In-Game Purchases
Fortnite is free to play, but by buying a season battle pass, costing 950 'V-Bucks' (Fortnite's in-game currency, 1000 of which cost £6.49)and lasting a full Battle Royale season (around three months), you can receive bonus rewards such as skins and extra challenges.
As mentioned, you can either purchase V-Bucks with real money or you can earn them through gameplay. In 2019 Fortnite removed randomisedloot boxesfrom the game.
As with all games that offer in-game purchases, make sure that you don't have any card details saved on your devices. It is also important to discuss with children how in-game purchases are designed to pressure them into spending money. However, if they are still adamant that they wish to purchase items on the game, allowing them to do so with their own pocket money can be a great way of giving a child a greater sense of independence.
The game’s creators Epic recently had to issue a statementadvising how users can protect their accounts. This included third-party sites falsely advertising free V-Bucks in exchange for personal information.
Excessive playing
In the wake of the vast popularity of Fortnite – averaging around 80 million active monthly users – there have been several reports calling it addictive for children and claiming that the game induces competition-related rage.
Whilst the game might not be addictive in a technical sense, its style of play certainly does encourage users to have "just one more game".
It is important to speak to children about what is an appropriate amount of gameplay, and when. It is also important to understand the immersive element of the game and to respect that they may be emotionally invested in a game. Bear in mind that multiplayer games only last up to 30 minutes, so setting suitable amounts of play is easy without pulling the plug on their game.
Fortnite videos
Fortnite videos and their respective creators have seen an equally large boom in popularity as the game has grown. Most players will stream their gameplay via Twitch or on YouTube.
The same concerns are present for Fortnite videos as they are for any video on YouTube: essentially, the use of profane language and the discussion of topics which may be age-inappropriate.
To avoid this you can turn on YouTube’s restricted modeto block inappropriate content. Alternatively, you can discuss with your child what they are watching and then watch it with them so that you can decide for yourself as to whether it is appropriate or not.
Spot something that doesn't look quite right? You can emaillibrarian@parentzone.org.ukto submit comments and feedback.
This article was last updated on 12/12/23.
