What is Fortnite called in China?
Fortnite, the popular battle-royale game developed by Epic Games, has been making waves globally since its release in 2017. However, the game has faced significant challenges in China, where it was initially launched under a different name. In this article, we will explore the story of Fortnite in China, including its original name, the reasons behind the name change, and the current status of the game in the country.
Original Name: "Fortress Night"
Fortnite was first launched in China in 2018 under the name "Fortress Night" (). This name was chosen by Tencent, a Chinese conglomerate that acquired a significant stake in Epic Games. The name change was made to comply with Chinese regulations, which require games to be renamed if they contain words that are deemed sensitive or inappropriate.
Reasons for the Name Change
The name change was made to avoid any potential controversy or backlash in China. The original name "Fortnite" contains the word "Fort," which could be perceived as a reference to the country’s territorial disputes with neighboring countries. Additionally, the name "Fortnite" is often associated with the word "fortress," which could be seen as a symbol of isolationism or protectionism.
Tencent’s Role
Tencent, the parent company of Riot Games, was instrumental in the name change. As a major investor in Epic Games, Tencent had a significant stake in the success of Fortnite in China. The company worked closely with Epic Games to ensure that the game was modified to comply with Chinese regulations and cultural sensitivities.
Current Status
In 2021, Tencent announced that it would be shutting down Fortnite’s servers in China, citing the game’s poor performance and lack of popularity. The game was launched in China in 2018, but it failed to gain traction with Chinese gamers. The game’s poor performance was attributed to a number of factors, including the game’s high system requirements, which made it difficult for Chinese gamers to play on their lower-end hardware.
Comparison with Other Games
Fortnite’s poor performance in China is in stark contrast to its success in other countries. The game has been a global phenomenon, with millions of players worldwide. In comparison, other popular games such as PUBG and League of Legends have been successful in China, with millions of players and significant revenue.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Fortnite was launched in China under the name "Fortress Night" due to cultural and regulatory sensitivities. The game failed to gain traction with Chinese gamers, and Tencent eventually shut down its servers in China. The story of Fortnite in China serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural sensitivity and regulatory compliance in the gaming industry.
Additional Information
- Why was Fortnite banned in China?: Fortnite was banned in China due to its poor performance and lack of popularity.
- What is the current status of Fortnite in China?: Fortnite’s servers were shut down in China in 2021 due to poor performance.
- What is the name of Fortnite in China?: Fortnite is known as "Fortress Night" () in China.
- Who is responsible for the name change?: Tencent, the parent company of Riot Games, was responsible for the name change.
Table: Comparison of Fortnite’s Performance in China and Other Countries
| Country | Player Base | Revenue |
|---|---|---|
| China | Poor | Low |
| United States | High | High |
| Europe | High | High |
| Asia (excluding China) | High | High |
Note: The data is based on publicly available information and may not reflect the actual numbers.