Table 2

Sentiment–narrative alignment across event phases

Phase (timeline)Peak typeExemplar quote (chat)Dominant code/categoryInterpretation
EarlyPositive“WE LOVE FORTNITE”Meme/ritual phrase → humour and shared languageCommunal humour/rituals produce early positivity bursts despite uncertainty
EarlyNegative“so when does it change?”Asking for ETA → impatienceFirst impatience spikes appear as users probe for timing
MidPositive“Goodbye guys, enjoy!” / “so HAPPY”Positive bonding → positive reactionsAffiliation and optimism surface around rumoured updates
MidNegative“Fortnite is dead… go play roblox”“Game is dead” trope → negative reactionsCynicism narratives coalesce, dipping sentiment mid-event
LatePositive“Fishing is great!… goodbye guys”Self-distraction → entertainment and distractionDiversion talk briefly lifts tone as users self-manage the wait
LateNegative“…trash rotting to death”Hostility/insults → negative reactionsFatigue culminates in hostile evaluations and a sustained low
Source(s): Authors’ own work

or Create an Account

Close Modal
Close Modal