top of page
Search

Fortnite for Parents



So what in the heck is this game?

Fortnite is a strategic adventure game; think Hunger Games mixed in with Minecraft. The backstory of Fortnite is a storm has wiped out 98% of the earth’s population. Players are dropped into a zone where they must build structures (Minecraft) to gain advantage over others, gather resources to survive and kill in order to be the last man standing (Hunger Games.)


Ok now how does it work?

At the start, 100 players are dropped into a single level, known as a “map.” They compete alone and in groups of two or four. They can build a squad using recruits from an in-game friends list or have the game fill out the team with random people. Players then fan across the map, finding weapons and other items to help them survive, eliminating opponents along the way.

The last player or team standing wins.


Why does my kid spend so much time playing this game?

Because Fortnite is a game of elimination, there’s no set time limit for a single round. Play can span anywhere from a few minutes to roughly 20 minutes, depending on the skill level of the players involved. Additionally, many kids, my son included, spend countless amounts of time watching other gamers play, on a social medical platform called Twitch or on YouTube. At first I could not understand how and why my son would watch other people play, but then I likened it to myself and how I watch YouTube videos about digital planning, makeup tips and other DIY. So now I understand.


Okay, if the game is free to download, why does my kid keep asking me for money?

While you can download and play Fortnite free, just like many other free apps, players are encouraged to make in-game purchases with real-world money. The creator, Epic, makes money by selling virtual items, such as costumes (known as skins), equipment, and funny dance moves, for use in the game. And those items—often presented in limited-time offers—can quickly add up in cost. One recent skin—a hooded, purple cloak called Raven—went for 2,000 in-game "V-Bucks," which cost about $20. Further complicating matters, V-Bucks are sold only in $10, $25, $60, and $100 increments. And, for parents, those purchases can be surprisingly expensive.




Everyone keeps telling me that this game is full of violence and is inappropriate for younger kids, is that true?

Because there is killing involved (the characters disintegrate and disappear), one may describe it as inappropriate for younger children, but despite its violent content, a number of video game and parenting experts say it can be a good experience for youth, one that builds teamwork and social connections.


“A lot of people say you shouldn’t allow your children to play shooter games," says Columbus, Ohio, parent Nicole Zupich, whose nearly 9-year-old son is a Fortnite fan. "But it’s given us opportunities to talk about gun violence and stuff like that. It’s been a good vehicle for that.”


More to the point, the game requires ingenuity and collaboration from successful teams. To survive, players build barricades, towers, booby traps, and ramps using materials salvaged during their travels. They must keep moving to avoid a mysterious storm that saps their strength and forces combatants together.




Additionally they can chat with members of their team using a microphone or headset. This real-time discussion is an integral part of the game, allowing team members to develop and execute communal strategies. For Denise DeRosa, founder of Cyber Sensible, a firm that helps parents make informed decisions about children's online activities, this is one of the reasons she approves of her child playing Fortnite.

“I like that players are able to talk with their friends,” DeRosa says. “They have to work together in order to be one of the last ones standing, so they’re helping each other.”


To help manage your child's expectations, you may want to talk about creating a Fortnite “budget,” perhaps tied to the completion of household chores or achievement of good grades. Like any online game, Fortnite can even be a positive social activity that keeps kids connected to their pals — not to mention a great potential bonding experience if you choose to play with your child. Just be mindful of screen time and monitor that chat, and your little one will have a safe environment for racking up those victory royales.


After all that, what can I do to manage Fortnite in my household?

According to child psychiatrist Dr Philip Tam, who is a specialist in internet and computer related disorders, “games are designed to be played and to keep your attention, challenge your skills and build communities around participation.” She adds, “there are ways to play all games in a balanced way and enjoy the benefits without the negative impacts that come with excessive and unsupervised gaming.”


So here are some things you can do:


Since the game has a built in chat function, have a conversation with your kids about talking to strangers. You can also set ground rules that confine them to voice chats with friends they know in real life. Even though it was released less than a year ago, Fortnite Battle Royale already boasts 125 million players, according to its publisher, Epic Games.



  1. If your child comes across someone making inappropriate comments, you can report players from within the game by clicking on "Report Player" in the bottom right of the screen if you think they've crossed a line or cheated, or after the game(just make sure you remember their player name!). Players can also mute individual players, so if your child is hearing things he knows he shouldn't, he can make it stop.

And, in case your child tries to claim otherwise, you should know that any costume or equipment purchased in-game is merely cosmetic. It doesn’t offer any gameplay advantage (besides looking spiffy). I do however use this to my advantage by rewarding my son’s chores and accomplishments by giving him V Bucks. It is a great motivator especially when the “limited edition” skins are about to drop.


Finally, parents should watch for signs of excessive screen time in a child's behavior. That includes slipping grades, missing sleep, and spending less time socializing with friends. Set time limits but be mindful that some game sessions may run a bit longer than expected. So instead of just giving them a HARD stop time, be flexible and give them something like 1 hour plus 1 game session. That way when the hour is up, if they are in the middle of a game session, they are allowed to continue it. Other things experts have suggested include:

  1. Be present- nearby to monitor

  2. Tweak the audio over tv instead of headphones so you can hear what others are saying

  3. Set party privacy settings; they will only be allowed to play with friends

  4. Have your kids teach you


For what it's worth, there's no rule that says you can't play Fortnite alongside your child. You know, to see firsthand what it's really like. Some experts view video games as a bonding opportunity—a modern-day version of playing catch. At the end of the day, it is better to understand it than to ban it. But just hold tight, Fortnite is a modern craze that will eventually end like Minecraft and Pokemon Go.


Wait a minute, you know you still go out chasing the Pokemon at different locations around town. Keep up the great work being a parent and remember to Create, Motivate and Inspire your children to walk in their purpose.📷


Passionately,

The T Whisperer


References

What parents need to know about Fortnite?

By Cathy Camera

What Parents Need to Know About Fortnite?

By Nicholas Deleon

April 26, 2018

7 Things Parents Need to Know About Fortnite

By AMY OZTAN Jul 2, 2018, 11:14 AM

 
 
 

Comments

© 2018 by CMT Virtual Assistant. Proudly created with Wix.com

bottom of page