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A guide to understanding the popular game children play against people (of different ages) from across the world.

By on October 12, 2018

The parents at my children’s school have asked me what the hype is all about Fortnite: Battle Royale, the wildly popular online game and if they should allow their child to play it.

It may seem obvious but one of the best ways to answer that is for parents to play the game and judge whether it is right for their children..

By actually playing with your children or other parents and seeing the play environment for yourselves, you will get a feel of the game and make informed decisions on what house rules to make.. As a dad of two (ages 11 and 12) who has taken interest in the game (out of necessity), here’s what I can share with you from my gaming experience.

It’s extremely popular

The number of Fortnite Battle Royale players has now reached 125 million according to its publisher, Epic Games. It is also the number one or two most downloaded game on the App Store. That’s a huge number if you think about it. Now parents have more reason to understand the game.

Due to mild cartoonish violence, Fortnite: Battle Royale received a PEGI rating of 12 which means the game is not suitable for those under 12. It goes by seasons and the latest one is season 6 “Battle Pass” released this month.

One of the best things about the game is that it’s free and easy to play. To get started, all you need to do is to download the game, create an account and you’re free to play.

Fortnite is currently available on PC, Mac, PlayStation and XBox , and on IOS .You can download it from the Fortnite website where it gives access to both the free and paid for versions of the game. Anyone who has a Galaxy S7 or later, the Galaxy Note 8, or Galaxy Tab S3 or S4 will find a Fortnite icon in Samsung’s Game Launcher app.

It’s easy to learn and the humorous gameplay attracts non-gamers as well. It works on standard video game consoles (Xbox, PS, Switch) as well as smartphones, tablets and traditional computers. Fortnite is an entertaining game that can be played on most devices with internet connection.

 

The goal of the game

Think about it as a team-based survival game where users can apply their forward thinking, creativity and teamwork in combat. It starts with players jumping out a flying bus as it passes over the battleground. In Season 5, Fortnite sends you and 99 others to an island (in parachutes) and navigate your way to the ground. Once you’re on the ground, all players are on their own and over the course of the game, the gameplay area shrinks and the last player or team alive, wins. In order to win, you need to wipe out all other players or teams. With the resources you find, you can shelter and arm yourself from those wanting to eliminate you. The winning team or player gets a Victory Royale.

It is therefore important for yourself or your team to search homes, trucks, buildings, etc. for weapons and other items that will help you survive. The weapons include simple handguns and rocket launchers.

Why it’s engaging

One of the reasons Fortnite has caught on with the young crowd is the silly humor that happens during the game which includes hilarious moves and wearing funny skins but which are mostly paid-for options.

It can cost you money

Although the game is free, know that there are also in-app paid options that can add up quickly if you are not careful.
The developers regularly add new features and play modes to the game as often as weekly to keep users playing often. There is also the paid for option which includes buying new looks and new dance moves. These purchases will not at all affect your chances of winning but because the game is so addictive, one can easily spend more than what is necessary to enjoy the game. One family I know has spent over ¥15,000 on in-app purchases alone..

It’s fun but don’t get addicted

In January 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared video game addiction a disorder. In the gaming industry, giving rewards to get gamers playing often is a common tactic. As a result, young players run the risk of becoming hooked to the game because of the incentive they receive such as a new skin or earning a Victory Royale.
This is no different from the feeling you get when you post something on facebook that gets many ‘likes’. It encourages you to post more hoping to get more likes and shares.Younger players run the risk of becoming addicted to the game.. Unless your child plays solo, the chat feature that allows team members not together physically, to coordinate tactics with each other or alert team mates to impending threats can be a wonderful social experience..

I must admit that playing the game could be addictive.  That is – if you don’t set limits. No more than two hours on Saturday afternoons has worked for me and the boys. Seeing that they are able to put down the game when it’s time to do so, feels like the one who’s earned the real ‘Victory Royale’ is me!

About Tom Inoue

Tom Inoue is a dad of 2 boys and a software developer based in Tokyo.