For independent authors like Redditoires, creating Fortnite maps brings an inevitable challenge: maintaining player engagement. Despite flawless releases, the player base for each new map dwindles quickly from attention-grabbing numbers to barely double digits.
Player Retention
- Discovery algorithm manipulation: Gameplay improvements aside, Plasticious uncovered the effectiveness of metadata elements such as thumbnails, short videos, and lobby backgrounds.”Don’t get discouraged…most of them have at the very least a small presence on…social media”, they stated. (source)
- Activity Monitoring: Identifying user patterns can offer insightful data on player’s behaviour, subsequently providing helpful feedback to help make map alterations.
- Social Justification: latunda-fortnite suggest monitoring whether the maps are played as intended and if players could possibly be dropping out due to lack of competition. (source)
Improvement Strategies
Community builder extraordinaire Plasticious suggests an active approach, leveraging social media and game communities to promote newly released maps and thereby foster a dedicated user base. As they noted, creating a community is a slow-cook process, rather like a hearty stew: Time, patience and consistent effort are the ingredients of success.
Understanding User Behavior
If players are leaving your maps prematurely, it could be a tell-tale sign that the player experience isn’t compelling enough. Latunda-fortnite says joining in during the peak hours can provide a firsthand perspective of the users’ play experience. Live observation could expose previously overlooked obstacles or gameplay issues.
Type Consideration
Understanding the type of maps that interest your player base can be crucial. EV_WAKA inquires about the type of maps Redditoires is creating, suggesting that certain categories such as Tycoons might have varying player retention. (source)
In the end, player engagement in Fortnite is multi-faceted. It’s about empathizing with the user, understanding their desires and expectations, and continually innovating to meet those expectations. Hold on to your pickaxes, folks, it’s gonna be a wild ride!