TAMPA, Fla. — As Tampa's two-day gaming convention GuardianCon takes place and video game fanatics get together some people are wondering, how much gaming is too much?
Gamers like Conner Deroche are visibly excited to be at the event. He was giddy in line waiting to meet two of the gaming world’s biggest stars.
Millions of followers know them as Ninja and Dr. Lupo. They even pull in tens of thousands of dollars a month live steaming themselves as they play games like the popular, "Fortnite."
“These guys are just like insane," Deroche said. “It’s really interesting. I love the game."
"Fortnite" and many other online battle games are on display at GuardianCon Friday and Saturday.
“I’m supportive of it. I play video games, I played video games when I was young. I became an Engineer. It did a pretty good job for me," said Connor's dad, Mike.
The "Fortnite" craze is so big, Boston media even wondered if it’s to blame for Red Sox pitcher David Price’s carpel tunnel syndrome.
But it’s the game’s effect on children that has people wondering, how much is too much?
“Especially with summer being here. It’s all I hear about," said Lenka Languein.
Experts say the game is definitely taking over kids’ lives so it's important to stay involved with your kids, and their gaming.
“It’s hard to control because I’ll say something and it goes in one ear and out the other," said Languein.
Here are some limits experts recommend setting for your kids who game:
- Make sure you set time limits.
- Homework and physical activity should always come first.
- Make sure kids are still getting plenty of sleep.
- Double check privacy settings
- Know who your kids are talking to online
“I get on the headset with him and talk to his friends. It’s important to get to know those people and know who he’s hanging out with," said Mike Deroche.
"Fornite" gamers say it’s more than a shoot-up game of survival. They say it allows for problem-solving, creative thinking, and teamwork.
But if it becomes too much, remember there’s always one easy solution — shut the game off.
