3.2.2
Fornite (2017) - Audience
Fortnite (2017) - Audience
Fortnite (2017) - Audience
Fortnite has been widely debated for concerns about violence and addiction, but its teamwork-focused gameplay and creative features attract a diverse range of players.


Historical & political contexts
Historical & political contexts
- Video games have often caused moral panic.
- Concerns include:
- Violent games encouraging copycat behaviour
- Addiction and ‘screen time’ limits
- Fortnite was compared to Grand Theft Auto or Call of Duty:
- Very little explicit or realistic violence
- Cartoon-like graphics suitable for younger players


Historical & political contexts 2
Historical & political contexts 2
- There were some levels of racism or misogyny due to the random assignment of player ‘skins’.
- However, collaborative gameplay is praised for encouraging teamwork.
- Another concern was addiction:
- Reports of distraction from schoolwork
- Comparisons to heroin (psychologists)
- Even Premier League players sought treatment
- Prince Harry called it “dangerous”


Targeting audiences
Targeting audiences
- Demographics:
- 78% male, 22% female
- 53% aged 10–25
- 42% in full-time employment
- Cartoon-style graphics + focus on construction = appeal to younger players.
- eSports and streaming stars also create aspirational role models:
- Ninja (gamer): 10 million subscribers, $500k+ per month, 2nd highest social media interactions globally
- Non-traditional gamer celebrities:
- Rappers, NBA athletes, and female streamers (e.g. KatyPlaysGames) broaden appeal


Active & passive audiences
Active & passive audiences
- Fortnite: Battle Royale is an interactive and collaborative gameplay.
- It encourages teamwork and strategic thinking.
- Players can deconstruct and rebuild environments.
- Fortnite: Creative gives more freedom to design skins, emotes, and landscapes.
- Epic Games’ Unreal Engine is also available for aspiring game developers (paid).


Theoretical perspectives
Theoretical perspectives
- Uses & Gratifications (Blumler & Katz):
- People use this media for escapism, catharsis, and social interaction.
- Dyer’s Star Theory:
- Celebrity gamers and non-gamers serve as role models.
- Video games contribute to identity formation and aspirations.
1Overview
1.1Media Language
1.3Representation
2Component 1: Section A
2.1Magazines - Vogue
2.2Magazines - GQ
2.3Advertising & Marketing
2.4Print Advertisements - Quality Street
2.5Print Advertisements - (2026 Exams) This Girl Can
2.6Print Advertisements - (2027 Exams) NHS 111
2.7Film Posters (Marketing)
2.8Film - No Time To Die
2.9Newspapers
2.11The Guardian
2.12(2028 Exams) The Sun
2.13(2028 Exams) The Guardian
3Component 1: Section B
3.1Video Games
3.2Video Games - Fortnite
3.4Radio
3.5Radio - The Archers
3.6(2027 Exams) Radio - Desert Island Discs
4Component 2: Section A
4.1Television
4.3Sitcom - Modern Family
4.4Sitcom - Man Like Mobeen
4.5(2026 Exams) Luther
5Component 2: Section B
5.1Music Video
5.2Lizzo - 'Good as Hell'
5.3Taylor Swift - 'The Man'
5.4Stormzy - 'Superheroes'
5.5Justin Bieber - 'Intentions'
5.6TLC - 'Waterfalls'
5.7Duran Duran - 'Rio'
5.8Online Media - Lizzo
5.9Online Media - Taylor Swift
5.10Online Media - Stormzy
Jump to other topics
1Overview
1.1Media Language
1.3Representation
2Component 1: Section A
2.1Magazines - Vogue
2.2Magazines - GQ
2.3Advertising & Marketing
2.4Print Advertisements - Quality Street
2.5Print Advertisements - (2026 Exams) This Girl Can
2.6Print Advertisements - (2027 Exams) NHS 111
2.7Film Posters (Marketing)
2.8Film - No Time To Die
2.9Newspapers
2.11The Guardian
2.12(2028 Exams) The Sun
2.13(2028 Exams) The Guardian
3Component 1: Section B
3.1Video Games
3.2Video Games - Fortnite
3.4Radio
3.5Radio - The Archers
3.6(2027 Exams) Radio - Desert Island Discs
4Component 2: Section A
4.1Television
4.3Sitcom - Modern Family
4.4Sitcom - Man Like Mobeen
4.5(2026 Exams) Luther
5Component 2: Section B
5.1Music Video
5.2Lizzo - 'Good as Hell'
5.3Taylor Swift - 'The Man'
5.4Stormzy - 'Superheroes'
5.5Justin Bieber - 'Intentions'
5.6TLC - 'Waterfalls'
5.7Duran Duran - 'Rio'
5.8Online Media - Lizzo
5.9Online Media - Taylor Swift
5.10Online Media - Stormzy
Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium
Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions
Mini-mock exams based on your study history
Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books