Parenting
By Sarah T. Williams
Updated: November 17, 2020
Originally Published: March 22, 2018
If you’ve been anywhere near a home with children lately, you’ve likely heard about Fortnite. Unless you’ve been living in a parallel universe or still hunting Pokémon in parks, it’s probably taken over your household too. This video game has captivated my kids more than any other game I can think of—combined. It’s not just my 12-year-old who is glued to the screen; even my college-aged son can’t escape its grasp. It seems that players of all ages are drawn to the thrill of being the last one standing, with my kids even teaming up with their friends’ parents.
Recent estimates suggest that over 40 million players are engaged with this game across multiple platforms. Even when they’re not playing, my kids will spend hours watching others on Twitch or soaking up strategy tips from YouTube. At one point, I began to fret about the amount of time they spend on it and questioned the game’s content. However, after some research, I’ve decided that, as long as we implement strict limits on playtime and viewing, it can stay in our home.
Essential Facts About Fortnite
So, if you find yourself wondering what Fortnite is and why it’s so wildly popular, here are some essential facts to get you acquainted with the game:
- It’s Free.
How did my kids even discover this game? Well, it’s free. Initially launched on desktops, it quickly expanded to gaming consoles and mobile devices. In fact, the mobile app is currently the top-rated app in 47 countries. - It’s a Survival Shooter Game.
The game’s concept is straightforward: outlive other players on an island. Each match kicks off with 100 players parachuting onto the island armed only with a pickaxe. Think of it as a video game version of The Hunger Games. You can play solo or team up with up to three friends to strategize and survive together. The map gradually shrinks due to a storm, keeping players on their toes. - No Real Skill Required.
I often hear my two kids enjoying the game together, which is one reason it’s become so popular. Unlike other complicated shooter games, Fortnite can be won even on your first attempt. Matches are short and can be joined or left at any time, so if you ask your kids to log off, don’t believe them when they claim they can’t leave. The collaborative aspect of the game makes it even more enjoyable when played as a team. - Cartoonish Violence.
This is my biggest concern with the game. It ultimately is about being the last player standing, which requires eliminating others. However, the graphics are cartoon-like, and the “kills” are often so absurd that they don’t feel as intense as in other games with graphic violence, such as Grand Theft Auto. Picture players dressed in goofy animal costumes battling astronauts—quite different from real-life gore! - No Forced In-Game Purchases.
Many games bombard players with constant prompts to buy upgrades. Fortnite, however, keeps this to a minimum, offering a one-time “battle pass” option for just $10. For a free game that my whole family enjoys, that’s a fair price.
Fortnite isn’t going anywhere, as evidenced by celebrities like Drake streaming their gameplay and breaking the internet. Athletes and gamers worldwide are doing Fortnite dances and sharing strategies across social media. It’s also become a clever bargaining tool for parents. Need your kids to clean their room? Just offer them a chance to “parachute to the island” after they finish their chores.
If you want to delve deeper into the world of family planning, check out our post on at-home insemination kits here. Additionally, you can find great resources on intrauterine insemination here.
Summary
Fortnite, a free battle royale game, has captivated players of all ages with its simple yet engaging gameplay. The cartoonish violence, short matches, and collaborative aspects make it appealing to both kids and their parents. As long as screen time is managed, many families are finding ways to incorporate this phenomenon into their daily lives.
Keyphrase: Fortnite and Kids
Tags: [“home insemination kit” “home insemination syringe” “self insemination”]