What features could Epic add to Fortnite to increase player engagement and retention?

Introduction

To increase player engagement and retention in Fortnite, we need to identify and implement features that enhance the core gameplay experience while addressing evolving player needs. I'll approach this challenge by analyzing our user segments, identifying pain points, generating innovative solutions, and prioritizing them based on potential impact and feasibility.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions

• Looking at Fortnite's position in the battle royale market, I'm curious about our current player demographics and engagement patterns. Could you share insights on our primary user segments and their average play time per session?

Why it matters: This helps us tailor features to our most engaged players while identifying opportunities to increase retention for less active segments. Expected answer: Core demographic is 18-24 year olds, with average session times of 30-45 minutes. Impact on approach: Would focus on features that enhance longer play sessions and social interactions.

• Considering the evolving nature of live service games, I'm interested in understanding our content update cadence. How frequently do we currently release new seasons, events, or major gameplay changes?

Why it matters: Determines if we need to focus on more frequent content drops or improving existing features. Expected answer: New seasons every 2-3 months, with weekly challenges and monthly events. Impact on approach: Might explore ways to create more engaging inter-season content or improve the impact of seasonal changes.

• Given the competitive landscape in the battle royale genre, I'm keen to know our current player retention rates compared to industry standards. Can you share our 30-day retention rate and how it compares to our main competitors?

Why it matters: Helps identify if we need to focus more on early-stage engagement or long-term player loyalty. Expected answer: 30-day retention rate of 35%, slightly below the industry average of 40%. Impact on approach: Would prioritize features that hook players in the crucial first month of gameplay.

• Considering the importance of monetization in free-to-play games, I'd like to understand our current conversion rate from free to paying players. What percentage of our player base makes in-game purchases, and what's our average revenue per paying user (ARPPU)?

Why it matters: Informs whether we should focus on converting more players to paying customers or increasing spend from existing payers. Expected answer: 5% of players make purchases, with an ARPPU of $20. Impact on approach: Might explore features that provide more value to free players while creating compelling reasons to make initial purchases.