Welcome to Games Fortnite, where we delve deep into the heart of your favorite games. Today, we’re tackling a question that’s been lurking in the shadows: was Fortnite originally intended to be a horror game? It’s a question that might surprise many of you, given the vibrant, cartoony battle royale we know and love today. So, let’s unearth some gaming history and explore the spooky beginnings of Fortnite.
Many players know Fortnite as a vibrant battle royale, but its initial concept was far removed from the colorful, building-centric gameplay we see today. We’ll be examining the early development stages and see how the game’s DNA hinted at a completely different genre. The game’s origin story has a lot more mystery than you might think.
The genesis of fortnite: a horror-tinged concept
Fortnite’s development didn’t start with dance emotes and the Victory Royale. The initial idea was born from a game jam by Epic Games in 2011. This early concept, known as “Fortnite: Save the World,” was envisioned as a cooperative, player-versus-environment (PvE) experience with a strong survival horror element. Instead of fighting each other, players would team up to defend against hordes of zombie-like creatures called Husks.
The game’s original premise was set in a post-apocalyptic world where a mysterious storm called “The Storm” had ravaged the Earth, bringing with it the aforementioned Husks. This core idea paints a much darker, more ominous picture than the bright, competitive world we know now. The emphasis was on scavenging, crafting, and, crucially, surviving against a relentless, monstrous threat. This definitely leaned towards the survival horror genre.
fortnite early concept survival horror game
Key elements that hinted at a horror game
Several elements from the initial “Fortnite: Save the World” game design pointed toward a survival horror experience. Here are a few examples:
- The setting: The post-apocalyptic world, ravaged by a mysterious storm and filled with monstrous creatures, creates an atmosphere of tension and dread that is typical of horror games.
- The gameplay loop: Scavenging for resources, building defenses, and fighting off hordes of enemies are all common mechanics in the survival horror genre. These mechanics foster a sense of vulnerability and tension, which are key to any good horror game.
- The enemies: The Husks, with their decaying appearance and relentless aggression, are reminiscent of zombies, a common trope in horror games. Their design aimed to evoke a sense of unease and threat.
- The tone: Even the original marketing materials for “Fortnite: Save the World” had a darker, more serious tone compared to the battle royale version. This reflected the initial vision of a game focused on survival against overwhelming odds.
“The initial vision for Fortnite was definitely more survival-focused, with a real emphasis on the sense of dread and danger, this really made it feel more like a horror game than what we know today,” says Dr. Elias Thorne, a game development historian.
Why the shift from horror to battle royale?
So, if Fortnite was intended to be a horror game, what caused the massive shift towards the battle royale juggernaut we know today? The answer lies primarily in the success of another game: PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG). The enormous popularity of PUBG in 2017 showed Epic Games that there was a massive appetite for battle royale games. It was this revelation that led to a significant change in Fortnite’s development.
Epic saw the potential to capitalize on the hype around the battle royale genre, and quickly pivoted by developing Fortnite Battle Royale as a separate mode. This decision was a turning point for the game. They repurposed some of the core mechanics, like building and resource gathering, to fit into a faster-paced, more competitive format. They also introduced a brighter, more cartoonish art style, which made the game more appealing to a wider audience.
The influence of playerunknown’s battlegrounds (PUBG)
The success of PUBG had a monumental influence on the direction of Fortnite. The key changes included:
- Moving from PvE to PvP: The focus shifted from cooperative survival to a player-versus-player competitive format. This marked a significant departure from the initial design of a horror-infused experience.
- The battle royale formula: Epic adopted the basic battle royale formula—100 players parachuting onto a map and fighting until only one remains—which was pioneered by PUBG.
- A lighter tone: The game’s overall tone became more lighthearted, which was a stark contrast to the darker, more ominous atmosphere of “Fortnite: Save the World.” This appeal to a larger audience was key to the game’s incredible success.
- Introduction of building: While present in the original “Save the World” mode, building became more central to gameplay in the battle royale format, adding a unique strategic element.
This shift allowed the game to break through into the mainstream, but it came at the cost of the horror aesthetic that defined its origins.
The legacy of horror in fortnite today
While Fortnite has largely moved away from its horror roots, there are still remnants of that initial vision that are occasionally visible within the game. These are like hidden clues to the game’s original design. Although the battle royale version is very different, we can still catch a glimpse of what could have been in some parts of the game.
Remnants of a darker past
Here are a few examples of how the early horror-tinged concept occasionally surfaces in Fortnite:
- “Fortnite: Save the World”: This original PvE mode still exists as a separate game experience, providing a direct link to the game’s initial survival horror concept. It still has the darker tone and the monster-fighting elements.
- The Husks: While now less prominent in the battle royale mode, the Husks still appear during certain events, serving as a callback to the original gameplay. They are a reminder of the spooky past.
- Seasonal themes: Some Fortnite seasons and events have featured darker themes, such as Halloween, which hark back to the game’s origins. These often bring back horror elements and add a temporary spooky vibe.
- The Storm: The mysterious storm from the original game still exists as part of the lore, a connection to the game’s early dark tone. It is a powerful symbol that links the original horror theme to the modern battle royale mode.
fortnite save the world gameplay horde mode
“It’s fascinating how the original horror elements are still embedded into Fortnite’s DNA. It shows how much the game has evolved while still paying homage to its initial concept,” observes Anya Petrova, a leading video game journalist.
What if Fortnite had remained a horror game?
It’s fun to imagine an alternate reality where Fortnite had stayed true to its original horror concept. Would it have reached the same level of success? It’s certainly a fascinating question that highlights the risks and rewards of shifting game design.
- A niche success: While a horror-themed Fortnite might not have achieved the same mainstream popularity, it could have found a loyal fanbase within the survival horror genre. Perhaps it would have become a cult classic instead of a global phenomenon.
- A different gaming landscape: If Fortnite had stuck to its horror roots, it might have encouraged other game developers to explore that genre more thoroughly. It could have led to a different path for game development.
- A potential for innovation: Staying true to the survival horror formula might have forced Epic to be even more innovative with gameplay mechanics, leading to different kinds of games entirely.
- The “what if” factor: This “what if” scenario underscores the unpredictable nature of game development and the importance of adapting to the market. It shows how a change in direction can lead to phenomenal success.
fortnite horror concept dark alternate
Conclusion: fortnite’s evolution and the spooky what-ifs
So, was Fortnite meant to be a horror game? The evidence strongly suggests that its initial vision was much darker and more closely aligned with the survival horror genre. However, the incredible popularity of the battle royale format, specifically PUBG, led Epic Games to pivot towards the vibrant, competitive game we all know today. While the horror elements have largely been replaced by a more lighthearted and cartoonish style, the game occasionally offers glimpses into its spooky past.
The evolution of Fortnite shows how game development can sometimes take unexpected turns, and how a willingness to adapt can lead to incredible success. It also serves as a reminder that even the most popular games have intriguing backstories. The shift from a potential horror experience to a battle royale juggernaut is a perfect example of the dynamic nature of the gaming industry.
We encourage you to explore the different sides of Fortnite on Games Fortnite, whether it’s the bright battle royale or the lurking darkness of “Save the World”. So, keep exploring, keep gaming and keep asking those intriguing “what if” questions. What if fortnite was meant to be a horror game? Well, that story is a spooky tale for another time.
