The Glenn Beck Program

The Glenn Beck Program

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Today's sign of the Apocalypse: Video game coaches



If America ever gets into a war that's fought in the video game realm, I like our chances. If we get into a math or science duel… that's another story.

But when it comes to video games, we're golden. And the next generation is apparently going to be even more golden thanks to moms and dads around the country who are helping junior hone his video game skills. Not by simply letting him play for additional hours on nights and weekends. No, no – that's amateur hour. The video gamer parents who truly care are now hiring coaches to help take junior to the next level (pun intended). Coaches are especially in demand for the game called Fortnite.

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Unless you've been living under a rock, you've most likely heard of Fortnite, the addictive video game that has swept the nation. It's currently the most popular video game in the world with over 40 million monthly players. This summer the game has sparked concern among some child psychologists for its addictive qualities. One nine-year-old girl from England became so obsessed with playing the game that she wet herself so she could continue playing, then hit her father when he tried to remove her from the game. She is now in a rehab program. No joke.

Fortnite has quickly become a sort of social proving ground for kids, and winning gives them valuable bragging rights. They feel peer pressure to play and to be good at it. So, if their kids aren't racking up any wins in the game, some parents are paying coaches up to $20 an hour to give their child online Fortnite lessons. One online contracting site has hired out over 1,400 Fortnite coaches just since March.

I'm pretty sure video gaming scholarships are one of the signs of the apocalypse.

Some parents are hiring coaches with an eye toward college, where some schools now have varsity video gaming teams and even offer scholarships. I'm pretty sure video gaming scholarships are one of the signs of the apocalypse.

These Fortnite parents say hiring coaches is no different than giving their child tennis or chess lessons. Maybe they're technically right, but it seems very different. And not in a positive way.


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