Understanding the Phenomenon
Updated: November 17, 2020
Originally Published: March 22, 2018
Fortnite Battle Royale has completely invaded my home. Unless you’ve been off exploring the cosmos or still hunting for Pokémon in local parks and malls, chances are it has also taken over your household. This single game has monopolized more time and energy from my children than any other game I can recall — combined. I’m talking about all my kids, including those who have officially outgrown childhood. This game has captured the attention of my 10-year-old and my 18-year-old alike. Interestingly, it’s not just kids and teens; people of all ages are captivated by the quest to be the last survivor. My children are even gaming with their friends’ fathers, and my son in college mentioned how his dorm is constantly filled with shouts of strategy and hideouts during late-night gaming sessions.
Recent estimates suggest that over 40 million players are engaged with Fortnite across multiple platforms. And here’s the surprising part — when they’re not actively playing, my kids will spend hours watching others play on Twitch or checking out strategy videos on YouTube. I was initially concerned about the amount of time they were dedicating to Fortnite, questioning its content and overall environment. However, after doing some research and establishing strict time limits for gameplay, I’ve decided to allow it to remain part of our home entertainment, for the time being.
What You Should Know About Fortnite
- No Cost to Play
You may wonder how my kids got their hands on Fortnite in the first place. Well, it’s free. Initially released on desktops and later available for gaming consoles and mobile devices, Fortnite can be downloaded at no cost. In fact, the mobile app is currently the top-rated app in 47 countries. - Survival Shooter Format
The game’s concept is straightforward — outlast the other players on the “island” to win. Each match begins with 100 participants parachuting onto an island armed only with a pickaxe. Think of it as a video game version of The Hunger Games. Players can compete solo or team up with up to three others, collaborating to survive. The island gradually shrinks as a storm encroaches, compelling players to keep moving. - Collaborative or Solo Play
I’ve often overheard my 10- and 18-year-old enjoying each other’s company while playing, which is a significant factor in the game’s surging popularity. Unlike other complex multi-level shooter games, Fortnite is easy to grasp and can be won on the first attempt. Matches are brief, easily joined or exited (so if your kids claim they can’t leave the game, they’re likely not telling the truth), and offer team-based gameplay that encourages cooperation. - Cartoonish Violence
This aspect is my primary concern with the game; fundamentally, it’s a last-man-standing scenario where victory means eliminating the other 99 players (or waiting for them to fall prey to the environment). However, the graphics are animated and whimsical, and the “kills” are often so exaggerated (imagine players in silly costumes attacking astronauts) that it doesn’t evoke the same visceral reaction as more realistic violence in games like Grand Theft Auto. - Optional In-Game Purchases
Unlike many apps and games that bombard players with constant prompts to spend money for success, Fortnite avoids that pitfall. It limits transactions to micro-purchases, with a one-time $10 “battle pass” option. Given that it’s a free game everyone in my family enjoys, I have no qualms about spending that small amount.
It seems Fortnite Battle Royale is here to stay. Just look at celebrities like Drake, who recently tweeted and streamed himself playing the game, causing a sensation online. Athletes, sports teams, and celebrities are now frequently seen engaging with Fortnite, showcasing their victory dances and sharing strategies on social media.
For parents, it has become a fantastic tool for negotiating chores. Want to parachute into the game? Just tidy up your room, clean the kitchen, finish your homework, and complete a hundred other tasks, and the gaming console is all yours — a win-win situation.
For more information on related topics, you might want to check out this article on at-home insemination kits, or explore resources like this one on pregnancy and this authority on mosquitoes.
Summary
Fortnite Battle Royale has become an overwhelming presence in many households, captivating players of all ages with its free, engaging gameplay. The game promotes both solo and cooperative play, features cartoonish graphics, and offers optional in-game purchases, making it accessible for everyone. As parents navigate this gaming phenomenon, establishing limits and using it as a bargaining tool can create a balanced approach to screen time.