What is Fortnite? Fortnite is a player-vs-player (PVP) co-op sandbox survival game from Epic Games, that runs on multiple platforms, including PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, iOS Apple phones, and Mac OS X. It has become wildly successful since it’s release in March, 2018.
Let’s start by defining the game terminology used above.
What does PVP mean?
Player-vs-player means the game is played against live participants. This is in contrast to a computer game where you are playing against a computer-controlled opponent. PVP has been growing in the late popularity since the late 1980’s.
What does co-op mean?
Cooperative gameplay (aka co-op) is a video game feature where players to work in teams to achieve game goals.
Is Fornite a first-person shooter game?
No, Fornite is a third-person shooter game, not a first-person shooter game. meaning that as a player you do not see the game action from your own perspective (first-person), you see it as an observer (third-person).
What is a sandbox game?
A sandbox game is a type of video game with an open environment where players can roam freely, in contrast to a game that has a linear storyline.
What is a survival game?
A survival game is an action video game set in a hostile environment where the goal is to survive as long as possible (i.e. not die). Surviving involves collecting tools and resources, and killing other players.
Is Fortnite free?
Fortnite has both free and paid versions. The free version “Fortnite: Battle Royale” is wildly popular now. It pits up to 100 players against each other, using weapons to destroy players on other squads.
Does Fornite include chat?
Yes, there is a unmoderated chat component that may expose your child to random strangers. The mobile version does not currently have chat, and on the other versions you can turn off chat by going to the Audio tab on the settings page (look for the cog icon).
Is Fortnite appropriate for my child?
Only you can answer this question. Fortnite is rated “Teen” by ESRB because of violence. Fortnite is a third-person shooter game, but it is not bloody or gory. Some parents might not allow any shooter games, others may allow third-person shooters but not first-person shooter. If you do allow Fortnite, you still have to set limits on how much time is spent in the game. For more on Fortnite, see Common Sense Media’s Parents’ Ultimate Guide to Fortnite.
