Prince Harry wrong to claim Fortnite is 'addictive', say creators Epic Games

The creators of Fortnite have said Prince Harry was "wrong" to label the hugely popular video game addictive.

In April the Duke of Sussex called for the game to be banned, saying it was "created to addict and keep you in front of the computer for as long as possible", likening it to drugs and alcohol.

"It shouldn't be allowed," he added. "Where is the benefit in having that game in your household? It's so irresponsible."

But at a Commons committee, a representative for Fortnite developer Epic Games said the firm had been surprised by the royal's criticism.

"It's really always been our effort and intent to create a fun, fair, flexible, engaging and generous form of interactive entertainment for our audience," said Canon Pence, general counsel for Epic Games.

"And so I feel like a statement that suggests that there was some sort of nefarious attempt to extract short-term profit is a real mischaracterisation."

When asked by committee chairman Damian Collins whether he believed Harry's comments were wrong, Mr Cannon said the prince was.

Representatives for video games giant Electronic Arts (EA) were also questioned at the committee hearing about gaming addiction.

In May, the World Health Organisation (WHO) added "gaming disorder" to its International Classification of Diseases, despite opposition from the video game industry.

The disorder is described as "a pattern of persistent or recurrent gaming behaviour, which may be online or offline, manifested by impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other life interests and daily activities and continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences".

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At Wednesday's commons hearing, EA's UK manager Shaun Campbell said the WHO's classification of gaming disorder as a disease meant it was more complicated than simply labelling it an addiction.

"We want players to take a healthy and balanced approach to playing games, just like anything else," he said.

"If you look at Fifa players, they are competitive and some want a career in e-sports so they practise and spend time playing the game. It's about what feels out of balance for an individual."