Back in September of 2017, the gaming company Epic Games released the now very popular video game called Fortnite. This game was revolutionary to the video game world, it was a game that was unlike any other and it quickly grew to be one of the most popular games in video game history. Within the first month of the game being released, there were 1 million registered players and it then began to grow more in 2018. In the first month of 2018, Fortnite rapidly increased to 30 million registered players and a month later grew again to 45 million registered players.

Fortnite is a one of a kind game that revolutionized the video game industry by popularizing the battle royale style which is where players compete against each other in matches to be the last one standing. They added a new twist to the genre through, introducing players with the option to build. Most battle royales rely on the environment around you to provide safety, but in Fortnite you can create your own cover by using builds to protect yourself, adding a whole new depth to the game. 

On December 6, 2024, Fortnite Launched its new “OG mode” taking players back to 7 years ago when the game was first released. Within 20 minutes of the game modes release it quickly climbed to over one million concurrent users, its highest in years. Old players have been returning in droves to relive their middle school memories of victory royales.

Senior Tim Shumway’s favorite memory of playing is “bringing his Switch and TV into the room with his brother and playing all night.” Similarly, for Luke Nelson, Fortnite was a way to “talk to and play with my friends during Covid when everyone was quarantined.” As described, Fortnite was relevant in many lives and the company’s decision to revive its original mode was effective. 

Fortnite’s OG mode is more than just a walk down memory lane. It’s been a way for students to connect and hangout over the years, building some of the strongest friendships. Even the writers of the story met for the first time in a creative lobby on the Fortnite server 6 years ago. So with the return of the classic game mode it opens opportunities for old friends to reunite and relive past memories, while new friendships are born over late night gaming sessions.