Unveiling the Power of Fortnite: From the History of Social Networking to Future Success

Unveiling the Power of Fortnite: From the History of Social Networking to Future Success

Introduction:
The emergence of social networking sites (SNS) has revolutionized the way we connect and interact with others. From the early days of Facebook to the rise of Snapchat and now the phenomenon of Fortnite, each platform has brought its unique approach to fulfilling our social needs. In this article, we will explore the common threads that connect these platforms and uncover the potential that Fortnite holds in surpassing even Facebook's success.

The Power of Presence:
One of the underlying philosophies behind Snapchat and now Fortnite is the concept of being an antithesis to existing SNS platforms. While the "like" feature on these platforms satisfies our need for approval, there is also an inherent power in the feeling of presence. Our smartphones, which are primarily built around apps rather than people, fail to capture the true essence of human connection. This is where virtual reality (VR) steps in as the ideal platform for "People First" experiences. VR allows us to feel a sense of presence, as if we are truly together with others in the same space.

Reimagining Social Experiences:
Traditionally, social interactions start with physically meeting friends in the same space, and then the choice of which app or activity to engage in follows. However, in the case of Fortnite, the focus on presence takes precedence. People are naturally drawn to services that offer a sense of presence, as it enhances the overall appeal and experience. While VR maximizes the potential for presence, it is worth noting that even existing SNS platforms have elements of presence embedded within them.

The Rise of Unexpected Users:
Fortnite has attracted a significant number of users who were previously disinterested in gaming, particularly young female high school students. These users felt a disconnect from the staged performances of seeking approval through photo posts on platforms like Instagram. Instead, they found a more authentic and social experience through features like video calls on Houseparty and playing games together in the same virtual space on Fortnite. The social aspect of these platforms is evident at a glance.

Unifying the App Landscape:
The shift from an "App First" approach to a "People First" approach is a key differentiating factor in the success of platforms like Fortnite and Snapchat. The ability to meet friends within a single app or service and then engage in various experiences together creates a seamless and holistic social experience. When it comes to playing games online together, the gap between hastily designed mini-games by SNS companies and the meticulously crafted high-quality games becomes apparent.

Combining Forces for Success:
Foursquare, a widely used map app, showcased its ability to differentiate itself from competitors through its gritty sales efforts. By acquiring 4,000 new users in just one month through aggressive sales tactics, Foursquare demonstrated its potential. However, to ensure user retention, the introduction of gamification features and the continuous fulfillment of users' approval needs through point systems were crucial strategies employed by the company.

Actionable Advice:

1. Embrace the power of presence: Consider incorporating virtual reality or other technologies that create a sense of being together with others in your social platform or service.
2. Prioritize social experiences: Focus on providing a seamless and authentic social experience that brings people together first, and then offer a range of activities or features.
3. Gamify your service: Introduce gamification elements to keep users engaged and satisfy their need for approval by rewarding them with points or other incentives.

Conclusion:
Fortnite's success and the evolution of social networking platforms offer valuable insights into the future of social interactions. By understanding the importance of presence, prioritizing social experiences, and incorporating gamification strategies, companies can create compelling and engaging platforms that surpass the limitations of existing SNS. The potential for surpassing Facebook's dominance is within reach, as long as we continue to innovate and prioritize the fundamental human need for social connection.