Fortnite, a well-known phenomenon in video gaming boasting over 400 million registered players, has recently announced an exciting partnership with Lego. Renowned for its crafting component, the online shooter introduces a unique survival mode where players actively craft with Lego bricks, drawing evident inspiration from the best-selling game of all time, Minecraft.
Game Access and Modes
Players can access this new game mode via Fortnite, available on platforms such as PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch. While Fortnite offers multiple game modes, the online battle royale outshines the others, where up to 100 players fiercely compete to be the last one standing.
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Fortnite vs. Minecraft
Conversely, Minecraft is a survival game where players actively construct various structures while crafting tools and weapons. Interestingly, Fortnite’s initial release featured a similar survival mode, dubbed Fortnite: Save the World, which debuted before its battle royale mode even existed. The overwhelming success of Fortnite: Battle Royale understandably overshadowed the game’s other modes, establishing Fortnite as predominantly known for its online shooter with crafting elements.
A Return to Roots with a Lego Twist
This collaboration signifies a return to Fortnite’s roots, albeit with a Lego twist. Gameplay previews reveal a significantly transformed game world with settings and characters inspired by Lego products. Scenes reminiscent of Minecraft include players actively enclosing sheep within a fence, cultivating vegetables, and gathering around a campfire, as well as actively chopping down trees for building materials.
In-Game Collaborations
Longtime Fortnite fans won’t be surprised by this high-profile collaboration, as the game is infamous for such partnerships. It has previously organized in-game concerts featuring real-world celebrities like Marshmello and Ariana Grande. Despite boasting 70 million monthly players, Fortnite’s developer, Epic Games, aims to expand its audience. Adam Sussman, the company president, remarked, “This is absolutely about expansion…”
Engaging Younger Audiences
Over the years, a plethora of Lego games has been released, from the 1997 cult favorite Lego Island to contemporary Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Marvel tie-ins. However, these games, much like the Lego bricks themselves, are typically considered suitable for young children.
Contrastingly, Fortnite is rated PEGI 12 in the UK and EU, indicating its appropriateness for children aged 12 and above. The US rating is analogous. To address this discrepancy, Epic has implemented parental controls and online safety features. Sussman explained, “One of the things that we recently implemented was a rating system… we allow the parents to decide what type of content their kids will be able to see. For instance, [the Fortnite Lego mode] is rated E10+, while Fortnite is rated T.”
Addressing Criticism
Despite such efforts, Fortnite has faced its share of criticism, most notably from Prince Harry, who in 2019 alleged that the game was “created to addict.” However, Eurogamer editor-in-chief Tom Phillips countered such views, stating that they are often targeted at video games in general. He added that people can choose the games they want to play based on their preferences and steer clear of shooting games if they so choose.
Conclusion
In the realm of gaming, the collaboration between Fortnite and Lego marks a return to roots with an innovative twist. As players embrace the fusion of crafting, survival, and creativity, this partnership not only engages loyal Fortnite enthusiasts but also introduces a fresh dimension to captivate a broader audience. With scenes reminiscent of Minecraft and a commitment to addressing age-appropriateness, the collaboration paves the way for a dynamic future in gaming. As Fortnite and Lego enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the unfolding of this ambitious venture, the gaming landscape evolves, promising exciting updates and new ideas on the horizon. Embrace the journey of Fortnite and Lego – where creativity knows no bounds and the adventure never ends.