Fortnite revenue ‘at 2-year low’ before Chapter 2 release

Monthly Fortnite revenue slumped to a near two-year low in September 2019, ahead of the launch of Fortnite Chapter 2, according to the latest digital market report from Nielsen’s SuperData.

“We estimate Fortnite revenue across all platforms declined 43% month-over-month in September, marking the worst performing month of revenue since November 2017,” it said.

Fortnite battle royale, which launched in September 2017, ended season X in mid-October with a live event which saw the game’s original map sucked into a black hole.

Fortnite Chapter 2 launched following a lengthy period of downtime, introducing a new map and battle pass.

Developer Epic Games told The Verge this week that the black hole event broke Twitch and Twitter viewing records, with more than seven million people watching across social platforms.

SuperData also estimates Borderlands 3 sold 3.3 million digital units in September. The game shipped more than five million copies within five days of its release to become the fastest-selling title in publisher 2K’s history.

The research firm said worldwide digital gaming revenue in September declined 1% year-over-year to $8.9 billion, with mobile accounting for 59% of the total.

Fortnite’s latest update, ushering in Chapter 2 Season 1, is now available to download.

In a post on its website, Epic said the game’s new island features 13 fresh locations.

New features include the ability to heal teammates with the bandage bazooka and celebrate with group emotes.

The latest update also introduces a “streamlined” arsenal of upgradeable weapons.