WHAT IS FORTNITE?

If your kids aren't already playing this hugely popular game, they likely have friends playing it or wish they were themselves. Released by Epic Games in 2017, it is available today as Fortnite Battle Royale, a free game in which up to 100 players fight to be the last one standing; Fortnite: Save the World, a paid game in which up to four players fight off zombie-like creatures; and Fortnite Creative, a free version that allows players create their own worlds and battles.

Although Fortnite can be enjoyed alone, or with friends in its Save the World mode, the real draw for most players is the online multiplayer Battle Royale mode. Read on to learn more.

How do you access the game?

Fortnite is available for download on multiple gaming platforms: Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and the Epic Games Store. For Android users, it’s also available in the Samsung Galaxy Store on Samsung Galaxy devices, or from the Epic Games App on all other Android devices. It is also playable via cloud streaming on Amazon Luna, GeForce Now, and Xbox Cloud Gaming.

Players on one device can play with friends and other players using a different device too. This is referred to as “cross-platform” playability, a feature that not every game offers. It greatly expands the pool of online players.

How is it played?

The game kicks off with 100 players in real-time—often strangers—who jump out of a plane on to a remote island where they fight (along with a bunch of zombies) until only one player is left standing. It's a multi-player shooter game, each player is even armed with a pick-axe upon being dropped onto the island. To protect themselves, and to kill off others, players search the island for hidden weaponry (like crossbows, grenades and guns) and collect other resources to build themselves shelters. The last player standing wins the coveted "Victory Royale."

Why do kids love this game?

It's social! Players often wear headsets and converse with other players. Because players can wear costumes and break into dance moves, so kids think it's funny! Plus they can team up with other players to play in duo or quad mode.

Popular collaborations – like an in-game battle with Marvel villain Galactus – bring in players from different “fandoms” too. The strategy, depth, and story-like flow to each “season” of Fortnite make the game additionally compelling. It's also easy for players of all ages to pick up and enjoy.

What should you worry about?

In addition to violence in this game, there can also be inappropriate and profane language (many players leave their audio on while playing). Also, young children could potentially be enticed to share personal and financial information with strangers, and unknowingly form relationships with online predators.

Visit the Epic Games Safety and Security Center

Are their costs involved?

The game offers its own currency called V-Bucks (1000 V-Bucks costs $7.99). Players use V-Bucks to buy in-game items like cosmetics to customize their experience. They can also buy a Battle Pass using 950 V-Bucks, adding an extra layer of unlockable gadgets and bonuses for each gameplay “season,” which typically lasts for about 10 weeks. A subscription of $11.99 a month will get players a monthly bonus of 1,000 V-Bucks, the most recent Battle Pass and exclusive outfits.

However, buying V-Bucks is not required and they don’t provide any competitive advantage either. On top of that, players can earn V-Bucks by completing in-game tasks, making additional purchases entirely optional.

While Battle Royale and Creative modes are free-to-play, Save the World requires purchase. The price has fluctuated over time between $15.99 and $39.99 depending on the platform.

Bottom Line-

If you're uncomfortable with violence, you might think twice before giving the a-ok on this one! Do keep in mind however that the violence is cartoon-like (play it yourself to see what we mean!). And, although the violence in this game is not nearly as gory or problematic as it is on some of the first-person shooter games (i.e., Call of Duty), this game is rated T for Teen by the ESRB.

For More Info Read: Why Can't People Stop Playing Fortnite?