Since its launch in 2017, the video game Fortnite has become a world phenomenon, amassing more than 250 million players as of March this year.

The game is free but it's a cash cow for its maker, Epic Games, with constant tie-ins encouraging players to buy, or at least engage with brands and products in the game.

While there's concern about kids spending big on in-game purchases, a much greater worry is the highly addictive nature of the game.

On the weekend the World Health Organisation officially classified video game addiction as a disorder at its World Health Assembly in Geneva and the move has prompted calls here for treatment to be eligible for a Medicare rebate.



Guest: Brad Marshall, Director, Internet Addiction Centre, Kidspace

Producer: Cathy Van Extel