Prince Harry might be generally charming all around, but his recent comments about the video game Fortnite definitely didn’t win over any fans of the game. It’s not often that Harry riles people up, but his suggestion that Fortnite should be banned rubbed many people the wrong way.
Prince Harry | Adrian Dennis-WPA Pool/Getty Images
Prince Harry criticized social media and gaming
During an appearance at a London YMCA, Prince Harry spoke about some of the downfalls of social media and video games — and he didn’t hold back. The Duke of Sussex noted that Fortnite “shouldn’t be allowed,” believing “it’s created to addict.”
During the appearance, Prince Harry noted the dangers of social media and video games, explaining: “Growing up in today’s world, social media is more addictive than drugs and alcohol. Yet it’s more dangerous because it’s normalized and there are no restrictions to it. We are in a mind-altering time.”
He added: “We are in an exciting time because everybody in this room has an opportunity to actually make a real difference so that young people coming through are less connected to their phones.”
Prince Harry focused on “human connection,” noting: “They can be as connected as they want to be but they have to have human connection as well. Without that human connection when you do have a problem you have nowhere to go and the only place you might go is online and you probably end up getting bullied.”
Prince Harry found specific fault with Fortnite
While he made some good points about the harm of social media, it was his commentary about the game Fortnite that left people upset. Prince Harry explained: “In the interests of prevention there are things that are happening at the top that together all of us are slowly putting the pressure on. A game like Fortnite for instance may not be so good for children. Parents have got their hands up — they don’t know what to do about it.”
He continued: “It’s like waiting for the damage to be done and kids turning up on your doorsteps and families being broken. That game shouldn’t be allowed. Where is the benefit having that game your household? It’s created to addict, an addiction to keep you in front of a computer for as long as possible. It’s so irresponsible.”
Needless to say, people were not too happy with what Prince Harry had to say about Fortnite. One person tweeted: “What is wrong with kids enjoying themselves? As long as parents/carers monitor it. He doesn’t come from the real world and has no idea what it means to live a normal life.”
Another commenter noted: “I mean, i hate fortnite, but this is stupid. instead of blaming game companies, we should focus on how parents are getting more and more lazy with their kids. clearly the dude is out of touch.”
