Fortnite has taken over the hearts, minds and discretionary time — and sometimes, parents — of adolescent America. It’s become a pop culture phenomenon with 125 million players in less than a year. It’s a free-to-play game that’s available on most gaming consoles, computers, Android mobile devices and iOS phones. It’s a multiplayer game that has three distinct gameplay modes: Fortnite Battle Royale, in which up to 100 players fight to be the last person standing; Fortnite Save the World, a co-operative hybrid tower defense shooter and survival game where players fight off zombie-like creatures; and a separate mode called Fortnite Creative, a sandbox world in which players can build anything they want. Fortnite’s popularity has helped it generate hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue.

One of the reasons for the game’s success is its flexibility and ability to adapt. It’s a testament to the concept of video games as a service, constantly evolving with new content, new features and partnerships. Unlike most modern video games that require expensive hardware to run, fortnite runs on most phones and can even be played with a mouse and keyboard.

Players can also earn a wide variety of in-game rewards through “achievements” that can be completed around the primary 100-person battle royale mode. Some of these unlock unique rewards, like a skin for the indestructible Thanos villain from the Avengers movies, while others advance the story or help players level up faster.

Another reason for its popularity is its social element. The game is incredibly popular on video streaming platforms where people compete with other users in live matches and talk to one another about their experience. Many of these users are YouTube personalities or social media influencers, and they play the game with their audiences and offer tutorials. This has made the game the most viewed game in history on YouTube.

There are some concerns with the popularity of fortnite, especially for children and teens. It’s important to monitor the amount of time kids are spending playing the game, as they can get hooked very easily. The immersive nature of the game means that some children can be absorbed in it for hours at a time and may have a difficult time stopping. It’s also important to talk to your child about being a good sport and treating other players with respect.

Fortnite has a lot of parental control options, and it’s easy for parents to set limits on screen time or other aspects of the game. For example, the game offers a safe mode for younger players that removes ads and reduces the maximum level of in-game violence. It also has a feature called Cabined Accounts that gives players a tailored experience designed to help ensure their experiences are appropriate for them. This is a great way to set a positive example for your child about responsible online behavior.