If you’ve had your ear to the ground of any gaming-related news lately, it has likely come to you that fortnite is now the world’s most popular game. It’s a multiplayer-based shooter that’s free to play, and it’s available on all sorts of platforms — including the latest Playstation and Xbox consoles, as well as PCs, Macs, Android phones, and iOS devices. The gameplay is simple but immersive, and the game has taken over the hearts and minds of a large, diverse population of players of all ages.
Parents need to know that fortnite does feature some mild violence and is rated 12+ by PEGI. It also has unmoderated chat functionality, which can put younger players at risk for exposure to inappropriate language and even bullying from other players.
But there are a lot of other reasons kids love it. It’s fun to play with friends, and it’s easy to share clips of their gameplay on social media. It’s also cartoonish, which gives it a softer appeal than many more gory video games. And it combines two other big trends that are popular with young gamers: playing online and competing against others to be the last one standing.
It’s also a technical heavyweight, and it can push custom-built gaming PCs to the limit. And it’s a cultural phenomenon that has been incorporated into everything from film screenings to concerts and fashion shows. It’s a game that has a huge audience and is constantly evolving. So it’s no surprise that parents are worried about their children spending too much time playing fortnite.
What are the best ways to keep your kids safe while they’re playing fortnite?
As a parent, you can set limits on your child’s fortnite play time by setting a curfew and/or monitoring their screen use. You can also help them understand how to avoid online predators by teaching them safe internet practices and how to identify fake profiles.
If you’re concerned about your child spending too much time playing fortnite, you can limit their access by using Parent Zone. You can also listen to our podcast Tech Shock, which discusses the effects of video games on children and teens.
Fortnite is a multi-player online battle royale game developed by Epic Games. The game has three separate modes: “Save the World,” “Battle Royale” and “Creative.” “Save the World” is a single-player or co-op mode in which you fight off zombie-like creatures, while “Battle Royale” and “Creative” are multiplayer games in which you compete against other players to be the last player standing. Each mode uses a slightly different engine and graphics style, but all are based on the same core technology. The games are available on PCs, Macs, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch, as well as Android, iOS and Windows phones. Each version of the game offers slightly different features and artwork. The game is free to download, but some content and items require a payment.