Does Fortnite take care of your family? | columns

I'm sure many of you have heard about the excitement of the video game, which disrupts our children's ability to socialize, spend time with their family, do homework and concentrate at school. I call it the "Battle of Fortnite".

I have a child who spends every moment available to play this video game. Fortnite: Battle Royale is an online game in which many children are currently fascinated. At school, we talk about the battle the man won last night or the new "skin" or "emote" they bought.

Like me, you may be wondering what all this means. I decided that it was time to learn more about it and I thought it would be useful to share information about Fortnite.

First of all, what is this game? In Fortnite: Battle Royale, 100 players face each other to be the last person in player-versus-player combat. Basically, the game starts with the fallen players on an island.

While exploring, the player is able to arm with resources such as traps and weapons. If the player meets another player, he enters the battle. A storm is approaching, which brings players closer. In a battle that lasts 20 minutes, the goal is to be the last one standing.

The player can also build traps, stairs and walls to help collect resources or defeat another player. Another option is to play with four players. You can invite people to play with you. This battle lasts an hour and you have unlimited lives.

So, why is this game so addictive? The game certainly has many attractive features. Graphics are like cartoons. He has many bright colors and crazy "skins". Some skins cost money and, of course, children want to have the coolest and most up-to-date skin.

The game has been described as a cross between Minecraft and Call of Duty. It's a multi-person shooter in an unrealistic setting, but surprisingly, there's not a lot of blood and blood.

The game can also be stupid sometimes. Players know all the latest dance moves, called "emotes". Yes, your player can dance "The Floss" while fighting. In addition to dancing, players can also play basketball or beach volleyball.

Fortnite is quickly becoming the way many teens socialize. A player can talk with other players throughout the game. Players hold tournaments where they can win prizes. In addition, when friends come, a favorite activity is playing Fortnite, watching the other person play or watching people play randomly on YouTube.

Some students with whom I spoke shared wonderful ideas about the game. Fortnite: Battle Royale is free and can be played on various platforms, including Xbox One, Play Station 4, computers and tablets. You do not have to be clever to play. You can basically hide and gather resources through much of the battle. In addition, the creators of the game are constantly introducing new aspects of the game. New skins, new emotes and new resources are often added.

As a parent, I want to know how my child spends his time, especially when he plays with others online. Sitting with him while playing a Fortnite battle helped me to better understand the game and make a more informed decision to let him play. I hope these points will allow you to make more informed decisions about your child's play time.

This column is written by Whitney Eaton, LCSW, School Social Worker for Youth First, Inc., a local non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening young people and families.