![\"fortnite\"](\"https:\/\/i.imgur.com\/0daZKD1.jpeg\")
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Fortnite is one of the most popular \u2014 and hotly debated \u2014 games in the world, with more than 125 million players as of September 2019. It\u2019s a free-to-play multiplayer shooter where 100 players land on an island and battle until only one remains. It\u2019s also a hugely successful business for developer Epic Games, generating $250 million per month in sales. But is it safe for kids?<\/p>\n
The game\u2019s cartoon graphics and lack of visible gore make it more kid-friendly than other online shooter games. But it\u2019s still a competition and kids can become obsessed with playing it. This is why it\u2019s important for parents to set ground rules in their homes about how much time kids can play and how they\u2019ll stop themselves from going back for \u201cjust one more\u201d match.<\/p>\n
Parents can use the in-game parental controls to filter swear words from text chat, disable friend requests and turn off voice or text chat; set a password for making in-game purchases; and enable Playtime Reporting to get weekly play reports. They can also disable in-game rewards, which are used to buy new weapons and other gear, or choose to allow them for their children.<\/p>\n
Some of these in-game rewards can feel like a constant nudge to keep playing, but there\u2019s also a way for kids to earn them legitimately: by participating in the Fortnite Festival mode, which includes competitions and music performances, they can collect emoji that can be used to dress their avatar. The Festival mode is free to play but players can purchase additional in-game extras, including costumes and weapon skins, with real money.<\/p>\n
The Fortnite community is incredibly welcoming and supportive of inexperienced players, which isn\u2019t always the case for other online competitive games. Many newcomers are surprised to learn that they won\u2019t be able to top the leaderboard on their first try or even the fifth, but they\u2019re encouraged to continue trying.<\/p>\n