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Fortnite is Generating More Revenue Than Any Other Free Game Ever (recode.net)

Fortnite: Battle Royale has brought in more revenue in a single month than any other game of its kind, industry estimates suggest. Recode: The free-to-play game hit a new revenue record of $318 million in May, according to SuperData Research. That puts Fornite well ahead of other breakout games like Pokemon Go and Clash of Clans, and it's all the more spectacular when you realize the multi-platform game launched on consoles just eight months ago and on iOS just three months ago. Since then, Fortnite has brought in more than $1.2 billion in revenue, all of which comes from nonessential in-app purchases, for stuff like clothing and dance moves.

162 comments

  1. "free" by Kenja · · Score: 0

    Free as in beer, that you have to pay for to have it in a bottle, can or other container. Plus the chilling fee if you want it cold, and the carbonation tax if you don't want it flat.

    --

    "Have you ever thought about just turning off the TV, sitting down with your kids, and hitting them?"
    1. Re:"free" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Interesting

      I'm fine using the default skin for my beer, and my FortNite characters. That's all you pay for in the game: cosmetics.

    2. Re:"free" by Impy+the+Impiuos+Imp · · Score: 1

      "My wife wears a fine cloth coat!"

      "My wifi character wears a fine brown outfit!"

      --
      (-1: Post disagrees with my already-settled worldview) is not a valid mod option.
    3. Re: "free" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Interesting

      Well fortnite is as legit free to play as it gets. I don't like the game but can't knock their business model.

    4. Re:"free" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Insightful

      I think you get the beer for free well chilled, well carbonated, in a nice high quality bottle, and comes with a free bottle opener.

      But if you want it served in an elegant stein, a decorative glass, or delivered by a hot barmaid, then you can pay $$$$ for it.

      The fact that they've made $1.2 Billion off that business model is amazing. Good for them, but damn the average person is a complete idiot.

    5. Re:"free" by Actually,+I+do+RTFA · · Score: 1

      More like "free as in soda". So you tell your kids that they can have a soda. And then they spend 5 grand on bendy straws and colored ice and stickers for the cup upgrades. Only they get them from trading card packs, so there's fun gambling involved too, causing some adults to put everything into getting that one skin.

      --
      Your ad here. Ask me how!
    6. Re:"free" by Oswald+McWeany · · Score: 1

      "My wife wears a fine cloth coat!"

      "My wifi character wears a fine brown outfit!"

      As long as your wife is real, and not just a wifi character. The days when someone will have a wedding ceremony with an AI character online are surely not too far away.

      --
      "That's the way to do it" - Punch
    7. Re:"free" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I'm fine with the default skin for my wifu too. It's free, and washable.

    8. Re:"free" by PopeRatzo · · Score: 1

      The days when someone will have a wedding ceremony with an AI character online are surely not too far away.

      I'm not sure about a wife with artificial intelligence. I'm still working on one with artificial boobs. You know, the big, round, nice kind.

      --
      You are welcome on my lawn.
    9. Re:"free" by Anubis+IV · · Score: 1

      Exactly this. They aren't withholding anything central to the game from players. They're simply charging for inessentials. The AC's take on the analogy is significantly more apt than the GP's.

    10. Re: "free" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I did it last week.

    11. Re:"free" by mikael · · Score: 1

      Some games like MMORPG's already do that.

      --
      Vintage computer adverts: http://www.vintageadbrowser.com/computers-and-software-ads
    12. Re:"free" by halofan_sd · · Score: 2

      there's no loot boxes/ trading cards in this game, guess you never played it

    13. Re:"free" by Nos. · · Score: 1

      Why is the average person an idiot (I assume you're referring to players who buy cosmetics in the game).

      Are they any worse than a person that pays $50-$100 for a game outright? Sure they don't have to, but it increases their enjoyment of the game and/or supports the company which will likely result in game improvements, or a future version.

    14. Re: "free" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The days when someone will have a wedding ceremony with an AI character online are surely not too far away.

      I thought that already happened, and that the wedding was recorded by Google Glass. I am joking, but it almost sounds real.

    15. Re: "free" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      My AI wife is already more of a real wife than 90% of the goldbricking ditches out there.

    16. Re:"free" by tattood · · Score: 1

      Good for them, but damn the average person is a complete idiot.

      Just proves there are thousands of suckers born every minute.

      --
      WTB [sig], PST!!!
    17. Re:"free" by DontBeAMoran · · Score: 1

      Wouldn't it be easier to get a RealDoll?

      --
      #DeleteFacebook
    18. Re:"free" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      Good for them, but damn the average person is a complete idiot.

      Just proves there are thousands of suckers born every minute.

      This is a country of people who literally buy a religion from a SciFi writer who wrote "The way to get rich is to stsrt a religion." and select political candidates from reality TV stars who writ "The art of the deal is to tell people what they want to hear."

    19. Re:"free" by nospam007 · · Score: 1

      "I'm not sure about a wife with artificial intelligence."

      Une femme stupide est donc votre marotte ? - Tant, que j'aimerais mieux une laide bien sotte, Qu'une femme fort belle avec beaucoup d'esprit
        MOLIÈRE,

    20. Re:"free" by PopeRatzo · · Score: 1

      Une femme stupide est donc votre marotte ? - Tant, que j'aimerais mieux une laide bien sotte, Qu'une femme fort belle avec beaucoup d'esprit
          MOLIÈRE,

      Nah, man. French women don't shave under their arms.

      --
      You are welcome on my lawn.
    21. Re:"free" by sd4f · · Score: 1

      Were LRH and Trump wrong? Clearly they were right in their assertions, not to comment on whether it is just or anything else.

    22. Re: "free" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Even more realistic if it already happened and was live streamed via Google Glass from the husband's mom's basement. Then the mom walked in and began yelling at her son for being stupid. It went viral on YouTube as an epic fail. Now there is a GoFundMe Page trying to get money to fight a case all the way to the Supreme Court for the marriage to become legal. Also, it is probably cited in a video from Anita Sarkeesian arguing this is a common sexist tripe in virtual reality gaming.

    23. Re:"free" by Rockoon · · Score: 1

      I think what a lot of games do is they also give these cosmetics out as rewards for winning, early adopting, and so forth. So you want to look like a winning or early adopting player you can by buying a cosmetic.

      I think this pulls the issue out of the realm of stupidity and into the real of poor priorities.

      --
      "His name was James Damore."
    24. Re:"free" by Rolgar · · Score: 1

      I'd like an invisibility skin. That should make it easier to win.

    25. Re:"free" by micahraleigh · · Score: 1

      On slashdot ... if it moves, it's an idiot.

      Or a racist.

      Nah, nobody needs the benefit of the doubt.

      I'm guessing you don't either.

  2. Plenty of children using parents money.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Interesting

    ..for $20 cosmetic items. Yeah, as in two-zero.... ten plus ten.

    People that work at gamestop cant believe how many kids are dragging their parents in just to purchase these gift cards that let you buy skins.

    Not to mention the fact that the game is on nearly every platform now. It's a digital clothing store in the form of a video game.

    It's also pretty fun. I grew tired of it fairly quickly, but I'd never say it's a bad game. When you consider epic is pouring all their resources into it, it better be doing okay

    1. Re:Plenty of children using parents money.. by aix+tom · · Score: 3, Interesting

      It kind of makes sense. Real live is also "pretty fun" no matter what clothes you war, and the real life fashion industry makes a lot of money, too.

    2. Re:Plenty of children using parents money.. by Oswald+McWeany · · Score: 5, Insightful

      It's a digital clothing store in the form of a video game.

      So in many ways it's a virtual dress-up doll. All these teenage and pre-teen boys are paying money for a virtual Barbie (with a gun).

      --
      "That's the way to do it" - Punch
    3. Re:Plenty of children using parents money.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      This explains Republicanism today also.

    4. Re:Plenty of children using parents money.. by JaredOfEuropa · · Score: 2

      They sell gift cards for skins? Wow, just... wow.

      But yeah, it's fun even though I don't like the cartoonish look and feel. I also tried PUBG (which was not free, but sadly the devs really dropped the ball on that one. What a seriously frustrating buggy mess of rampant cheating that was...

      --
      If construction was anything like programming, an incorrectly fitted lock would bring down the entire building...
    5. Re:Plenty of children using parents money.. by The+Fat+Bastard · · Score: 1

      I didn't know that FortNite had coinslots for 38mm (British Britannias/Canadian Maple Leafs) and 39mm (American Silver Eagles) coins.

    6. Re:Plenty of children using parents money.. by EvilSS · · Score: 1

      Well yea, it's better than giving your kid your CC number to make the purchase.

      --
      I browse on +1 so AC's need not respond, I won't see it.
    7. Re:Plenty of children using parents money.. by The+Fat+Bastard · · Score: 1

      PUBG is suing FortNite for copyright infringement because FortNite has a battle royale mode.

    8. Re:Plenty of children using parents money.. by avandesande · · Score: 4, Interesting

      I have no problem with money for DLC as long as it's not pay to win or cut grinds etc.... it keeps the developers focus on keeping the game fun and interesting. With pay to win it creates all kinds of perverse side effects on game play.

      --
      love is just extroverted narcissism
    9. Re: Plenty of children using parents money.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You aren't funny. You are a sad sack of shit. Piss off mate.

    10. Re:Plenty of children using parents money.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      How about telling your kid, "No!" Are we that confrontation averse that we cannot instil values in our children about paying for purely virtual, cosmetic items with actual money? Now, DLC walks a fine line because while it is typically a virtual item, it should add at least some in-game benefits - extra levels, different modes, possibly even multiplayer. The exception to that allowable DLC rule (for me) is The Sims 'Stuff Packs' (furniture and wall skins) and any DLC that bypasses grinding. If a game includes grinding as a requirement, and then turns around and sells you a way to bypass the grind, then you are paying for the game, AND then paying to bypass the fun/work in the game. Why will people pay money to shorten their enjoyment of a game? If it really is work, why play the game?

    11. Re:Plenty of children using parents money.. by Mandrel · · Score: 1, Interesting

      Products (and ads for products) targeted at children have always been the most lucrative, because they and their developing brains are more able to be manipulated, are more susceptible to addiction and peer pressure, are less jaded and so more open and promiscuous, and have a large amount of leisure time. And their parents (and grandparents) like to dote and defuse pestering. Games, movies, books, toys, clothes.

    12. Re:Plenty of children using parents money.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You also don't know that women have funslots. While you pass your time like an 8 year old collecting Garbage Pail Kids cards, the rest of humanity marches on.

    13. Re:Plenty of children using parents money.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      What you mean to say is your values. Just because you think these things are a waste of time does not make them that for everyone. Get out of your judgment bubble for awhile.

    14. Re:Plenty of children using parents money.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      also in this day and age if you live in the city you def make 100k+ a year have a million dollar house and the 10-20$ for fortnite shit really works out to 3-5$ pocket money from about 15 years ago ..... so theres that ...

    15. Re:Plenty of children using parents money.. by CronoCloud · · Score: 1

      They sell gift cards for skins?

      Not specifically, but the game is on console so you can use the standard PSN/XBOX cards to purchase the in-game premium currency.

    16. Re:Plenty of children using parents money.. by porlryan · · Score: 2

      I think you mean G.I. Joe.

    17. Re:Plenty of children using parents money.. by bane2571 · · Score: 1

      PUBG is suing Epic, makers of the engine PUBG uses and supposedly collaborators in some way to the development of PUBG. They are suing because they believe EPIC released a startling similar version of their game in a surprisingly short time span AFTER being exposed to PUBG from an insider perspective.

      At the very least EPIC have a large conflict of interest in releasing a "copy cat" product in direct competition of a highly successful customer. Whether that is actionable in court, I don't know but I certainly hope not - Fortnite is the better product of the two.

    18. Re:Plenty of children using parents money.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It's a pretty wild claim, as if Epic COULDN'T come up with a similar game in such a short time because they wrote the engine! Yeah sure, you lift the basic idea but they wouldn't need to have any insider info to how any of it works because it would be easy enough for them to throw together some art and programming to get their own product - which is more likely what they did, rather than steal some kind of top secret code from PUBG inc.

    19. Re:Plenty of children using parents money.. by mccalli · · Score: 1

      Hey, I like it. My kids know that they can get those skins, if they do extra work around the house. My lawns are mowed, a lesson in responsibility and reward is taught, and fun is had by the kids at the other end of it. Works for me/us.

    20. Re:Plenty of children using parents money.. by AmiMoJo · · Score: 1

      It's more about peer pressure. It's like not being able to afford brand name trainers or clothes with the right logos on. The other kids at school will notice.

      --
      const int one = 65536; (Silvermoon, Texture.cs)
      SJW, n: "Someone I don't like, and by the way I'm a fuckwit" - AC
    21. Re:Plenty of children using parents money.. by Oswald+McWeany · · Score: 1

      I think you mean G.I. Joe.

      Was GI Joe's main mission to be dressed up in different clothes? I think that was GI MASH.

      --
      "That's the way to do it" - Punch
    22. Re:Plenty of children using parents money.. by micahraleigh · · Score: 1

      Everything under the sun is a vapor.

      How is another person making a profit hurting you?

      You are wasting your days chasing your breath.

    23. Re:Plenty of children using parents money.. by micahraleigh · · Score: 1

      You are stroking the itches of a diseased echo chamber.

      Some people don't mind just playing to have fun and don't mind other people paying their tab.

  3. All Hail Shareware! by jellomizer · · Score: 2

    Back in the 1980's and 1990's we had Shareware. These were programs that you can download, copy with other and use. Some of them had a Trial Time Period, where you can use the full version for a period of time, then you have access to a reduced features, or not work at all. But most others Offered additional Levels, and other goodies if you were to actually purchase the software.

    I see many of these free to play games with extra purchases as just an extension of the Shareware concept. However the problem that I feel is most concerning is the lack of a cap in how much you are going to pay for it. Say an $80 fee (The cost of a good console game) where everything is unlocked, and you can use the game and stay current. But that isn't the case, because it is easy to nickle and dime your way into people paying much more. Often for just something fun at the moment.

    Granted this is still probably better then what people will pay for beer where they drink it, get a buzz, and then feel sick in the morning.

    --
    If something is so important that you feel the need to post it on the internet... It probably isn't that important.
    1. Re:All Hail Shareware! by Oswald+McWeany · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Back in the 1980's and 1990's we had Shareware. These were programs that you can download, copy with other and use. Some of them had a Trial Time Period, where you can use the full version for a period of time, then you have access to a reduced features, or not work at all. But most others Offered additional Levels, and other goodies if you were to actually purchase the software.

      I see many of these free to play games with extra purchases as just an extension of the Shareware concept. However the problem that I feel is most concerning is the lack of a cap in how much you are going to pay for it. Say an $80 fee (The cost of a good console game) where everything is unlocked, and you can use the game and stay current. But that isn't the case, because it is easy to nickle and dime your way into people paying much more. Often for just something fun at the moment.

      Granted this is still probably better then what people will pay for beer where they drink it, get a buzz, and then feel sick in the morning.

      The old shareware games used to give you a pretty decent amount of playtime on the free version too. They didn't cut you off the moment it got slightly interesting; and it was usually a pay once and you get the whole thing when you did pay... it wasn't the constant microtransaction trickle that most places try to get nowadays.

      --
      "That's the way to do it" - Punch
    2. Re:All Hail Shareware! by turp182 · · Score: 2

      Fortnite purchases are purely cosmetic and the store interface makes this clear.

      One cannot purchase a better experience/advantage, it's a level playing field. It's a good system in my opinion.

      That said, my son still bothers me to purchase the cosmetic stuff (and if I do then I deny actual physical purchases to drive home what "cosmetic" means - good ways to get him to do chores...).

      --
      BlameBillCosby.com
    3. Re:All Hail Shareware! by lgw · · Score: 1

      However the problem that I feel is most concerning is the lack of a cap in how much you are going to pay for it. Say an $80 fee (The cost of a good console game) where everything is unlocked, and you can use the game and stay current. But that isn't the case, because it is easy to nickle and dime your way into people paying much more. Often for just something fun at the moment.

      The norm for free to pay games is that most of their revenue come from a few "whales". Beyond the normal 80/20, some games get 95% of revenue from 5% of players, or even 99% from 1% of players. Kudos to Fortnight for not being pay-to-win, as it leads to that sort of imbalance. There are seriously people who pay $30,000 for this sort of shit, and many games that exist only to harvest those whales.

      It's awesome to have such vivid proof that you can make more money with a level playing field than the normal model where free players are only there to be targets for those who pay to win.

      --
      Socialism: a lie told by totalitarians and believed by fools.
    4. Re:All Hail Shareware! by Bryansix · · Score: 1

      Supply and demand. Well really, just demand and the ability to make new add-ons that people want to buy. If people want to dab or wear a fish in a bowl as a head, that's what they will do and they will pay a pretty penny for it as well. I haven't paid any money on the battle royale side. I did buy the campaign single player/co-op game.

    5. Re:All Hail Shareware! by sd4f · · Score: 1

      Not having a cap in order to nickel and dime is done by design. With all the mobile games, I think the industry has learnt that there's a very small proportion of people who spend the most on this sort of stuff. If they capped it, they would end up getting a lot less money. The industry refers to these high spenders as whales, just like the gambling industry. They concentrate and put their effort in them, after all they're a business.

      From what I can see, they treat their game more like an addiction to these people. Quick google search suggests that ~0.15% of the player base provides ~50% of the revenue. Some mobile games dedicate staff to looking after their top spenders. So while we may be old school in just wanting a game you buy and that's it, this is no longer the case. Kind of like when World of Warcraft blew up around 10 years ago, and then every other developer was trying a subscription based game, and mostly failed, micro-transactions is the new bait. It allows them to release the game for free, and suck people in on insignificant things, like skins and dance moves.

    6. Re:All Hail Shareware! by sd4f · · Score: 1

      Forgot to add; the free-to-play with in-app purchases model also has a lower barrier to entry, since people don't need to buy the game, nor a subscription. So we're now faced with the situation that almost no games can break through all the noise of free crapware, just like mobile apps and the app stores. You don't hear of developers striking it big anymore because there's just too many free apps, and if someone does something interesting, it gets reverse engineered, and a free ad-supported app may come along.

    7. Re:All Hail Shareware! by Rockoon · · Score: 1

      One cannot purchase a better experience/advantage, it's a level playing field.

      This idea that cosmetics necessarily dont offer an advantage, it doesnt seem justified to me. Military's around the world have invested big in real life cosmetics for soldiers, an array of different camouflages for different conditions.

      I know in Mech Warrior Online, they even charge a premium for the paints that match predominant map textures such as white (a lot of snow maps.)

      --
      "His name was James Damore."
    8. Re:All Hail Shareware! by EtaCarinae · · Score: 1

      It is not actually true that all purchases are purely cosmetic. I guess a huge part of the income comes from purchases of so called battle passes. These give you tons of fun side quests which can be exciting and challenging when other players wants nothing but kill you! Examples are dancing at public places and searching for treasure maps. The rewards for solving these are even more cosmetics, but that's not the point - most computer games revolves around various challenges anyhow. Solving quests is fun and rewarding for non-elite players and people pay for that as well.

  4. FortNite is crapping gold bricks... by The+Fat+Bastard · · Score: 1

    FortNite Battle Royale is such an epic success that Epic Games pulled everyone off from finishing the next version of Unreal Tournament.

    1. Re:FortNite is crapping gold bricks... by Tailhook · · Score: 1

      It's interesting to me that the hardware requirements (PC anyhow) are that of about a 6-ish year old machine. According to gamespot all you need to run it well is a 3570K (2012) and a 970 (2014).

      --
      Maw! Fire up the karma burner!
    2. Re:FortNite is crapping gold bricks... by The+Fat+Bastard · · Score: 0

      I'm running FortNite with an AMD-FX8300 (2012) and a Nvidia 1050 Ti 4GB (2017) on high settings. Blizzard's Overwatch also plays well with this configuration.

    3. Re: FortNite is crapping gold bricks... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Doesnâ(TM)t a 50 year old with no retirement savings have better things to do with his money?

    4. Re:FortNite is crapping gold bricks... by mikael · · Score: 1

      Most people only upgrade their PC gaming rigs every six years now. If a smartphone costs $600, and a high end gaming rig costs $4000, then they expect a similar lifetime.

      --
      Vintage computer adverts: http://www.vintageadbrowser.com/computers-and-software-ads
    5. Re: FortNite is crapping gold bricks... by The+Fat+Bastard · · Score: 0

      I don't know. Why don't you ask creimer on his channel (if haven't already banned you).

    6. Re:FortNite is crapping gold bricks... by The+Fat+Bastard · · Score: 1

      I had the same motherboard inside one system for nine years. I did go through three processors (dual-, quad- and eight-core) and three video cards during that time. I usually get a $50 motherboard but I might get a $150 motherboard next time since I keep them for so long.

    7. Re:FortNite is crapping gold bricks... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0


      Somebody please mod this fucking crap down!

      creimer's child bride retired military buddy suggested to him to "hide in plain sight" so creimer picked up "The Fat Bastard" as his new sock puppet user name!

    8. Re:FortNite is crapping gold bricks... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0


      MODDOWN! ; creimer karma whoring sock puppet post!

      CREIMER' SUBMISSIONS UPDATE:
      Note also that creimer is trying to regain karma by getting his submissions published as articles on /. so make sure to go to:
      https://slashdot.org/~The+Fat+...
      https://slashdot.org/~__aaclcg...
      https://slashdot.org/~IDrinkFa...
      https://slashdot.org/~_sharp'r...
      https://slashdot.org/~crreimer
      https://slashdot.org/~cdreimer
      https://slashdot.org/~criss69
      https://slashdot.org/~Anonymou...
      https://slashdot.org/~FatCashe...
      https://slashdot.org/~ILoveFat...
      https://slashdot.org/~IHateFat...
      https://slashdot.org/~IAteFatC...
      https://slashdot.org/~ITapeFat...
      https://slashdot.org/~IApeFatC...
      https://slashdot.org/~IPrayFat...
      https://slashdot.org/~FatCashe...
      and mod down his submissions as well. The great thing is that you don't even need mod points to mod down a submission, just click on the "minus" icon!

      Yes, believe it or not, creimer owns all the above sock puppet accounts. It is a mystery why Slashdot management tolerates it!

      creimer wrote:

      I don't bother with mod points. I'm doing something much more sinister. It took ten story submissions ? I'll have to double check the number ? to move cdreimer's karma from neutral to excellent without ever being exposed to the capricious mods. Mmmmmwwwwahahahahahahaha!

      https://slashdot.org/comments....

      Danger, Will Robinson, Danger! Creimy is posting more than 2 posts a day. Hurry! mod down otherwise /. will go to hell again!

      Note: you can mod down even if already at -1 to lower karma and to prevent lost /. users to accidentally mod up.

      creimer wrote:

      All you need to do is find a website with a permissive TOS, say, Slashdot, create a Python script to scrape your own comments, sprinkle Amazon affiliate links in various posts, and then re-post past links whenever possible. Won't be long before you start making "coffee money" each month.

      https://slashdot.org/comments....

      C.D. Reimer is a renowned Slashdot collaborator, as he puts it himself; "Because of the quality of my posts and my article submissions, I'm a highly rated commentator and moderator."

      But does anybody ever wondered what "C.D." stands for? Well, it stands for Creimy Dumpty of course!

      Creimy Dumpty sat on the wall,
      Creimy Dumpty had a great fall.
      All the king's horses
      And all the king's men
      Couldn't put Creimy Dumpty
      Together again.

      Creimy's siblings video and theme song, very realistic, especially the pants, just like Creimy's:
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?...

      With "Vice President Pence Vowing US Astronauts Will Return To the Moon", we are sure they will need miracle workers up there, here is what it would look like. Note that Creimy takes care of bringing a lot of food to the moon as depicted below:
      http

    9. Re: FortNite is crapping gold bricks... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Here are some posts from creimer's old account that was blocked and renamed by Slashdot management. I'll start with his love of child brides.

      If all my assets were liquidated, I would still have enough cash to buy a new car and head off to Mexico to find a chica to marry.
      https://slashdot.org/comments....

      You're aware that are some states in the U.S. that allow underage marriage as young as 14 years old?
      https://slashdot.org/comments....
      As for my comment, I've heard stories of engineers retiring at 50, moving to Mexico and marrying underage girls. Since I work with ex-military, the Philippines is a popular retirement spot for marrying underage girls as well. It's all about getting the most bang for your retirement dollars.
      https://slashdot.org/comments....
      That only works if you retire to Mexico, build a mansion (by local standards), marry an underage sweet thing and bequeath all your possessions to the village.
      https://slashdot.org/comments....

      You need to be more specific. I wrote 3,000+ comments this year.
      https://slashdot.org/comments....

      Nah... I just do it to piss off my trolls and make coffee money off of them.
      https://slashdot.org/comments....
      We have different priorities. You want to climb the corporate ladder. I want to own the corporate ladder.
      https://slashdot.org/comments....

      Your bitch licks your balls. Most people don't brag about practicing bestiality. Is there a reason why you married a dog and not a goat?
      https://slashdot.org/comments....

      My employers don't care about what my Slashdot trolls think. Now go off and lick your balls somewhere else.
      https://slashdot.org/comments....
      iPhone 6s and reduce my monthly bill from $80 to $50. As a phone and a video camera, the iPhone 6s isn't obsolete. As a Sprint customer for 20+ years, Sprint will always offer me a new iPhone if I decide to stop using the 6s as a phone in the next several years.
      https://slashdot.org/comments....
      Miracle workers are never afraid to ask for a second opinion. Supervisor gave me his opinion ? and a mess to clean up. Lesson learned from this incident: if something isn't quite broken, break it.
      https://slashdot.org/comments....

      So you can turn around call me a liar again? People have been playing that game with me for years.
      https://slashdot.org/comments....
      Based on what I've read about Uber, he need to tell the boys to clean up their locker room behavior, zip up their pants, and attend sensitivity training until everyone agrees that women are not sexual objects.
      https://slashdot.org/comments....

      Which doesn't violate the Slashdot TOS. If you got a problem with that, take it up with management.
      https://slashdot.org/comments....
      This year I've posted ~4,000 comments.
      https://slashdot.org/comments....

      I don't bother with mod points. I'm doing something much more sinister. It took te

    10. Re: FortNite is crapping gold bricks... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Have you ever noticed that no one likes you? Or that no one ever comes to your defense here?

      "(if haven't already banned you)"

      If haven't, Chris? Did you mean If I haven't, Fat Boy?

      I used to think if I just learned more about you I could find out which mental illness you have, but now I realize it's not which, but how many?

    11. Re:FortNite is crapping gold bricks... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      PCs haven't got any cheaper since then. You can easily get a brand new one below these specs. Especially as laptops seem the cheaper way to get the whole package these days (keyboard, display and winblows)

    12. Re:FortNite is crapping gold bricks... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      With a high end CPU from a generation ago and an expensive midrange graphics cards you can play mass market games.

      Sure! I miss the Half-Life 1 mod days where you could play on a potato, as long as it was not made before 98 or 99.

    13. Re:FortNite is crapping gold bricks... by Rockoon · · Score: 1

      People that spend $4000 on a gaming machine are too impatient to wait six years for anything. You've got it very wrong somehow.

      --
      "His name was James Damore."
    14. Re: FortNite is crapping gold bricks... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Chris is seriously comorbid. Badly managed ADHD or autism in his formative years. Resulting in personality disorders and probably PTSD.
      Doesn't mean he can't get into therapy and get a prescription for his executive functioning issues but he doesn't. Then again he places so much effort into his unproductive hobbies that giving him adderall might simply drive him deeper down that hole.

      Seriously chris you should explore some life counseling. Talk to the financial planner about your investments and your credit card debt. Talk with a therapist about your traumas and get life coaching. Once you're on track and dedicated to productive pursuits then get a concerta prescription.

    15. Re:FortNite is crapping gold bricks... by Ozymandias_KoK · · Score: 1

      Spot on - if you can go 6 years, you're not challenging much and probably don't top $1k. You're not buying the highest end stuff and you're not worried about playing at the highest settings and resolutions.

  5. Trick The by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Fools

    No different

    Than shit freewarz

    Period

  6. Why have we let ourselves come to this? by Bobrick · · Score: 2

    How pointless does your life have to be to see value in buying, with actual money, no less, some fancy virtual clothing for your virtual character? Some 3D model that's probably re-used again and again with different textures, took half an hour for some game artist to produce a shitload of them that the company can now charge you premium for, and extra-platinum if you get the one with the golden pixelated stars on the right side, just under the virtual pocket. No, you can't really wear it or put anything in that pocket, but look at the face of the other players when they see how fabulous your character is looking now!*

    Note: Other players' faces may or may not be visible. Virtual belt and virtual shoes sold separately. We will totally release the same clothing model with a mildly different texture soon enough and we'll offer it for a "special price" for early adopters.

    1. Re:Why have we let ourselves come to this? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      How worthless does your life have to be to be this jealous over the fact that plenty of people aren't plebs, and can whale the fuck out of virtual trinkets?

    2. Re:Why have we let ourselves come to this? by amicusNYCL · · Score: 1

      How pointless does your life have to be to see value in buying, with actual money, no less, some fancy virtual clothing for your virtual character?

      So pointless that you have loads of disposable income. Must be a really shitty life.

      --
      "Our two-party system is like a bowl of shit looking at itself in a mirror." - Lewis Black
    3. Re:Why have we let ourselves come to this? by mikael · · Score: 5, Interesting

      Some people may not have the ground space, energy, or money to afford a real landscaped garden, mansion home, or even toy railway set, but they are happy with a virtual version that they can upgrade in their spare time.

      --
      Vintage computer adverts: http://www.vintageadbrowser.com/computers-and-software-ads
    4. Re:Why have we let ourselves come to this? by war4peace · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Good for you to have strong opinions. Me, i'm not sure anyone is more right then the next person as far as entertainment is concerned.
      Person A might spend 100 grand on a really nice sports car. Person B might spend 10 grand on Fortnite cosmetics. "A friend" spent somewhere in the neighborhood of 5 grand on World of Tanks since 2011 - and still does buy premium tanks "for collecting purposes". Meanwhile person C loaned money over and over and spent them on trips all over the world, now he's proper fucked by banks. All while person D poured tons of alcohol down their guts and person E smoked their lungs to Hell and back. And the list can go on forever.

      None is better than the other, they simply spend their money on whatever floats their boat. Small condo and pixel-rich versus big mansion and never played any PC games, there's no objective difference.

      --
      ...gis sdrawkcab (usually not responding to ACs; don't bother posting as AC)
    5. Re:Why have we let ourselves come to this? by Actually,+I+do+RTFA · · Score: 1

      It's not how long it took someone to make, it's what its worth to you. It's pretty reasonable to spend 10 or 20 dollars for something that enhances something you play 20 hours a month.

      --
      Your ad here. Ask me how!
    6. Re: Why have we let ourselves come to this? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      This. I'll give a great anecdote.

      I play league of legends about 35 hours a week. Almost a full time job. I've been playing for about 3 years now. Off and on. I've spent about $70 over that time on cosmetic items for my champs.

      Ok, saying that, I spent $70 in 3 years on 140x12== 1,680.

      So I spent 1,680 hours of my life and I've only spent $70. Name me one other hobby this cheap? I'll wait.

    7. Re:Why have we let ourselves come to this? by farble1670 · · Score: 1

      No, you can't really wear it or put anything in that pocket, but look at the face of the other players when they see how fabulous your character is looking now!*

      Girls have been buying clothes for their dolls and boys have been buying guns and accessories for their action figures since the dawn of time.

      Some 3D model that's probably re-used again and again with different textures, took half an hour for some game artist to produce a shitload of them that the company can now charge you premium for

      So you think the mass-produced physical toys are sold to you at cost?

      Anyway, you aren't paying for the 30 minutes of the designer's time. You are paying for the infrastructure of developers, designers, servers, admins, and bandwidth that allows you to run around in a world with those goodies.

    8. Re:Why have we let ourselves come to this? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yep, everyone with a credit card has "disposable income".

      Lots of folks out there making very bad decisions with credit.

    9. Re: Why have we let ourselves come to this? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      So I spent 1,680 hours of my life and I've only spent $70. Name me one other hobby this cheap? I'll wait.

      Reading from project Gutenberg.
      Any hobby that backpacks on the cost of "necessities" such as free phone games or twitter or facebook.
      Fishing- sometimes. It depends on license fees.
      Reading the news and slashdot arguments.

      Not that I disagree with you. Video games are one of the cheapest hobbies.

    10. Re:Why have we let ourselves come to this? by St.Creed · · Score: 1

      In Soviet Russia, credit card disposes *you*!

      --
      Therefore, by the (faulty) logic you're using, you're just a cow with a keyboard - osu-neko (2604)
    11. Re: Why have we let ourselves come to this? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Here,I have a half acre fenced dogyard in need of mowing. And a ~four acre pasture to fight the trees from taking over. It's fun to go to a virtual world, too, but I am very 'grounded' here. Paid the same amount for this spread as a 2 bedroom quadplex townhome in a more expensive city.

    12. Re:Why have we let ourselves come to this? by desdinova+216 · · Score: 1

      if it is something that makes them happy for even a moment, doesn't cause you or anyone else physical harm why is that bad?

    13. Re:Why have we let ourselves come to this? by Kjella · · Score: 1

      None is better than the other, they simply spend their money on whatever floats their boat.

      Yeah, though I feel like a lot of people let their wallet dictate how fancy it gets rather than whether it actually gives them more pleasure, as if spending the money was the ends and not the means. I could afford to go to a Michelin star restaurant, but honestly I'd be just as happy at a good steakhouse or eating spicy Thai food. Just because I'm currently running a surplus doesn't mean I have to find a way to spend more money. It's nice to have the freedom if I want it and I realize there's like a base cost to have a particular hobby or interest, but I really don't get the people who grossly overshoot on equipment, accessories and support elements when they're clearly just run-of-the-mill amateurs. Or just intensity/attitude, like even though I'm way, way down in the global ranking lists they act like going from 12543436th to 12564343th in the world is a matter of life and death. I can understand if you're a pro eSports player, but if not... chill.

      --
      Live today, because you never know what tomorrow brings
    14. Re:Why have we let ourselves come to this? by blahplusplus · · Score: 1

      Me, i'm not sure anyone is more right then the next person as far as entertainment is concerned.

      Except these massively profitable games have undermind game ownership completely and are encouraging outright destruction of videogame history. AKA all games will now be pushed towards online only for mtx money all because of kids. I can't say I like the direction gaming has gone in as a PC gamer from the 90's. These kids don't know anybetter, but the internet has enabled companies to steal games using ignorant kids.

      These f2p games are essentailly fraudulent games - you get to pay for an item in a game you don't own and the game disappears at the press of a button because the company controls the software. Corporations used kids to undermine game ownership for the rest of the adult game community and there will be a giant hole in videogame history because of it.

    15. Re:Why have we let ourselves come to this? by Bobrick · · Score: 1

      Oh they have every right to, just as I have the right to see them as worthless scumfucks just the same as if I saw a line of worthless scumfucks sleeping outside some Apple store before the big release of the next same-fucking-phone-as-released-as-last-year-with-one-port-less-and-some-unnecessary-addition.

    16. Re:Why have we let ourselves come to this? by Bobrick · · Score: 1

      Yes, Anonymous Coward, that's precisely it. I am jealous that other people are wasting their disposable income over some worthless virtual shit to virtually impress other people they'll never meet, thanks to something that was considered worthless even to the employee that produced it without any effort. How I wish I was lucky enough to spend 20$ on some virtual armor or skin whenever I wish to further enhance a virtual appearance in some game world populated by random fucks I wouldn't want to sit down for a beer with. You got me!

    17. Re:Why have we let ourselves come to this? by Bobrick · · Score: 1

      That income definately is "disposable" if you'd waste it on some character skin or other trinket you benefit from only in some specific game world.

    18. Re:Why have we let ourselves come to this? by Bobrick · · Score: 1

      1. They're not selling me any toys at or above cost, not for a couple decades now. 2. Exactly. If you accept to pay for the infrastucture of developers, designers, servers, etc. through some in-game accessory that they're selling to you for real money, I sincerely despise you and that was my only point.

    19. Re: Why have we let ourselves come to this? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Reading (since you don't count the cost of the computer or internet connection in your hobby, i'd say reading can be "free").

    20. Re:Why have we let ourselves come to this? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Ron Swanson as a modern edgy teenager, everyone.

    21. Re:Why have we let ourselves come to this? by war4peace · · Score: 1

      Kids' clothing is more expensive.
      Kids' stuff (shampoos, toys, etc) are more expensive compared to similar adult-specific products.
      It was always like that, only you didn't notice it. I'm a parent of two, I'm very well aware of it.

      And it's not mostly kids paying for microtransactions, as a matter of fact a big F2P with MTX game is supported mostly by players over 18 (a bit over 60% of the total amount of money spent is spent by people between 18 and 45 and a bit over 20% is spent by people older than 45). Can't name the game (NDA), so if you choose to believe me, it's fine. If not, that's okay too.

      --
      ...gis sdrawkcab (usually not responding to ACs; don't bother posting as AC)
    22. Re:Why have we let ourselves come to this? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Some people may not have the ground space, energy, or money to afford a real landscaped garden, mansion home, or even toy railway set, but they are happy with a virtual version that they can upgrade in their spare time.

      They'd be a lot happier if they found the house of the cunt who had stolen all the space, energy and money and burnt it down.

    23. Re:Why have we let ourselves come to this? by mrfaithful · · Score: 1

      if it is something that makes them happy for even a moment, doesn't cause you or anyone else physical harm why is that bad?

      While it's not "harm", it is annoying that the best game companies are chasing new and interesting ways to attract whales to buy oodles of virtual trinkets instead of trying to make the best gameplay they know how to. The market is speaking loud and clear and I disagree with them. I am basically resigned to the inevitability that the gaming future will be streaming, games-as-a-service, gachapon-loot-crate, microtransaction, online-only, time limited mobile games tied to social features. And I don't like it. I will support the companies not doing this for as long as they can hold out, but sooner or later everyone folds. Even Nintendo jumped on the DLC/season pass bandwagon.

    24. Re:Why have we let ourselves come to this? by thegarbz · · Score: 1

      No, you can't really wear it or put anything in that pocket, but look at the face of the other players when they see how fabulous your character is looking now!*

      Are we still talking about a game, or are you reflecting on life itself?

    25. Re:Why have we let ourselves come to this? by thegarbz · · Score: 1

      Person A might spend 100 grand on a really nice sports car.

      And then he'll drive it through a school zone at 30km/h. Quite an apt comparison to what the GP quoted: "No, you can't really wear it or put anything in that pocket, but look at the face of the other players when they see how fabulous your character is looking now!* Note: Other players' faces may or may not be visible."

      Many of the activities we do in our live are pointeless by the GP's standards.

    26. Re:Why have we let ourselves come to this? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It is bad that we are slaves to our immediate gratification and have no problem with it.

    27. Re:Why have we let ourselves come to this? by amicusNYCL · · Score: 1

      OK, I'm glad that we agree on what disposable income means. People spend their money on all kinds of things that bring them no real benefit. This is no different.

      --
      "Our two-party system is like a bowl of shit looking at itself in a mirror." - Lewis Black
    28. Re:Why have we let ourselves come to this? by MonteCarloMethod · · Score: 1

      There's a good bit of truth to this. When I finally get myself into the financial position to buy a house that isn't an utter shithole I intend to build myself a backyard paradise. Until then I have Minecraft.

    29. Re:Why have we let ourselves come to this? by farble1670 · · Score: 1

      1. They're not selling me any toys at or above cost, not for a couple decades now.

      Our ability to think about concepts abstractly it what separates us from the lower life forms. It's why most of us come here to post. This is opposed to just telling the internet facts about our boring lives.

    30. Re:Why have we let ourselves come to this? by micahraleigh · · Score: 1

      You could easily ask this about buying video games.

      Or going to the mall and buying nice clothes.

    31. Re:Why have we let ourselves come to this? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      > i'm not sure anyone is more right then the next person as far as entertainment is concerned... Person B might spend 10 grand on Fortnite cosmetics.

      There's a pretty obvious difference, assuming you don't work for EA.

    32. Re:Why have we let ourselves come to this? by war4peace · · Score: 1

      Objectively, there is no difference. people value entertainment differently, a sports car and Fortnite are both entertainment. A family car, now that's different, there's an undeniable usefulness factor to it (although not universal, mind you!).

      --
      ...gis sdrawkcab (usually not responding to ACs; don't bother posting as AC)
  7. Cosmetic vs. pay to win by burtosis · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I really like freemium games that push cosmetics only such as skins, dance moves, and other non-essentials. It opens up the game to the most people, levels the playing field between players who pay and those who don't, and still allows a fun incentive to invest in the development of the game. I can't stand and refuse to become invested in games that use loot boxes using actual currency as the method to obtain end game content, must have equipment, or are the only way to get it in a reasonable amount of time.

    1. Re:Cosmetic vs. pay to win by micahraleigh · · Score: 0

      If someone else pays money for that, how does it infringe on you?

      Reminds me of Charlie Sheen's character in Ferris Bueller asking why his sister cares so much he gets the day off.

      I think your problem is you.

    2. Re:Cosmetic vs. pay to win by lgw · · Score: 2

      If someone else pays money for that, how does it infringe on you?

      Are you asking "how does pay-to-win hurt a competitive multi-player game"? Because that's a foolish question.

      --
      Socialism: a lie told by totalitarians and believed by fools.
    3. Re:Cosmetic vs. pay to win by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Cosmetics is how it starts, pay to win is next on the list.

  8. Fortnight claims to gameplay advantage but... by SuperKendall · · Score: 5, Insightful

    So to start with, I think Fortnight is doing this free to play right. You can truly play as much as you like, any items you can buy are pretty much just fun graphical enhancements for your avatar.

    However I would quibble slightly that the graphics only re-skins give a small advantage - simply from a camo standpoint, if you buy a darker outfit you are going to be harder to see from a distance against the landscape or in a shadow. Almost all of the really good players I've seen have darker outfits... with the occasional exception of someone showing off wearing a hot pink teddy bear or something else really vibrant.

    --
    "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
    1. Re:Fortnight claims to gameplay advantage but... by war4peace · · Score: 1

      True, but this falls under the "unintended consequences" part of the game. It's unavoidable.

      --
      ...gis sdrawkcab (usually not responding to ACs; don't bother posting as AC)
    2. Re:Fortnight claims to gameplay advantage but... by Ericular · · Score: 1

      Agreed - and the default skins are relatively stealthy from a distance. If the only free options were hot pink or neon green, it would rub me the wrong way.

  9. Holy hell by DarkRookie · · Score: 1

    Its not all that fun to play
    Its fun for the first few match, but its boring to play and community sucks.

    --
    The millennial that doesn't like most of the stuff designed for millennials.
  10. Hey... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    It's better than the Loot Box system for extra in-game revenue that EA came up with.

    Hell... EA does that shit with both their paid games and their "freemium" ones now.

  11. Don't bother with it, no text chat by citylivin · · Score: 1

    After the last slashdot adstory for this game, i decided to download it and fire it up to try it. My advice? don't bother. The game does not have text chat. You have to use voice. And are banned (allegedly) for turning off voice because you don't want to hear a bunch of prepubescent american teenagers talking to eachother. This was a conscious decision by the developers apparently.

    This is a new thing to me in games, that they would not have text chat. Is that the way of the future? totally sad.

    --
    As a potential lottery winner, I totally support tax cuts for the wealthy
    1. Re:Don't bother with it, no text chat by Tukz · · Score: 1

      It's a genre thing, I think. PUBG doesn't have public chat either.

      And you don't get banned for turning off voice, don't know where you get that from.

      --
      - Don't do what I do, it's probably not healthy nor safe. -
    2. Re:Don't bother with it, no text chat by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You can easily disable the voice chat from the settings menu. They could care less about people not wanting voice chat.

    3. Re:Don't bother with it, no text chat by poobah75 · · Score: 1

      That reminds me of a really old Penny-Arcade comic... :) https://www.penny-arcade.com/c...

    4. Re:Don't bother with it, no text chat by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Insightful

      you said they actually could care less than they do.. you mean couldn't care less.

    5. Re:Don't bother with it, no text chat by Chris+Mattern · · Score: 1

      Real-time shooters usually move kinda fast to rely on text chat.

    6. Re:Don't bother with it, no text chat by EvilSS · · Score: 1

      Text chat wouldn't work very well in a game like this. When you need it, you are moving too fast to stop and type out your call-outs to your team mates. You would be dead before you finished. TTK can be pretty low and things move pretty fast.

      As for getting banned, no you won't get banned for not using voice chat. Otherwise most of the EU players would be banned by now (they really don't like using it over there).

      --
      I browse on +1 so AC's need not respond, I won't see it.
    7. Re:Don't bother with it, no text chat by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      No text chat? This isn't 1998 anymore gramps...

      I'll get off the rest home lawn now.

    8. Re:Don't bother with it, no text chat by farble1670 · · Score: 1

      They don't have public text chat because it universally ends up being toxic. That's a smart move.

    9. Re:Don't bother with it, no text chat by angel'o'sphere · · Score: 1

      We like voide chat ... during combat.
      But it sucks if kids start chating private stuff and miss that we are in combat again.
      Out of combat I prefere radio silence or talk about tactics.

      --
      Cost free eBook I read (by iBook/Kobo/Amazon/ObookO/Gutenberg etc.): "The Green Odyssey" by Philip Jose Farmer.
    10. Re:Don't bother with it, no text chat by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Better get on the horn with CS:GO, Quake Champions, etc.

    11. Re:Don't bother with it, no text chat by St.Creed · · Score: 1

      Okay... I don't know what games *you* play, but I play CS:Go and it's usually Russian teenagers screaming "Suck my balls" at high volume at each other. But do tell what in-game paradise of intellectually stimulating discourse you discovered in voice chat. I'm very curious.

      --
      Therefore, by the (faulty) logic you're using, you're just a cow with a keyboard - osu-neko (2604)
    12. Re:Don't bother with it, no text chat by farble1670 · · Score: 1

      I didn't say voice chat wasn't toxic. I said chat is toxic. This thing about voice chat is you can turn it off. I guess you could also put tape over your screen on the chat window though. Fair enough.

    13. Re:Don't bother with it, no text chat by St.Creed · · Score: 1

      I didn't say voice chat wasn't toxic. I said chat is toxic. This thing about voice chat is you can turn it off. I guess you could also put tape over your screen on the chat window though. Fair enough.

      Okay, I deserved that :)

      --
      Therefore, by the (faulty) logic you're using, you're just a cow with a keyboard - osu-neko (2604)
  12. Who Cares by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I'm glad I have no idea what fortnight is.
    I'm even more relieved I give zero fucks what fortnight is.

    Thank you, and god bless.

  13. Society: FAIL? or just Addiction: FAIL? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    n/t

  14. So stupid by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I cant stand games with microtransactions. The fact that garbage like this is becoming normalized and mainstream is why I dont play vidya gaymes anymore

    1. Re:So stupid by d0rp · · Score: 1

      Micro-transactions in games isn't inherently bad. If it's implemented the way that Fortnite (the game mentioned in this story) has done it, it seems like the best-possible business model for any game (and clearly it's working). The game is entirely free-to-play for everyone, you never have to spend a penny on the game if you don't want to (meaning there are far more players in the game -- which is essential in a PVP game), but those who are willing to shell out a little cash for some cosmetic items can do so and support the continued development of the game in the process. It's a complete win-win.

      The issue is that most games don't stick to this model and allow people to purchase items that affect the game play, giving them an advantage over other players who don't spend money. And / or add gambling loot boxes so people have to spend a lot of money to get the particular item they want (if they get it at all).

    2. Re:So stupid by mcl630 · · Score: 1

      Fortnite purchases are purely cosmetic, they don't help you win. And they aren't random loot boxes either, you buy a specific item, not a random item.

      You don't need to pay a cent to play Fortnite, and there's absolutely no disadvantage for players who spend nothing.

    3. Re:So stupid by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      So? Is this supposed to change my view on MTX?

    4. Re:So stupid by micahraleigh · · Score: 1

      I can see how people form their whole opinion about something based on political ideology or about Jesus or if it got their parents laid off or whatever.

      But microtransactions? That's like not buying a home based on whether the surrounding school population is a hair above or below average.

      Micro-priorties seems to be how you are calling your shots.

  15. The money almost unimportant by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    All are equally stupid wastes of time.

    1. Re:The money almost unimportant by war4peace · · Score: 1

      So, tell me then... what do YOU do with your disposable income (if any)?

      --
      ...gis sdrawkcab (usually not responding to ACs; don't bother posting as AC)
    2. Re:The money almost unimportant by farble1670 · · Score: 1

      Whoosh.

    3. Re: The money almost unimportant by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Pay down the mortgage so I will have a place to live after retiring.

    4. Re: The money almost unimportant by war4peace · · Score: 1

      That's not DISPOSABLE income.

      --
      ...gis sdrawkcab (usually not responding to ACs; don't bother posting as AC)
    5. Re: The money almost unimportant by Talderas · · Score: 1

      If your monthly mortgage is $1,000 and you pay $1,200 then you spent $200 of your disposable income on your mortgage. That extra $200 is discretionary spending on your part even if the payment is made at the same time as the mandatory portion of the mortgage.

      --
      "Lack of speed can be overcome. In the worst case by patience." --Znork
    6. Re: The money almost unimportant by war4peace · · Score: 1

      Oh that makes sense. He should have said pay extra on my mortgage”. Or maybe I am not familiar enough with English to have caught the obscured meaning.

      --
      ...gis sdrawkcab (usually not responding to ACs; don't bother posting as AC)
  16. thanks for the info by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Post it on your blog, grandpa.

    1. Re:thanks for the info by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I'm actually a millenial, but ok?

  17. Um, WRONG by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Dungeon Fighter Online is 10B+
    So no. Also, plenty of free mobile games are over 1.5B (over time).
    This is a hype piece.

    1. Re:Um, WRONG by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      They are saying Fortnite made more in May than any other game has done in one month, not that it's made the most over the life of the game. TFA even has a chart of the top monthly revenues.

  18. It's the streamers as well. by Trax3001BBS · · Score: 1

    I've been following one person, but there are many out there making a living off of Fortnite.

    Since graduating this year, decided to spend all their time streaming, putting college off till next year.
    Renting a 2 bedroom very nice apt with the donations they make. People are throwing money at these streamers.

    1. Re:It's the streamers as well. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      People are idiots but streamers are a result of how insanely boring this game is.
      If you play by yourself nothing ever happens so people watch streamers who have to continuously spout inane bullshit to deliver their virtual friendship service.

  19. Your math is broke by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    SuperCell was getting more than $2.3 billion per year - just from Clash of Clans.

  20. Is somewhat avoidable. by SuperKendall · · Score: 1

    I don't think it's entirely unavoidable - for instance you could have different skins for purchase, but let the player chose a basic color tint so any outfit could be tinted black (or rainbow or neon pink).

    However it is a pretty minor point, I don't think it's a big deal, and I hate to take away design freedom from a game that does a good job with variety in art and color. So nice to play a game that is not all browns.

    Really my only issue is simply in saying "items offer no competitive advantage" which is not wholly true. I don't mind that different outfits you can obtain are slightly harder to see; just don't claim there is truly no difference.

    --
    "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
  21. This game isn't free. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    It's only free once you can get it on Linux. Currently you still need Windows to play it. Wine used to work until they started using an anti-cheat system that isn't compatible with Wine.

    Though it's nice to hear they're making so much money, maybe they can hire someone to actually port the damn thing now?

    1. Re:This game isn't free. by jezwel · · Score: 1

      It's only free once you can get it on Linux. Currently you still need Windows to play it.

      Get off your high horse and accept that Windows is usually a sunk cost when buying a PC.

      Using your rules, Fortnight on Linux wouldn't be free as you need hardware to install Linux. Even if you scrounge enough hardware for a working system that Linux may support, you still need to get internet access somehow to get the Linux ISO or install something like Gentoo.
      If you take your scrounge built PC to an internet cafe and don't buy a coffee, use their free wifi, download, install and update Linux, well you still needed to get to the cafe somehow, so that probably cost money via fuel used in a car, or the cost of public transport.
      Plus, you probably live somewhere that costs someone money to provide and maintain, and you need food to live, and electricity for your PC, so somewhere in there you're spending someones' money to play Fortnite.. Ergo, Linux isn't "free" either.

    2. Re:This game isn't free. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      somebody forgot to take their happy pills. ^_^

    3. Re:This game isn't free. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I hear people just install Windows without activating it. It apparently is fully function, but displays a message saying it's not activated or something. That may be removable by editing the registry.

    4. Re:This game isn't free. by vandamme · · Score: 1

      Maybe, but it's still Windows. Ugh.

  22. Just like the first FTP game, Furcadia by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Much as people started to complain about "pay to win" etc. when the Freemium model emerged, the very FIRST major free to play online game, Furcadia, used this same exact model - selling "costumes" and other optional cosmetic items, that give players no unfair advantage over each other. Nice to see the original version of Free To Play vindicated yet again.