Fortnite has taken the world by storm, captivating kids of all ages who are glued to their phones, computers, PlayStations, Xboxes, and Switches. When they aren’t playing, they might be watching streams on Twitch or YouTube. This overwhelming popularity has left many parents concerned about its impact on their children. What is it about Fortnite that makes it so appealing, and how can parents ensure their kids maintain a healthy balance?
Sarah, a mother of a nine-year-old named Henry, notes that Fortnite feels different from other games. “He has played other video games, but he hasn’t been so enamored by anything like this before. It’s not like a sports game on the Xbox — it’s really addicting.”
Alt text: Fortnite battle royale gameplay with characters engaged in combat.
What Makes Fortnite So Addictive?
Most discussions about Fortnite revolve around Fortnite: Battle Royale, a version where up to 100 players fight to the death, and the last player standing wins. Similar to Minecraft, construction is a key element; players build forts from found materials. They can also loot supplies and equipment from defeated players, random supply drops, and scattered chests.
Rusty, a 10-year-old Fortnite enthusiast, explains, “My favorite part of the game is the surprise of finding where the chests are and what’s inside them, or what’s flying around or what your opponents have if you kill them. Often it’s a weapon. Sometimes you get a good weapon, sometimes it’s a bad one. You can get shields that protect you, you can get bombs, ammo, sometimes you can get materials.” These surprise rewards are compelling, reinforcing the desire to keep playing.
The “near-miss” phenomenon is another enticing feature. Upon being eliminated, players can see the health bar of their killer. Often, the opponent was also close to death, creating a tantalizing “what if” scenario that compels players to keep trying. Researchers have studied the effect of these near misses and found that they trigger a substantial urge to keep playing.
The Power of Social Connection in Fortnite
One of Fortnite’s biggest draws is its social component. Kids can play with friends or in squads. This shared experience naturally enhances the fun, creating compelling expectations and potential conflicts with parents. Missing out on a game when friends are playing can lead to feelings of exclusion, a significant concern for kids.
Alt text: Fortnite characters collaboratively constructing a fort during gameplay.
While team-based games aren’t new, Fortnite introduces younger children to the adrenaline-inducing appeal of a first-person shooter played in real time with friends. Parents are often more likely to permit younger kids to play Fortnite due to its cartoonish graphics, which aren’t particularly gruesome.
Finding Balance: How Much Fortnite is Too Much?
Fortnite’s carefully crafted game design can make it difficult to stop playing, so setting limits is essential. Experts suggest balancing screen time with activities that are “developmentally integral” to a child’s life. These include:
- Interacting with friends in real life
- Participating in extracurricular activities
- Keeping up with schoolwork
- Building positive family relationships
- Getting enough sleep
A healthy amount of screen time shouldn’t disrupt these activities. Some families restrict video games to weekends, while others allow a smaller amount of time each day, as long as homework is completed first. Monitoring your child’s behavior and adjusting the schedule as needed is crucial.
Addressing Behavior Issues Related to Fortnite
Parents should monitor their children’s behavior while playing video games, especially social ones like Fortnite.
Alt text: A young boy intensely focused while playing Fortnite on his gaming console.
It’s important to differentiate between good-natured trash talk and bullying. Warn children that their online behavior can have real-life consequences. Actions like screen captures or audio recordings can escalate situations. The rules of conduct should remain consistent, both online and offline. Competitive adrenaline can lead to saying things they wouldn’t normally say face-to-face, however, the ordinary rules of conduct should still apply. Habits developed while playing video games can generalize to other settings, such as school.
Enforcing Limits Effectively
As with any form of discipline, setting clear limits is important. Being strict about weekday play, unless it’s a treat, is one approach. Another is restricting play with individuals they cannot interact with respectfully. Parents who learn more about the game can also make informed decisions about when to be flexible. For instance, allowing a child to finish a game in progress, since there’s no pause function, can help maintain calm.
Setting limits from the beginning is ideal, but it’s never too late to start. Ensure that the established limits are clear and consistently enforced. Children quickly learn if you’re willing to relent, even if only occasionally. Remember that you’re competing with a highly engaging game, so sticking to your principles is key. By understanding the appeal of Fortnite and setting appropriate limits, parents can help their children enjoy the game responsibly while maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
