By Adam Henschel
In 2018, the online multiplayer video game Fortnite simply took the world by storm. Blowing up in a matter of months millions of kids worldwide jumped on board and began gearing up to go to battle with their peers. By February it was estimated that around 3.4 million concurrent players circled the gaming world. Astonishingly, enough one of the top Xbox players in the world walks the halls at Mashpee Middle High School.
Student Matthew Franks is a die hard Fortnite player who has been ranked in the top 50 Xbox players globally on several occasions. As impressive as this feat is I am here to interview Matt to get an understanding of how his intense love (or obsession) formed and how it has impacted the other aspects of his life.
Q: What about Fortnite draws you in as opposed to other games. What is it in particular that resonates with you about this game?
A: Fornite is a lot more intense than other games. If you mess up there's always a way out of it unlike other games such as pubg. Because you can build it allows you to get into longer standoffs and creative battle sequences.
In 2018, the online multiplayer video game Fortnite simply took the world by storm. Blowing up in a matter of months millions of kids worldwide jumped on board and began gearing up to go to battle with their peers. By February it was estimated that around 3.4 million concurrent players circled the gaming world. Astonishingly, enough one of the top Xbox players in the world walks the halls at Mashpee Middle High School.
Student Matthew Franks is a die hard Fortnite player who has been ranked in the top 50 Xbox players globally on several occasions. As impressive as this feat is I am here to interview Matt to get an understanding of how his intense love (or obsession) formed and how it has impacted the other aspects of his life.
Q: What about Fortnite draws you in as opposed to other games. What is it in particular that resonates with you about this game?
A: Fornite is a lot more intense than other games. If you mess up there's always a way out of it unlike other games such as pubg. Because you can build it allows you to get into longer standoffs and creative battle sequences.
Q: So what in particular do you like better about Fortnite than rival game Playerunknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG)?
A: PUBG is a lot more realistic where you can’t build. PUBG feels like a more serious atmosphere whereas the Fortnite allows players to access enhanced fighting abilities.
Q: How much time do you think you spent playing Fortnite a week?
A: I would probably say twenty to twenty five hours.
Q: Do you think that the amount of time you spend playing affects the other aspects of your life… Social, family, scholastic etc.?
A: No, I still get out every weekend and still see my friends in school everyday.
Q: Do you have any further hopes and dreams for Fortnite outside of having fun?
A: To be completely honest my hope is to go professional. I was top fifty on the xbox rankings at one point and think I could genuinely I could make something of my playing career.
Q: Do you think you will ever get sick of Fortnite, and if so do you have a backup plan?
A: Not anytime soon, I know that much. And when that day comes I’m sure there will be another new game that will be released and spark my interest.
Q: Were you one of the first people in Mashpee to play Fortnite or did you jump in the bandwagon after it took the world by storm?
A: I started playing Fortnite right when it came back and have been hooked ever since.
Q: Have you always been good at video games or is it something you picked up through lots of practice?
A: Much like most things in life there there are some that I’m good at and some that I’m not. However Fortnite has always been a game that I’ve felt comfortable playing and genuinely enjoyed.
Q: What does Fortnite mean to you? What about this game makes you so passionate?
A: I am passionate about it because I love the game in general and I enjoy connecting with my friends. It is a place where we can compete both with and against each other and just cut loose a little.