CARY – A British royale is engaged in a game of words with Fortnite, the reigning king of battle royale video games.

Prince Harry is facing push back to his comments that the globally popular game “Fortnite” created by Epic Games in Cary is addictive and “shouldn’t be allowed.”

Epic has not responded so far to the Prince’s comments – but others have.

One UK website labeled Harry, who has acknowledged his own love for video game play in the past, as “clueless royale.” Another researcher said the game is not addictive.

Interestingly, Fortnite is a so-called online “battle royale” that allows multiple players to compete against each other at the same time.

But headlines continue to be generated by the Prince’s comments on Thursday at a YMCA in London.

The royale labeled Fortnite as “an addiction to keep you in front of a computer for as possible.” He also blasted social media in general, saying it is “more addictive than alcohol and drugs.”

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The BBC quoted the Duke of Sussex as saying:

“That game shouldn’t be allowed. Where is the benefit of having it in 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.

“It’s like waiting for the damage to be done and kids turning up on your doorsteps and families being broken down.”

Epic has grown to attract some 250 million players, has reportedly made Epic billions of dollars since its release in 2017, and recently drew almost 11 million players online simultaneously.

Concerns about Fortnite range from it being cited as a reason for divorce to the game play infatuating players, from young to professional athletes.

Critics respond

Yet Harry is encountered some criticism.

A games researcher and former professional game player told The Express in the UK:  “It’s really popular with younger gamers and, of course, parents should keep a close eye on what their kids are playing and doing online. “But, like many games, Fortnite is a really fun and sociable way to spend free time and, like everything, should be enjoyed responsibly.”

HotHardware.com declared Harry as “clueless” and noted: “Interestingly, Prince Harry has admitted in the past that he enjoys playing video games.”

Another reseacher told the BBC that Fortnite is not “addictive” and added that there is research finding “positive characteristics of play.”