How to Master the Fortnite Discover Algorithm

Algorithms in Fortnite Discover

In Fortnite, particularly within Fortnite Creative and UEFN (Unreal Editor for Fortnite), algorithms guide the Discover feature. The Fortnite Discover algorithm uses complex data analysis, machine learning, and behavioral tracking to recommend islands based on player preferences and engagement.

Understanding Algorithms

An algorithm is a structured, step-by-step procedure designed to solve a specific problem or achieve a particular outcome. Algorithms are fundamental to computer science and gaming, underpinning functionalities from matchmaking to content discovery.

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Fortnite Discover Metrics

How Attraction is Measured

Attraction in Fortnite Creative involves multiple key metrics:

• Unique players per impression over 96 hours: Evaluates how effectively initial views translate into sustained player engagement.
• Clicks per impression (CTR): Indicates how effective your thumbnails and titles are in capturing player interest.
• Minutes played per impression: Assesses whether impressions result in prolonged gameplay sessions.
• Early session drop-off rate: Percentage of players who leave within the first two, five, or ten minutes of gameplay, highlighting retention effectiveness early on.

How Engagement is Measured:

Key metrics driving engagement include:

Social play: Tracks gameplay time within social groups, excluding idle periods (no input for sixty seconds). Average session length also contributes significantly.

• Minutes per player (over a 96-hour period): Reflects the average playtime per player.

• Day 1 (D1) retention: Percentage of players returning the day after their initial session.

• Day 7 (D7) retention: Percentage of players returning one week after their initial session.

• Unique players over 96 hours: Measures the diversity and breadth of player interaction.

Key Components of Fortnite Discover Algorithm

Discover Score

Calculated via a modified z-score, the Discover Score evaluates islands based on three primary metrics:

• Attraction: Measures the island’s ability to capture players’ attention initially. Key factors include click-through rates (CTR), minutes played per impression, and player retention early in sessions.
• Engagement: Evaluates how well the island retains players over time. Metrics include average session duration, day 1 and day 7 retention, and the number of unique players.
• Satisfaction: Reflects qualitative player feedback, such as ratings, endorsements (favorites, recommendations), and responses from post-match surveys.

Sophistication Score

This score highlights islands that demonstrate higher complexity and creativity, factoring in the development effort, use of advanced features like custom scripting (Verse), animations, and unique textures.

Island Embedding Framework

Standardizes data like titles, tags, descriptions, and gameplay metrics into numerical representations to facilitate personalized recommendations based on player interests and behavior.

Machine Learning Models or Artificial Intelligence used in Fortnite Discover

Fortnite utilizes several recommendation models:

• Item-based: Suggests islands similar to ones recently played.
• User-based: Recommends islands aligning with a player’s historical gameplay preferences.
• Sequencing-based: Predicts the next island a player might enjoy based on their play history.

Tips for Becoming a Master of the Fortnite Discover Algorithm:

1. Improve Attraction:
   • Focus on click-through rate (CTR) by designing eye-catching thumbnails and compelling titles. Test different thumbnails with A/B testing to find the most engaging designs.
   • Ensure that your island description is clear and intriguing, highlighting the core experience players will have. Use relevant tags to categorize your island correctly.
2. Increase Engagement:
   • Maximize minutes per player by designing gameplay that keeps players engaged. Provide meaningful progression, rewards, or challenges that motivate players to keep playing.
   • Focus on retention by offering a rewarding experience that encourages players to return. Consider introducing new content or features periodically.
   • Analyze engagement data to understand where players tend to leave your island and make adjustments to reduce early drop-off.
3. Boost Satisfaction:
   • Focus on creating a fun and high-quality experience. Gather feedback from players through surveys and direct feedback, and use this to refine your island.
   • Encourage players to favorite or recommend your island by making it more shareable and enjoyable. Respond to player feedback and make improvements based on their suggestions.
4. Enhance Sophistication:
   • Incorporate advanced features such as custom scripting (Verse code), animations, and more complex game mechanics that demonstrate technical skill and creativity.
   • Use innovative design techniques and unique content to stand out from the crowd and increase your Sophistication Score.
5. Utilize Analytics:
   • Regularly review your analytics (such as retention rates, minutes played, and CTR) to understand how players are interacting with your island. Use this data to inform changes and improve player experience.
   • Keep an eye on the Insights Dashboard and use the feedback from the Creator Portal to fine-tune your island’s performance.
6. Iterate Continuously:
   • Keep updating your island after launch based on player feedback and changing trends. Fortnite’s ecosystem evolves, and so should your island to remain relevant and engaging.
   • Test new features and keep an eye on community feedback. Islands that continuously improve tend to rank better in Discover.

By focusing on these metrics and best practices, you can work with the algorithm rather than against it, optimizing your island’s visibility and ensuring that it appeals to the largest audience possible.

Planning is Key in Order to Master the Fortnite Discover Algorithm

In our recent article on creating an effective marketing plan, we explored key strategies tailored for general marketing success. Now, let’s delve into how you can adapt those principles specifically to master the Fortnite Discover Algorithm.

Here’s a concise example illustrating some actions you can take to master the  Discover Algorithm.  Feel free to utilize our practical template or use the download link below to edit the template: 

Fortnite Discover Action Item Plan Example
 

Action Item	Objective	Timeline	Metrics to Track	Responsible Party	Tools/Resources
Improve Thumbnail & Title Design	Make your island visually appealing to attract clicks	Ongoing, update regularly	Click-through rate (CTR), Impressions	Marketing Team	Photoshop, Canva, or other design tools
A/B Test Thumbnails	Test various thumbnails to see which attracts more clicks	Test every 1-2 weeks	CTR, player feedback on thumbnails	Marketing & Design Team	A/B Testing Tools, Photoshop
Optimize Island Description & Tags	Make sure your island’s details are engaging and relevant	Update regularly based on player behavior	Player engagement, click-through rates	Content Creation Team	UEFN (Unreal Editor for Fortnite), Creator Portal
Increase Engagement (e.g., gameplay improvements)	Engage players by making gameplay fun and interactive	Ongoing, track and adjust gameplay	Minutes per player, Day 1 and Day 7 retention	Game Design Team	UEFN, Player Feedback Tools
Focus on Retention (e.g., rewards, progression)	Ensure players are motivated to come back by adding progression and rewards	Ongoing, track player retention	Retention rates, player feedback on rewards	Game Design & Progression Team	Analytics Dashboard, In-Game Feedback
Analyze Engagement Data for Drop-off Points	Identify where players drop off and improve those areas	Ongoing, adjust based on insights	Player drop-off points, time spent in-game	Analytics Team	Analytics Dashboard, User Flow Data
Encourage Player Feedback (e.g., surveys, direct feedback)	Collect feedback to improve the overall player experience	Ongoing, collect feedback at regular intervals	Survey responses, endorsement rate	Community Management Team	Surveys, Creator Portal
Monitor Endorsements & Recommendations	Boost player satisfaction by encouraging positive interactions	Ongoing, track player behavior	Favorites, recommendations, survey feedback	Community & Marketing Team	Creator Portal, Community Tools
Enhance Island Sophistication (Advanced Features)	Develop a more complex, polished island with custom code and advanced features	Ongoing, add complexity after each major update	Sophistication score, features used	Development Team	UEFN, Verse code, Animation Tools
Regular Updates & Iterations (based on player feedback)	Keep your island fresh with updates based on analytics and feedback	Ongoing, update your island every 2-4 weeks	Player return rate, satisfaction survey feedback	Content Creation & Game Design Teams	Analytics Dashboard, Player Feedback
Utilize Creator Portal Analytics	Analyze the data to understand what works and what doesn’t	Review analytics every week	Analytics Dashboard, player engagement metrics	Analytics & Development Teams	Creator Portal, Analytics Dashboard
Incorporate Advanced Devices & Verse Code	Improve sophistication with custom devices and code	Integrate new features every month	Sophistication score, custom features used	Development Team	UEFN, Verse code, Development Tools
Increase Player Interaction (e.g., multiplayer, social play)	Make your island more social and interactive to increase playtime	Ongoing, introduce social aspects into gameplay	Social playtime, multiplayer usage	Game Design & Community Management Team	Social Play Tools, Community Interaction
Optimize for High Playtime per Impression	Increase the time spent playing through engaging content	Ongoing, update and iterate to increase engagement	Minutes per impression, retention	Game Design Team	UEFN, Analytics Dashboard

⬇️ Download the Full Fortnite Discover Action Item Plan Template (Google Sheets)

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