Got a WEIRD email from the school, some info for parents about the game Fortnite. This just sounds like an advert or a press release for the game. It's not in the same voice as the last one we got with some warnings about online predators using some other popular kids game and how we should make sure to block all the social features. here:
Fortnite is an online video game where players compete to be the last person standing in a post-apocalyptic world. The most popular version is Fortnite: Battle Royale, which sees up to 100 players pitted against each other to stay alive on an island. Players can build and demolish structures, and collect weapons, supplies and armour to help them along the way. Players shoot each other using a range of lethal weapons, but the brightly-coloured, cartoon-style graphics and lack of bloodshed mean it doesn’t feel too gory or graphic. To play, the age recommendation is 12 and above due to ‘mild violence’, although you don’t have to provide your age when creating an account, so younger children can still log on easily. Fortnite: Battle Royale is free to download on PC/Mac, Xbox, Playstation, Nintendo Switch and iOS devices (Apple phones and tablets). It’s coming to Android soon. It has about 45 million monthly users worldwide including the England football team, who reportedly played it in their World Cup downtime.
It's only when you get on to the next bit that there is any constructive information, but even then it's still a bit promotional.
You may have seen news reports or heard concerns raised about the:
- Communication between players: a chat function allows players to talk to each other either over a headset and microphone, or using messaging. Children could use it to speak to strangers, or it could put them at risk of cyberbullying
- In-app purchases: players can build up large bills on their parents’ accounts by buying cosmetic items like outfits for your character and better-looking weapons (otherwise known as ‘skins’)
- Addictive nature of the game: anecdotal stories tell of children staying up all night to play, or falling asleep in lessons after playing for too long. Some commentators attribute this to the communal feel of the game – you can play with your friends – and the game is different every time you play, keeping it fresh
Ours have no interest in this game though other kids at school are playing it. I however am tempted!
Paul Clarke's blog - I live in A small town, Kent. Wed + dad to two, I am a full-stack web engineer, + I do js / Node, some ruby, other languages ect ect. I like pubbing, running, eating, home automation and other diy jiggery-pokery, history, genealogy, TV, squirrels, pirates, lego, and time travel.