It’s been a while since I’ve offered my personal opinions on any topic, issue, or random concept (at least in this column format). However, I’ve returned to my column, in hope of a revival. Expect new issues and concepts (relatable ones) confronted with my honest perspective. 

I’ve dealt with a problem for the past month. A persistent concern that’s driven my brother further from my family, from his life, and reality. Though, I’m not alone. The same issue frayed relationships, interrupted schooldays, and completely altered the concept of friendship. You’ve probably heard of it, maybe even experienced it. A phenomenon only known as…. Fortnite.

Well, I suppose that’s a little dramatic. I’ve never thought of Fortnite as a massive headache, or even a nuisance. My brother has his own life. I have mine. However, I was enthralled with the concept of the game, one that seemed to be taking over. Especially after it consumed my Instagram explore page, entranced almost every AHS male student, and even made the news.

As the addiction to the online, community-oriented, shooting game swallowed the hallways, the rest of us non-players were left to wonder. What makes Fortnite so special? 

I can now answer that question. On Friday, last week, I received an email from Epic Games (Fortnite’s father), to play the IOS beta. Slightly excited, I quickly downloaded the app and started the game.

For those still unaware, Fortnite is an online multiplayer game that’s situated in Hunger Games format. You can choose to play solo (no friends, just you) or squad (friends!). Once the game loads and players join, everyone is situated on a ‘battle bus’ in the sky. From there, you descend onto the map. Since it’s a last-man-standing type game, you hope to land in a quick ordeal, then loot/search for gear, run, or hide. The other side of the game comes in building. While combat is the main portion, you can also build forts, stairways, and even traps. Of course, all of this is happening when a ‘storm’ is closing in. The storm pushes all remaining players into a small circle (that shrinks during the game), to further continue the match. Trust me, it makes more sense in person.

Epic Games promised that eventually the IPhone version of cult-hit video game would be available to all. They also explained that the game would be a mirrored reflection of Xbox, PC, and PS4 versions, while being available for crossplay. Setting up a free app capable of supporting the heavy traffic, high processing speed, and intense graphics of the game would be an incredible challenge. However without a free mobile version, Fortnite wouldn’t be able to reach nearly as many players.

Yet, I actually feel like they did it. For the most part. As soon as I joined the player lobby and waited for my first match, I discovered the reason behind the obsession. While the graphics were slightly sub-par for mobile, the gameplay was not. I was able to play alongside my brother (who played on Xbox), with ease, and work my way towards a dub. I admit that the game does occasionally experience glitches, however, it’s still a beta. It doesn’t deny the fact that Fortnite designed an actually stunning mobile and multiplayer game that’s full of excitement and heart.

The game isn’t anything life-changing, however, it’s a simple sort of fun. Just today my friend and I placed poorly in ‘Squad’ mode, yet still found ourselves laughing. It’s entertaining, free, and actually exciting. For a person who doesn’t usually play video games, I found myself actually liking the gameplay, and wanting another go.

Fortnite shouldn’t consume your life. Continue to go to school, talk to people in real time, do homework, work, make time for family, enjoy other hobbies– but know that there’s nothing wrong with a match or two. If you haven’t tried the game and you’re interested, give it a shot. It’s free to play. If you find yourself bored or dissatisfied, you don’t have to play again. It’s just a game and a likely fad. Eventually, it will fade out of focus and into the depths of video games past.

For now though, enjoy it, and catch some dubs.