There’s no question about it that Fortnite is a cultural phenomenon that brings in players of all ages. With its ever-changing challenges and allowing gamers to access it for free, its no wonder that so many people play it – especially the younger generation. But there has always been a cloak of disapproval that hangs heavily over the title – primarily from parents saying that their kids spend far too much time engrossed in the Battle Royale game that it causes many problems and it now seems as though these parents concerns has backing from a very influential and high profile member of the Royal Family.
While attending an event in London to speak to mental health experts about the effects of social media and violent video games, Prince Harry made his views very clear on what he thinks of the gaming sensation, Fortnite. The Duke of Sussex expressed his worry that Fortnite is “created to addict, an addiction to keep you in front of a computer for as long as possible,”. He also stated that he thought the game was “irresponsible,” and seemed confused about its purpose within the home, saying “where is the benefit of having it in your household?”.
Harry told the mental health experts that he felt parents didn’t know what to do next, that they were backed into a corner and “It’s like waiting for the damage to be done.” The Duke also had opinions on the dark side of social media and what a perilous environment it has become “It’s more dangerous because it’s normalized and there are no restrictions to it. We are in a mind-altering time. Without that human connection, when you do have a problem you have nowhere to go, the only place you might go is online and you will probably end up getting bullied.”.
As good as Prince Harry’s intentions are and whilst I agree with some of them – in my personal opinion – I don’t believe that Fortnite is to blame, it has become an all too easy culprit to accuse. Fortnite can’t play on its own, so in my view, it is up to the parents or carers to restrict access if they feel it is getting out of hand, but the problem there will always be consistency which is of the utmost importance.
As with anything ( not just video games ) that can become addictive, there needs to be a healthy balance but putting the responsibility onto a game and putting your hands up, in my view, is irresponsible and certainly not tackling the core issue.
You can read more about the positive effects that gaming can have on the mind and how it can help mental health issues, here.
The post Fortnite Is “Addictive” and “Shouldn’t Be Allowed” According to UK Royal Family Member Prince Harry by Rachael Fiddis appeared first on DualShockers.