Fortnite was an unlikely hit from an unlikely place: North Carolina-based Epic Games. Innovative game design and smart leveraging of social media and live streaming catapulted it into becoming one of the world's biggest video games. And today, Fortnite is a bona fide cultural phenomenon. But can the memes and viral dance moves go on forever? Featuring:  Brian Gordon, Technology & Innovation reporter for The News & Observer Jamal Michel, video game and culture critic Links:  Check out Brian’s multi-part series on Epic Games and Fortnite. Read Jamal’s recent piece in The New York Times about the history of female characters in video games. You can find a transcript of this episode here. Donate: The Broadside is made possible by contributions from listeners like you. Support WUNC-North Carolina Public Radio and this podcast by making a donation here. Sign up for WUNC's new Politics Newsletter here.