Emerging research suggests that structured gaming, including popular titles like Fortnite, may enhance skills such as communication, resourcefulness, and visual attention, prompting a re-evaluation of screen time policies for children.
Parents who worry that Fortnite is simply a distraction may be overlooking a more complicated picture. In a piece published by Business Mole, retailer Ebuyer argued that gaming can build practical abilities that carry over into daily life, from communication and resourcefulness to quicker reactions and better teamwork. The article said the company’s research was intended to challenge the idea that screen time is only harmful.
That argument is not without academic support. A University of Glasgow study found that students who played certain games under controlled conditions improved in communication, adaptability and resourcefulness over eight weeks compared with a control group. Separate research published in Scientific Reports in 2023 found that action-game players had a stronger visual attention span than non-players, suggesting they could process more visual information at once.
Other studies point in the same direction. Research indexed by PubMed has linked action games with better attentional control, stronger visual attention and broader perceptual skills, although one paper noted that gains are most likely when the game and the real-world task share similar demands. In practice, that means gaming may sharpen some cognitive skills without automatically translating into every kind of task.
The broader message for families is not that gaming is harmless in every form, but that it should be treated as an activity with both risks and possible benefits. Ebuyer’s article quoted academics and gaming professionals who said structured play can support confidence, shared identity and social connection, while also stressing the need for sensible limits and parental oversight. That is a more measured view than the usual culture-war debate around Fortnite, and one that many caregivers may find more useful.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
