Your child has been talking only about dangerous storms and resources to build fortresses lately? Then your son or daughter has probably discovered Fortnite (PS4, Xbox One, PC). We are here to explain how parents should deal with tantrums and begging.
If a topic makes it onto the popular American breakfast show Good Morning America, it has arrived in the mainstream. Recently discussed: “Should parents worry about Fortnite: Battle Royale?”
We have helpful tips for dealing with kids!
What is Fortnite: Battle Royale and why does it absorb players so much?
Fortnite is an arcade shooter in comic style, which is rated 12 years and older in Germany.
The Battle Royale mode of Fortnite is currently more popular than any other game. 40 million players worldwide is a clear statement. The mode is free and can be played on PS4, Xbox One, and PC.
To win a game in Battle Royale mode, one must proceed strategically. Fortresses must be built, equipment carefully selected, and resources collected.
When playing with friends, communication and interaction within a team come into play. These factors create a mix of addiction (“just one more game”) and emotionality (when a round is lost just before the end).
Winning in Fortnite: Battle Royale is tough – frustration guaranteed
To compete against up to 99 other players depending on the game mode, either skill or luck is required. As characters can be eliminated quickly, frustration can suddenly arise when one’s own hero gets hit.
Fortnite is stressful; one must always be alert and scan their surroundings for threats. A round can quickly end after a moment of inattention. Since there is no way to return to the game, fallen players must start a completely new round.
If your children are susceptible to such stress and resulting anger, it can help if they are present while Fortnite is running. This way, they can mediate defeats. Every lost round in Fortnite can be justified.
Encourage your child to think about what went wrong – and how they can do better in the next round.
Why “Just 5 more minutes” doesn’t work in Fortnite
Your child has been sitting in front of the console for hours again and shows no signs of stopping gaming? Telling them “Just 5 more minutes” does not do your child any favors. Individual rounds in Fortnite: Battle Royale can take up to 25 minutes, depending on the progress.
Instead, say: “After this round, it’s over.” Your children will thank you for it. Excuses like “I died way too quickly in the last round” can be easily countered with “Then you shouldn’t have landed in Tilted Towers!”
There is no pause function in Fortnite: Battle Royale. So you can’t just interrupt the game without risking being shot down defenselessly.
Otherwise, Fortnite can train cognitive skills. Strategy and tactics are key; hand-eye coordination can also be specifically enhanced with such games. Furthermore, communication with team members is important. However, you should always know who your child is talking to.
Pay attention to who your child communicates with
Through the consoles PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, so-called chat rooms can be opened, which can be used to communicate with other players. Since it is almost mandatory to wear a headset in Fortnite to hear opponent and environmental sounds, you should be aware that conversations are not output through the TV but rather through the headset worn.
Even without a corresponding chat room, communication can occur directly with random teammates in Fortnite. To find out who communicates with your child in what way, you should enable alternative audio output through the TV. This setting option can be found in the settings of the respective console.
Is the depiction of violence in Fortnite problematic for children?
Unlike its competitors, Fortnite is much more colorful and playful. Defeated opponents do not die but are simply teleported out of the world.
There is no blood or other violent effects. Fortnite approaches the shooter genre humorously, allowing various dances and gestures. The different skins (outfits) are funny and always highlight that the game does not take itself too seriously.
Nevertheless, firearms are used: It’s similar to the A-Team from earlier. Everyone shoots with machine guns, but no one dies.
For more information about Fortnite, you can also refer to the official Fortnite page from Epic! In the comments below, parents also share their experiences with Fortnite.
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