EXPERT OPINION BY NICK HOBSON, MANAGING DIRECTOR NORTH AMERICA, INFLUENCE AT WORK, BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE ADVISER @NICKMHOBSON

NOV 9, 2023
fortnite-epic-games

Source: Epic Games

In the world of gaming, Fortnite recently celebrated its most successful day to date–45 million players in a single day. While gaming and traditional businesses may seem like different universes, Fortnite’s triumph holds crucial insights for anyone looking to be a brand leader. 

Fortnite’s success goes beyond just being an entertaining game. It’s deeply tied to the developers’ commitment to understanding players. In the gaming community, known for its passion and virality, Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite, has excelled in engaging with its audience.

Fortnite’s achievement is rooted in its responsiveness to player feedback. The developers actively communicate through social media, forums, and in-game announcements. They consistently release patch notes detailing changes, updates, and new features, demonstrating a commitment to understanding and incorporating player suggestions.

Listening to its customers

In consumer psychology, the importance of actively listening to customers cannot be overstated. Fortnite’s success illustrates that when businesses prioritize and respond to customer feedback, they create a powerful psychological connection. Customers feel heard, valued, and emotionally invested in the brand.

Jeff Bezos once said, “The most important single thing is to focus obsessively on the customer. Our goal is to be earth’s most customer-centric company.” Fortnite, in its own way, is the Amazon of the gaming world.

For businesses outside the gaming industry, the parallels are clear. The demands for innovation, adaptability, and responsiveness from the gaming community mirror the expectations of consumers across various sectors. In the digital age, customers expect businesses not only to provide excellent products or services but also to engage with them on a personal level.

Translating insights into actionable strategies

So, how can businesses in more traditional sectors implement these insights into their brand strategy?

Active listening: Just as Fortnite actively listens to its players, businesses should actively listen to their customers. Leverage social media, surveys, and direct interactions to understand their needs and preferences. Voice of the customer (VOC) initiatives seek to gain a deeper understanding of customer needs, expectations, and perceptions tto inform and improve business strategies.

  • Agile adaptation: Businesses should be willing to adapt their strategies based on customer input, market trends, and emerging technologies.

  • Community building: Fortnite’s success is not only in the game itself but in the community it has built. Businesses can learn to create brand communities, fostering a sense of belonging among customers and encouraging them to be advocates for the brand.

  • The opinions expressed here by Inc.com columnists are their own, not those of Inc.com.

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