I am a survivor. And I will somehow survive Fortnite, too, but some days, when my son WILL NOT stop talking about it, I worry I won’t. In my opinion, Fortnite is awful. Not just because the sole purpose of the video game is to kill everyone, similar to the premise of The Hunger Games, but because it is a ridiculous, expensive game that requires more and more money to advance in the game.
When I was first introduced to the Skylanders video games several years ago, I thought how ingenious these creators were; my boys needed more and more costly action figures in order to advance in the game. When I saw my boys literally bleeding their allowances on these figures, begging to do more and more chores to be able to get more and more characters, I thought, what happened to just buying a video game and being done? Now, as these buckets of Skylanders are gathering dust and have been long forgotten, my son has moved to Fortnite, begging for new “skins,” new dance moves, new weapons, new game packs for each season. I just bang my head, thinking how much money has been poured into these ridiculous video games. All I ever wanted when I was his age was just a Ken doll so my Barbies could go on a date.
I have always been pretty strict about video games when it comes to my son. I won’t allow him to play violent video games even though “all of his friends” play them. I was once at a friend’s house and I couldn’t cover my disdain to a 7-year-old playing Call of Duty and Halo in front of me. My son has always longed to play those games but I won’t allow it until he is older and more mature. Even though Fortnite seems to have a bloody premise, there is no graphic violence. I do occasionally hear my son shout, “HEAD SHOT!” that makes me shudder, but I have come to accept the fact that even though this game is a money pit, it’s not the worst hobby he could ever have.
When my son first explained this game to me as a video game where he has never won a round even at level 78, I just blinked. What happened to Super Mario Bros when you were able to progress to each level by saving a princess at the end? A GAME YOU CAN NEVER WIN A ROUND… who wants to play such a thing? But boy does he love this game. And he is not alone. The Today Show claims that it earns a whopping $318 million A MONTH (which I personally feel draining from my account) and has over 3.4 million players. It’s good to know that I am not the only mom surviving this game.
So, what can Fortnite moms do to survive this game?
These suggestions I have for you have manifested over the last six seasons of this game and I have finally felt I have come to a good compromise with my son about this video game.
Firstly, set a budget and stick to it.
My son can only use a certain amount of his allowance on this game, even when there are tears. I would like to say that our playroom has never been more organized, as my son is always trying to find more ways to make money.
Next, stick to age requirements.
Even though my older son is allowed to play this game, my younger son is not. He’s not even allowed to sit and watch him play and I have really stuck to this requirement. Let your kids be kids. Don’t allow them to play video games that they are really too young to play.
Learn the Fortnite phrases so you can be a part of your kid’s vernacular.
Learn what “sticky bombs” are, when someone is playing “no-skin,” watch out for those “bush wookiees” and understand what it means to go “dusty.” This will help you gain some “mad props” from your players (or they’ll think you’re super lame but will deep down appreciate that at least you’re trying to learn).
SET TIME RESTRAINTS!
Do not allow your child to play this game for hours on end. It is incredibly addictive and can be all-consuming to your child. We were recently staying at a friend’s house whose son was playing this game until 5 o’clock in the morning ON A SCHOOL NIGHT. I know my son would do the same if I let him.
Get to know who your child is playing with.
On Xbox live, they can play with anyone in the world which terrifies me. Teach your kids about not giving any identifying information about themselves, like age, city, and even school name to help them be safe online. Have your child come up with a nickname in the game and have them use that instead of their actual name.
Have your child play the game around you.
There are several of my mom friends who have their kids play in their rooms or in the basement so they don’t have to be around this game. I have my child play in our open living room so I can hear it if he’s using bad language or having inappropriate conversations with other players. And I can watch him play as I am cleaning or cooking and be part of his life. I can congratulate him on a squad win or ask him about a new skin he’s trying to buy.
So, if your child is obsessed with this game, please understand that you are not alone. But these are just some of the few things that I have learned from this game. As parents, we have to learn to let our children make their own choices and embrace their hobbies as difficult as it may be. While I will always think this game is ridiculous, and an incredibly ingenious way to steal money, I still want to be part of my child’s life. So for all you noobs out there, get salty and accept that Fortnite will not live forever. We will survive this. At least I hope we will.
