Why kids can’t stop playing Fortnite and what parents can do about it
If you’re the parent of a middle or upper school student who plays video games, you’ve undoubtedly heard about Fortnite. If you haven’t heard of the game specifically because you’re too busy trying to figure out is bingo clash legit on your phone, you may have (literally) heard your child yelling at the TV 📺 or strategizing with friends while wearing a headset 🎧 . So, what is this game sweeping the nation?
What Fornite is all about
Fortnite is a multiplayer survival game based in a post-apocalyptic world where only 2% of the world’s population exists, and there is a “storm” that sends out zombie-like creatures (really) to attack them. The goal is twofold: protect a shelter filled with survivors and find supplies and other survivors out in the storm.
The most popular version of the game is called “Battle Royale,” where solo players or teams of up to four battle up to 99 other players to be the last ones standing. (A recent, temporary update allows for teams of up to 20). In the grand scheme of “violent” games, Fortnite is relatively tame. Although it does have a T for Teen rating, the only notated reason is violence. The usual blood, guts, and foul language associated with the M-rated versions of, for example, Call of Duty are absent.
Up to 100 gamers from all over the world can play one Fortnite game together — in teams or as solo players.
That said, as with any game played online, there is always a chance of exposure to inappropriate language by other Fortnite players via the game’s chat feature. However, that same chat feature is also one of its strengths, allowing teams to collaborate and strategize in real time.
Why kids are so obsessed
That’s the question we get most often about Fortnite: Why is my child so obsessed with this game? There are a few answers to this question.
- The game is free. 💰🚫👍
Not only is Fortnite free to download on XBox, PlayStation, PC, and iPhone, but it also It doesn’t require in-game purchases or a subscription to access advanced features. Here is a quick rundown of those subscriptions from The Social Institute’s Playbook on Fortnite:
Fortnite introduced a “Battle Pass” subscription for $10 per month and a “Premium Battle Pass” for $13 per month. Although neither is required to play or be successful in Fortnite, players who complete different missions and climb “tiers” receive better rewards, from different gear to new emoticons that you can send to other players. The game’s creators estimate it would take between 75 to 155 hours to get to through all 100 tiers. - It takes between 75 to 155 hours to complete Fortnite’s 100 tiers. ⌛😲⏱
And this is according to the people at Epic Games who created it. The game is BUILT to consume time. Does that make it bad? No, but it’s important to realize that it takes some serious brain real-estate is important for you, and your child, to recognize. Winning does not come easily or often.
- It is collaborative. 👪👨👨👧👨👩👧👦
Your child can team up with their best friends from school and play together from their homes, and then talk about it all day at school. Think of it like your neighborhood stick-ball game growing up. It was chance to do something you all enjoyed together. The same rings true for Fortnite, with a different — virtual — playing field.
- Fortnite creators listen to the players. 💬👂🎮
Gamers everywhere are thrilled because Fortnite is regularly updated by its maker, Epic Games, based on negative and positive feedback from users. This approach has created a loyal user base that continues to be plugged in. The game shifts to their desires.
The game is BUILT to consume time.
What parents can do
So now that you have a basic understanding of what Fornite is and why your child may be spending — or wanting to spend — every free moment play it, you’re probably wondering what you can you do about it. The Social Institute’s Fortnite Playbook recommends these winning moves to young players and old players alike:
- Fortnite can take a while to play — matches can last 20 minutes or more if you’re doing well — so make sure you take care of priorities that matter first.
- Strike a balance, one of our seven social standards, by working out an agreement with your family. For example, 30 minutes of homework or playing outside equals one Battle Royale (up to 20 minutes). Or use a “play clock” that your parent sets and once the time is up, you turn off your game.
- Avoid offensive language if you’re playing “Battle Royale” with others by turning off the chat feature (you’ll still be able to hear gameplay sounds like footsteps).
- Take advantage of the limited-time game options Fortnite offers regularly. But if you miss one? That’s fine. There will be another soon, and maybe even a better one.
- Play “Battle Royale” in teams with friends you know in real life and siblings to make gameplay more fun, since you can cheer each other on, offer advice, and spend time together.
For more winning moves to make on Fortnite and other social media platforms that students use, check out The Social Institute’s Social Locker Room. Connect with other parents asking the same questions in our Facebook group, and be the first to know about new apps and positive ways students can use them by signing up to receive our regular newsletter.