If you get too big, you’ll start attracting some negative attention.
Fortnite is finding that out the hard way, after becoming arguably one of the world’s most popular online video games.
If you aren’t familiar with Fortnite, it’s a game by Epic Games where players create worlds, work together to kill zombies, or participate in a battle royale showdown until one person is left standing, depending on which version you’re playing.
To give you an idea of how big it is, top contenders in the game receive sponsorship from strangers. Live streamers also rack up views which can prove lucrative on platforms like YouTube. Some of them have accumulated millions of dollars.
Now British MPs are questioning the safety of the game, reports BBC.
Epic Games representatives were asked how it ensured users did not spend too much time or money on the game.
Legal counsel Canon Pence said this was not something the company currently tracked.
This was “extraordinary”, said Damian Collins, who chairs the Digital, Culture Media and Sport Committee.
“You’re the one who has responsibility,” he said.
The committee hearing was called to look into addictive or immersive technologies.
Among the concerns raised by MPs were whether Epic Games did enough to verify the age of players or encourage users to take breaks after long periods of gameplay.
Executives from Electronic Arts (EA), which makes the hugely popular football game series Fifa, were asked similar questions.
Even Prince Harry has an opinion about Fortnite.
In April, the Duke of Sussex called for Fortnite to be banned, saying the game had been “created to addict”.
And on Wednesday, Mr Pence said Epic Games staff had been “quite taken aback” by Prince Harry’s comment.
I didn’t know he cared.
The gaming company was also quizzed on whether or not they collect detailed information on how much time players spent playing Fortnite. No such data has been gathered.
Why would they? Anything has the potential to be addictive.
Listen, if you’re going to lock into a session of Fortnite, avoid spending money, hydrate, take breaks, and don’t quit your day job.
There. Consider that a free PSA on behalf of the game.
[source:bbc]
