Fortnite – a computer game where the aim is to kill everyone else in order to survive.

As our cooperation partner Safer Internet reports, parents in particular are worried about this game. Help! My child plays Fortnite, what can I do?

What is Fortnite?

The computer game “Fortnite” currently includes two game variants . In the paid version, you have to build a fort with others to protect the last human survivors from zombies.

However, the second free version, called “Fortnite Battle Royale”, is far more popular . Live streaming from well-known gamers now has millions of viewers. At the beginning you are with up to 100 other players . The aim now is to find weapons and resources in order to survive for as long as possible. Everyone has to kill each other. The last survivor or the last team wins the round.

Gun violence is the only option for action , but “Fortnite” does not contain any detailed scenes of violence . In the game itself there is no blood and there are no corpses.

mobile version of the game has been rolled out for smartphones and tablets since March 2018 and it can be assumed that the hype surrounding “Fortnite – Battle Royale” will continue.

What age is Fortnite suitable for?

The game is approved for children aged twelve and over - but the PEGI rating behind it only refers to the content of the game. For example, it does not include in-game communication. In “Fortnite – Battle Royale” players can talk and write to each other via the in-game chat . It may well happen that your child unpleasant experiences , such as: B. being insulted.

What should parents know about Fortnite?

  • You have to create an account. In order to play Fortnite, your child must create an account with EPIC Games. To do this, you must provide an email address and choose a name. It doesn't ask how old someone is.
  • You play against other players of all ages. Because Fortnite is an online game, your child will compete against players of all ages from around the world. You cannot turn off the game chat or choose who you are playing against.
  • There are in-app purchases. The game itself allows the purchase of virtual currency , so-called V-Bucks. This can then be used to purchase virtual items such as outfits, new victory dances or access to weekly challenges. However, these items and functions are not strictly necessary for playing. The additional packages currently cost between €9.99 and €99.99.
  • There is animated violence. In Fortnite, players fight each other - the animation of these violent scenes is comic-like and does not contain any blood. Still, it's important to be aware that the goal of the game is to kill each other.
  • What can Fortnite be played on? Fortnite is currently available for PC, Mac, PlayStation and XBox and is currently being rolled out for mobile phones and tablets.

Our tips

  • Talk to your child. Look for the right opportunities to talk to your child about what they are doing online. Ask your child why they play Fortnite.
  • Agree on rules. Talk to your child about how they should behave online and how they should respond to inappropriate content and agree on how long they can play. A good indication: A round in “Fortnite” lasts between 10 and 20 minutes.
  • Play with your child. This may sound unusual, but in order to get better with the game and e.g. B. To become familiar with the options for reporting other players, this is a good option.
  • Learn how to report assaults. In Fortnite, players who behave inappropriately can be reported via the game menu . Pass this knowledge on to your child.
  • Keep Calm. Take your concerns seriously and discuss them with your child. But don't forget that computer games alone don't make you violent.

Most of the text is reproduced with the kind permission of Childnet International .


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