The debate about video game addiction is still alive and well.
On one side, we have mental health professionals and concerned parents alarmed by marathon Fortnite sessions and escalating emotional outbursts when screens are taken away. On the other, experts argue that "addiction" is too strong a word for what may actually be a symptom of something deeper.
We believe both sides have a point — but they’re often talking past each other. The issue isn’t simply whether games like Fortnite are good or bad. The real question is what need is being met through games — and what’s missing in the rest of life?
Fortnite is a masterclass in external motivation design.
Its game mechanics — daily quests, XP boosts, battle passes, and FOMO-driven cosmetics — create a rich tapestry of extrinsic motivators. These mechanics offer constant rewards and feedback loops, which easily capture attention and drive behaviour. But while these external hooks are effective, they can leave players feeling empty or burnt out over time if they’re not balanced by something deeper.
This is where Self-Determination Theory (SDT) offers critical insight. SDT says that human beings are naturally driven to seek out experiences that support three core intrinsic needs:
- Competence – feeling effective and capable in what we do
- Autonomy – having a sense of control and volition over our actions
- Relatedness – feeling connected to others
Fortnite, like many games, delivers powerful hits of competence and relatedness — through constant upgrades, improving skills, and shared online experiences. But these are still being filtered through a game system that’s designed to hook and retain — not to build sustainable self-worth or growth.
When a young person turns to Fortnite as their primary way to meet these needs, they may end up over-invested. Not because they’re "addicted" — but because they’re disconnected from real-life opportunities to
- feel competent
- feel autonomous
- and
- feel socially connected.
This is why at GameAware, we don't demonise games — we decode them.
We help families and gamers understand the powerful motivational systems at play, and we teach them to transfer those same needs into the real world. Our coaching focuses on what we call the “Real-Life Skill Tree” — helping young people level up in areas that go beyond the screen:
- resilience
- time management
- social skills, and
- emotional regulation.
We don't just reduce screen time. We increase meaningful time.
🎮 If you’re concerned about your child’s gaming, or if you want to transform their love of games into a strength — not a struggle — reach out to GameAware. We bridge the gap between digital engagement and real-life growth, helping your family build healthier habits that last.
Let’s move from conflict to connection — together.