Fortnite is one of the most popular online video games of all time, and gamers of all ages can’t seem to get enough of it. Its rich replayability and brilliant blend of savvy strategy and intense action have captivated millions of people around the world.
But like with any other online activity that kids love, parents might have questions and even concerns about Fortnite and how it’s sweeping up young gamers across continents. At BTES, we take your family’s online safety and security very seriously. And while we love online gaming as much as anyone, we understand why parents are cautious about any popular Internet trend their kids love to engage in.
So, let’s discuss what the game is about, why it’s become such a global phenomenon (especially for children), and safety and security settings parents may want to employ.
What is Fortnite?
First released to the public in 2017, Fortnite offers an intriguing mix of action, adventure, strategy, and survival. Players are dropped onto an island to play with and compete against up to 100 other players online (depending on the version of the game they play), requiring each player to quickly adapt to the new terrain, think through their plans carefully, develop and maintain teams, and outwit one another enroute to victory.
On each island, there is a treasure trove of weapons, resources, and other items for players to scavenge—items critical to success in the game. Like other strategy games, players explore their island territory, hunting, and collecting resources to build up their defenses. Today, Fortnite is not just one game; rather, there are multiple versions of the game available.
Why Do Kids Like It?
The cartoon-like graphics are just one appeal of Fortnite. The game is incredibly compelling and, like similar games, building structures, crafting tools and weapons, and defending and protecting yourself and your teammates turns out to be enormously satisfying, as well as challenging.
Apart from its exciting gameplay and visual appeal, the social aspect of the game is another major draw for kids. Fortnite can be played with friends, and they can also text and voice call each other as they play making it a less isolating experience than some other games.
If you’re looking for a safe online space for your kids to play Fortnite, sign up for Fiber Gaming Network (FGN)! FGN offers free virtual gaming nights and tournaments in a fun, family-friendly online environment. BTES offers free FGN accounts for our Internet customers, so go to FiberGamingNetwork.com to create an account and join the fun!
Potential Parental Concerns about Fortnite
Fortnite has been rated by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board as “T” for Teen. That means it’s deemed suitable for children ages 13 and up mostly due to the interactive chat feature and violence.
The social aspect of the game means that kids can interact with other players, which could raise some parents’ eyebrows in the same way other online interactive social media app or program. Fortnite also includes firearms which may make some parents feel uncomfortable.
If your child is participating in Fortnite events with Fiber Gaming Network, you can rest assured that the game chat and FGN Discord server are continually monitored to ensure a family-friendly environment.
Fortnite’s Safety and Security Settings
Given Fortnite's popularity with kids, it’s natural for parents to want to exercise caution, and the programmers seem to respond to their concerns. For starters, Epic built parental controls and settings right into the game.
Some of these parental controls are both strong and protective, especially for online social interactions. For example, one Fortnite setting can be activated requiring a parent to approve any new friend with a special PIN number before your child can play, chat, or otherwise interact with that person. Other settings limit texting and chatting even further, allowing chatting with pre-approved friends only or completely turning off chat.
For parents worried that their kids may be playing Fortnite too much, Epic created a weekly playtime report that parents can receive via email. It details the number of hours your children play Fortnite, so that their other priorities (i.e., homework, exercise, and extracurricular activities) can be balanced. Epic even lets parents filter out inappropriate language by toggling a setting that detects offensive language in text chats and replaces them with heart shapes.
Fortnite’s popularity continues to endure, and parents are likely to face decisions on whether to let their kids play it whether solo or with their friends. We hope parents are now better armed with both basic knowledge about the game and the parental control tools and settings Fortnite offers so that they can make informed choices that are best for their families.
FIBER GAMING NETWORK
Fiber Gaming Network hosts a series of online gaming events every week featuring popular games such as Super Smash Bros Ultimate, Minecraft, Fortnite, Rocket League, and more. Participating players must register beforehand to compete in events or watch the livestreams, where they can score exciting giveaways. BTES Internet customers can sign up for free! Create an account at FiberGamingNetwork.com to check out the family-friendly gaming events and tournaments!
