, Bandung – It’s undeniable that Fortnite has become one of the most popular games around the world today. Its collaboration with various IPs such as games, anime, and films invites players from all walks of life, including children. It seems that the start of Chapter 4 hasn’t stopped Epic Games from bringing out some horrendous collaborations.
Even though it is labeled as a fun and creative game, Fortnite still sparks controversy, especially microtransactions and also against young players. Even. A group of parents in Canada sued Epic Games over this game. They claim that the battle royale game has made children game addicts.
Canadian Parents Sue Epic Games, Claim Fortnite Triggers Addictive Kids
A group of Canadian parents have filed a lawsuit against Epic Games in Quebec. They claim their children cannot be separated from the battle royale game. The Washington Post noted the suit was first filed in October 2019 and had been approved recently by a judge in Quebec.
Fortnite is accused by parents in Canada for making children game addicts
Initially the suit claimed that Epic Games intentionally made Fortnite addictive for young players. One of the parents admitted that their child had spent a total of eight thousand hours just playing Fortnite in the last two years.
“There is no doubt that the defendant (Epic Games) has succeeded in making Fortnite as addictive as possible, and also has knowingly harmed the health of users without warning related to the consumption of Fortnite,” the suit stated.
Prosecutors, the parents, said their children stopped eating, bathing and socializing because of the obsession with the battle royale game. Plus, they think children are too young to understand the policies in the game.
If this lawsuit is won by the parents, the players who have been addicted since 2017 in Quebec are entitled to compensation.
Also read: Fortnite Collab MrBeast Create One Million Dollar Challenge
This is Epic Games Response!
Epic Games has responded to this claim to the Washington Post. Her spokeswoman, Natalie Munoz, wrote, “We plan to fight in court. We believe the evidence presented is pointless.”
Munoz also ensures that parents can guide their children in playing games. They can set their child’s playtime and give permission before making in-game purchases.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) includes game addiction as a mental illness. Worse, some experts argue that Fortnite players often end up in rehabilitation because of addiction. Several professional eSports teams have even banned their athletes from playing the game made by Epic Games.
Will this suit affect the good name of Fortnite in the long term? It is not yet known how this lawsuit will continue in Canada.
