises while underrepresenting smaller titles, Mystic YouTube, Maki@ResetEra forums.

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  • LEGO Fortnite Rave Cave Set Preview | New Building Experience

    Key Takeaway

    1. Das LEGO One Piece-Set erscheint am 1. August 2026, was für Manga-Fans eine Freude ist.
    2. Das LEGO Fortnite-Set „77082 The Rave Cave“ wurde vorgestellt und zeigt die bekannte In-Game-Location mit einer Achterbahn.
    3. Die genaue Teilezahl ist noch nicht bekannt, es wird jedoch erwartet, dass es sich um ein größeres Set handelt.

    Neues LEGO Fortnite-Set: The Rave Cave entdecket

    Yesterday, we spoke about the latest Lego One Piece set that will be out on August 1, 2026, which sure makes manga fans happy, but gamers can now take a peek at the new LEGO Fortnite set called “77082 The Rave Cave”, shared by @BlogBricks through X (formerly Twitter) via @TUnibricks. The details about the parts count still uncertain, though rumors was floating around months ago, like from YouTuber Bricks & Pieces, stating it might contain about 1963 components, but nothing’s confirmed yet. What is clear, is that it’s a pretty big set. The main focus is to recreate the famous in-game location with the rollercoaster, known also as Screwballer. Fans are eager to know how the “Baller” figures are built and how they move along the rails. Exciting times for LEGO fans and Fortnite lovers alike!

    Details und Spezifikationen des Sets

    • Set Name: 77082 The Rave Cave
    • Preis: Noch nicht veröffentlicht (voraussichtlich im Bereich von 80-100 €)
    • Teilezahl: Unbestätigt, geschätzt 1963 Teile

    Was könnte dieses Set bieten?

    Think about all those crazy details that make LEGO sets fun, especially when it comes to recreating complex locations. LEGO’s innovation here allows you to build a lively scene featuring a rollercoaster, with some chance to simulate the dynamic motion of the “Baller” characters. The design will have to focus on durability and playability, since the in-game elements are quite energetic. And let’s not forget the possible display value, as this set can be a actual eye-catcher for any gaming and LEGO fan alike. With its size and potential features, it could be a great addition to any collection, particularly for those who love Fortnite.

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  • Fortnite Victory Cups Increase Ranked Entry and Offer Big Cash Prizes

    Fortnite Victory Cups Increase Ranked Entry and Offer Big Cash Prizes

    Key Takeaway

    1. The Victory Cups have a structured progression with increasing ranked requirements for solos, culminating at Unreal rank, while Reload Duos requires both players to be at least Elite from the start.
    2. Both formats feature a two-round setup, with Round 1 focusing on point accumulation for qualification, and Round 2 solely based on Victory Royales.
    3. Prize money is awarded per Victory Royale in the final round, with Solo players earning $100 per win and teams in Reload Duos earning $200 per win.
    4. The competition structure includes regional qualification thresholds, with specific match and time limits for each round.
    5. Final Round 2 scoring emphasizes Victories without placement points, highlighting the importance of securing Victory Royales.

    Epic’s New Rules for Fortnite Victory Cups

    Epic has rolled out the official rules for the upcoming Fortnite Victory Cups in Chapter 7 Season 2, which lays out the season’s structure that will progressively raise the required ranked levels for solo players. However, Reload Duos maintains a consistent high standard throughout, which is pretty interesting. The rules info is now shown in Fortnite’s news feed under the Competitive section, sharing details about Solo and Reload Duos Victory Cups, though the actual dates and times are only available within the game, not in the general rules document. This setup kinda makes it easy for players to stay updated and plan their participation around the in-game schedule, which is more accurate and timely.

    Specifics for Solo and Reload Duos Play

    In the solo category, Epic specifies that the initial event requires players to reach at least Platinum in Battle Royale Ranked Mode. Then, the second event moves that goal higher, requiring an Elite rank. For the final event, only players reaching Unreal can participate.

    Reload Duos, on the other hand, is a tad tougher at the start, demanding both players in a duo to be at least Elite in Reload Ranked Mode to join. This pledge to a stricter minimum might motivate some players to improve their ranks early, but might turn away those still climbing up the ranks. The match progressions are set and standardized for both formats, making the competition fare equal in a way that keeps it fair and challenging.

    Format and Progression Details

    Both formats use a two-round layout, which keeps things straightforward and competitive. In Solo Victory Cup Round 1, matches last roughly two hours, with players permitted to participate in up to eight games. Positioning in this round is primarily based on accumulated points which are calculated from placements and eliminations. For example, the best players in Europe, North America Central, and OCE, Asia, Middle East, Brazil, and NA West with the most points move forward to the second round.

    Reload Duos replicates a similar structure, with an 8-match cap in Round 1, lasting similar hours, and only the top teams advancing based on points. The second round is shorter, about an hour, and allows only three matches which heighten the stakes. It’s interesting how both formats keep the initial stages accessible but intensify the competition as they progress.

    What Matters in the Final Round?

    The final round is made easy for players to understand: in Solo Round 2, only the Victory Royales matter for the leaderboard. No extra points for placements, purely your wins count. The same rule applies for Reload Duos, where the focus is solely on first-place finishes. This structure emphasizes aggressive gameplay and rewards pure wins, which can excite players who prefer to go all out.

    During Round 1, scoring was wider, with players able to rack up to 60 points for wins and extra points for eliminations. Reload Duos tend to focus more on victory dominance, awarding the winner 60 points plus two points per elimination. This scoring setup keeps the matches dynamic, always pushing players to play aggressively for top spots.

    Prize Money and Availability

    Epic states that solo victors in Round 2 will get $100 per Victory Royale. For Reload Duos, each team that wins in Round 2 earns $200, which means if a team wins three games, it earns $600 total, divided equally among teammates, that’s $300 each. And there’s good news for Android users because Fortnite is again available on Google Play, with Epic officially confirming the Android comeback scheduled for March 19, 2026. That’s a big step for Android fans who want to join the Fortnite fun and earn their share of those cash prizes.

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  • Epic Games Cuts 1,000 Jobs to Stay Afloat Amid Challenges

    Epic Games Cuts 1,000 Jobs to Stay Afloat Amid Challenges

    Key Takeaways

    1. Epic Games is experiencing significant layoffs, with over 1,000 employees let go due to declining Fortnite engagement and financial struggles.
    2. The company is implementing over $500 million in cost-saving measures, including cuts to contracts, marketing, and open positions.
    3. The gaming industry is facing broader challenges, such as lower consumer spending and slower growth, impacting companies like Epic Games.
    4. Epic Games has a history of overcoming tough periods, but it remains uncertain if they can navigate their current challenges successfully.
    5. Laid-off employees in the U.S. will receive health insurance for six months and a severance package of at least four months’ salary.

    Although Epic Games is known for much more than just Fortnite, any decline in this key game’s popularity seems to affect the whole company. Currently, the American firm employs over 4,000 people while managing the widely used Unreal Engine, the Epic Games Store, and numerous games. The titles released by Epic Games Publishing include Fall Guys, Alan Wake Remastered, PC Building Simulator 2, End of Abyss, among others. Unfortunately, troubles that started in 2025 are still causing difficulties for them.

    Layoffs Announced

    A message sent to employees at Epic yesterday stated:

    “We’re letting go of more than 1000 Epic employees today. I regret that we find ourselves in this position again. The drop in engagement for Fortnite that began in 2025 has resulted in us spending much more than what we earn, and significant cuts are necessary to keep the company afloat. This layoff, along with over $500 million in identified savings through contracts, marketing, and closing certain open positions, helps us to create a more secure future.”

    Industry Challenges

    The message also discussed challenges faced across the industry, like lower spending and slower growth, along with stricter cost measures. It pointed out some unique difficulties for Epic, such as the ongoing effort to provide appealing Fortnite content each season and the initial phase of re-entering the mobile market while optimizing for that platform.

    Historical Context

    Additionally, the note reflected on the tough periods Epic had in the 1990s during the transition from 2D to 3D with Unreal 1, in the 2000s as they developed console games like Gears of War, and in 2012 when they shifted to online gaming with Paragon and Fortnite. It remains uncertain if they can overcome these challenges yet again.

    In the United States, employees who are being laid off will receive health insurance coverage for six months, along with a severance package that guarantees at least four months of their base salary.

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  • Fortnite Returns to Google Play for Android Users Worldwide

    Fortnite Returns to Google Play for Android Users Worldwide

    Key Takeaways

    1. Fortnite is officially back on Google Play as of March 19, 2026, making it easier for Android users to install the game.
    2. The new “Invite a Friend” feature helps players level up and unlock the new Yeddy Outfit.
    3. Mobile updates include Marvel | Blitz matches with new loot and a redesigned Fortnite Festival Main Stage for portrait mode.
    4. Players can earn 20% back in Epic Rewards by using Epic’s payment system for purchases on Google Play.
    5. Fortnite was previously removed from Google Play in 2020 due to policy conflicts, but the relisting restores direct access for Android players.

    Fortnite is back on Google Play for users all over the world, with Epic officially announcing its return to Android on March 19, 2026. In their statement, Epic mentioned that this relisting coincides with a new season of Battle Royale, offering a more convenient way for Android players to install the game via Google’s app store.

    New Features and Friend Invites

    According to Epic’s official message, players can now easily download Fortnite from Google Play and dive into the new season alongside their friends on Android devices. The company is also using this opportunity to highlight its Invite a Friend feature, which is designed to assist players in leveling up and unlocking the new Yeddy Outfit.

    Exciting Mobile Updates

    The return to Google Play is not the only mobile update Epic has shared. They also mentioned the Marvel | Blitz matches, which now feature updated loot, including Captain America’s Shield. Additionally, the Fortnite Festival Main Stage has been updated to support portrait mode on mobile devices. Epic claims that this new layout allows players to tap directly on the note highway and includes haptic feedback during gameplay.

    Rewards and Payment Options

    Epic has also announced that players can receive 20% back in Epic Rewards when they opt to use Epic’s payment system for their purchases. This option is already available on Google Play in the United States. Moreover, Epic states that the same payment method can be used globally on iOS, the web, and through the Epic Games Store on PC. They are continuing to work on making this payment option accessible on Google Play across more regions.

    Fortnite had not been available on Google Play since 2020, when Epic launched a direct payment system that went against Google Play’s policies, resulting in the game being taken down from the store. While Android users could still play the game through alternative means, it was not a straightforward download from Google Play. The relisting on March 19 restores direct access to the Play Store for Android players everywhere.

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  • Epic Games Store Boosts Performance and Adds Steam-Like Features

    Epic Games Store Boosts Performance and Adds Steam-Like Features

    Key Takeaways

    1. Epic Games Store reached 78 million monthly active users in 2025, spending over $400 million on third-party games.
    2. Users dedicated 2.78 billion hours to playing third-party games, aided by weekly free game offerings.
    3. The Epic Games Store still trails behind Steam in revenue, player count, and software quality.
    4. Epic Games plans to improve the store’s performance, including faster response times and better stability.
    5. New features will include customizable profiles, voice chat across games, and cross-platform purchases for compatible games.

    In 2025, the Epic Games Store set multiple records for itself, achieving a remarkable 78 million monthly active users last year. These users spent over $400 million on third-party games, excluding Fortnite. In total, customers dedicated 2.78 billion hours to playing third-party games, with a significant portion likely due to the free games offered weekly.

    Epic’s Standing Compared to Steam

    While the Epic Games Store has seen impressive numbers, it still lags behind Steam in several areas, including revenue, active player count, and software quality. The Epic Games Store tends to use more system resources than Steam, is slower to respond to mouse clicks, and is missing several handy features. However, changes are on the horizon, as Epic Games has announced plans to revamp much of the Epic Games Store’s code. Starting this summer, users can expect improved response times, reduced loading times, and better overall stability.

    New Features and Enhancements

    Moreover, Epic Games aims to implement many of the community features that Steam offers, allowing players to build a more personalized profile complete with avatars. Players will also be able to chat with friends through voice chat, which won’t be limited to specific games, making it functional even when not everyone is playing the same game. To facilitate this, Epic Games will be rolling out friend groups in the second quarter of 2026. Additionally, games that can be played on both smartphones and PCs will be purchasable once, granting access to both platforms in the future.

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  • Fortnite Players Criticize ‘Steal the Brainrot’ Microtransactions

    Fortnite Players Criticize ‘Steal the Brainrot’ Microtransactions

    Key Takeaways

    1. Epic Games introduced in-island microtransactions for user-created Fortnite maps, allowing creators to sell items and features for V-Bucks.
    2. The tycoon-style island “Steal the Brainrot” offers high-cost, chance-based purchases, including random reward bundles and a roulette-style wheel.
    3. The new monetization system has faced backlash, with accusations of operating a loot-box gambling scheme targeting younger players.
    4. Epic’s UEFN guidelines permit creators to sell items directly, but concerns remain about the odds of winning in random purchases and past controversies over loot boxes.
    5. The island was temporarily removed from Fortnite’s Discover tab during the backlash but was reinstated, with ongoing worries about the gambling-like mechanics still in place.

    Within a day of Epic Games introducing in-island microtransactions for user-created Fortnite maps on January 9, a popular tycoon-style island called Steal the Brainrot included high-cost, chance-based buying options. Players can purchase “Present Rot” bundles that offer random rewards for as much as 4,900 V-Bucks, which is about US$35–40 depending on how you acquire the currency. Additionally, players can spin a roulette-style wheel costing 100 V-Bucks per spin for a shot at rare items and in-game cash.

    Backlash from the Community

    This new system has sparked strong reactions on platforms like Reddit, X, and YouTube, with players claiming that the map is practically operating a loot-box gambling scheme within Fortnite’s Creative mode. Critics highlight the low drop rates for rewards such as “Secret Lucky Rot” and “Secret Grande Rot” on the wheel, the use of limited-time “discount” labels on expensive bundles, and the fact that the island is heavily aimed at a younger audience. Some observers point out that Epic had previously distanced itself from paid random loot llamas in Fortnite’s Save the World mode, noting that loot boxes are banned in countries including Belgium.

    Epic’s New Monetisation Policies

    Epic’s updated UEFN monetisation guidelines permit creators to sell consumables, gameplay enhancements, and random items directly on their islands, with prices ranging from 50 to 5,000 V-Bucks and obligatory odds disclosure for chance-based purchases. Currently, the offers in Steal the Brainrot seem to follow these regulations, and Epic has stated that UEFN creators will receive 100% of the V-Bucks revenue from in-island sales (after platform fees) until early 2027. There hasn’t been any enforcement action announced against this map, but Epic has indicated it might change its policies if necessary.

    Temporary Removal and Player Concerns

    The island temporarily vanished from Fortnite’s Discover tab during the controversy, causing worry among players who had recently spent their V-Bucks. It was later reinstated after the creator attributed the disappearance to a technical glitch following a game update. The gambling-like mechanics were still present when the map returned, and guides have already surfaced explaining how players can seek refunds for V-Bucks if they feel deceived.

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  • CEO criticizes Apple’s junk fees as Fortnite remains off iOS in Japan

    CEO criticizes Apple’s junk fees as Fortnite remains off iOS in Japan

    Key Takeaways

    1. Fortnite will not return to iOS in Japan due to Apple’s response to the Mobile Software Competition Act.
    2. Epic Games’ CEO, Tim Sweeney, criticized Apple for obstructing competition and disrespecting Japanese regulations.
    3. Despite legal victories allowing Fortnite’s return in some regions, Japan’s situation remains unchanged.
    4. Developers face high fees and mandatory reporting requirements when using competing app stores on iOS.
    5. Apple claims its policies are necessary for user safety and privacy, despite criticism from Epic Games.

    Epic Games has shared some disappointing updates regarding the iOS version of Fortnite in Japan. The well-known battle royale game will not be making a comeback on iOS devices or the App Store in Japan. This decision comes after Japan introduced a new regulation called the Mobile Software Competition Act, which mandates that Apple must permit third-party app stores on iPhones to enhance competition.

    Epic’s Criticism of Apple

    Epic’s CEO, Tim Sweeney, took to X to criticize Apple, stating that the company has engaged in “another travesty of obstruction and lawbreaking in gross disrespect to the government and people of Japan.” The relationship between Apple and Epic Games has been strained for several years, primarily due to Epic’s rejection of Apple’s 30% cut from in-app purchases. This dispute led to Apple removing Fortnite from the App Store back in 2020.

    Previous Comebacks

    Despite this ongoing conflict, Fortnite did make a return on iOS in the EU through third-party stores and the official App Store in the US after winning some legal battles. There was optimism that Fortnite would also return to iOS in Japan, but Apple’s response to the new regulations changed that outlook.

    Apple has technically opened iOS to competing app stores on iPhones, but not for iPads. Sweeney emphasized that they are imposing a “competition-crushing 21% junk fee on third-party in-app payments, and 15% for web purchases.”

    Legal Issues and Developer Concerns

    This situation has already been deemed illegal in a contempt of court case that Apple lost, which was affirmed by the 9th Circuit Court. From Epic’s viewpoint, the circumstances are worsening, as Apple is now taking a 5% cut from all apps sold through competing stores. Additionally, developers are required to use a “mandatory reporting API” that tracks every transaction and sends the data back to Apple.

    Moreover, users face warning messages when attempting to access alternative stores, which appears to be a tactic to create fear regarding privacy and security. Sweeney has pledged to escalate the issue to Japan’s Fair Trade Commission, asserting that “Obviously, real competition won’t happen, and consumers won’t benefit, when Apple abuses its position between users and competitors to obstruct honest dealing between them.”

    Apple’s Defense

    In contrast, Apple defends these actions as necessary to ensure user privacy and child safety, claiming that the fees are essential to cover the expenses associated with payment processing technology.

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  • Fortnite Physical Copy Sells for $42,500, Breaking Sales Record

    Fortnite Physical Copy Sells for $42,500, Breaking Sales Record

    Key Takeaways

    1. Fortnite, launched in 2017, is the top free-to-play battle royale game by profit.
    2. A sealed copy of Fortnite sold for over $40,000 at Heritage Auctions, breaking the previous record by over 200%.
    3. The previous record for a Fortnite copy was $13,750.
    4. Opened copies of Fortnite sell faster but at lower prices, with recent sales around $100 to $750.
    5. The market for Fortnite collectibles is expanding, with prices varying based on condition and packaging.

    Fortnite has become the leading free-to-play battle royale game in terms of profit. It first launched in 2017 as a mix of cooperative looter-shooter and tower-defense gameplay, co-published with Gearbox. Epic Games produced a small number of physical copies, and those sealed from that time are pretty hard to find.

    Record-Breaking Sale

    According to a report by Dexerto on X, an old copy that was initially sold for $60 has now fetched the highest price ever at Heritage Auctions. This specific unit received the highest rating on Wata’s population report from September 2025, which helped push the bidding over $40,000.

    This sale shattered the previous record of $13,750 for a Fortnite copy by over 200 percent! The Gamer notes that there are other copies listed on eBay for as high as $10,000, but they haven’t caught any buyers yet.

    Price Dynamics of Opened Copies

    On the other hand, opened copies tend to sell faster but are much cheaper. A recent deal saw a copy that came with an unused Founders Deluxe code go for $750. There have been offers ranging from $600 to $650, but most units have been selling for around $100 each.

    The market for Fortnite collectibles seems to be growing, but pricing varies widely based on condition and whether they are still sealed.

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  • Fortnite Skin Costs More Than Real Halloween Masks, Reddit Reacts

    Fortnite Skin Costs More Than Real Halloween Masks, Reddit Reacts

    Key Takeaways

    1. A Reddit post highlighted the high cost of in-game items, comparing a Fortnite pumpkin mask to a real-life mask, with the in-game version being twice as expensive.
    2. The community’s reaction was largely negative, with many users criticizing the monetization tactics of major game publishers.
    3. Some users reflected on how in-game pricing has evolved, referencing the infamous Horse Armor in Oblivion as an early example of costly DLC.
    4. Frustration was directed not only at publishers but also at fellow gamers, with some arguing that high prices persist because of player demand.
    5. The original Reddit post was removed by moderators for violating site rules, and attempts to repost it were also deleted.

    On November 4, a post on Reddit named “We live in a world where a real Halloween mask delivered to your home is cheaper than one from a video game” became very popular. This post highlighted that a pumpkin head mask in Fortnite is priced at twice the amount of a comparable real-life mask. The noticeable difference in prices quickly caught people’s attention, resulting in about 5,500 comments within only three hours.

    Community Reaction

    It was no surprise that the community’s response was mainly negative. Numerous users expressed their annoyance with the high costs of in-game items and criticized the monetization tactics of big publishers. Some people reminisced about how things have changed – or maybe worsened – mentioning the notorious Horse Armor in Oblivion, which stirred up debate back in 2006 due to its $2.50 price tag and soon became a joke within the gaming world.

    Blame Game

    In addition to calling out publishers like EA and Valve, many Reddit users also directed their frustration at fellow gamers. One user, u/KnGod, bluntly stated, “As long as there are fools who buy this crap, there will be crap to buy.” While the phrasing may be harsh, the underlying message is clear – publishers are merely reacting to what players are willing to pay. As long as gamers continue to spend high amounts on cosmetic items, these products will remain available in the marketplace.

    Post Removal

    Even with the strong reactions, the post didn’t last for long. The moderators of r/gaming removed it, citing a violation of Rule 6, which bans screenshots from other sites or social media. The original poster later attempted to share the same image in a different subreddit, r/SkateEA, but that attempt was also deleted shortly after, this time without any given reason.

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    Fortnite Skin Costs More Than Real Halloween Masks, Reddit Reacts

     

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