Fortnite
Fortnite is a hugely popular game with a Halloween update and ranked play going on right now, and it is a good way to connect with your kid, as long as you know how its chat and in-game spending work.
Should I worry?
Nothing here is alarming, but two features are worth a look: voice and text chat with other players, and in-game purchases. Check who your child can chat with and who can send friend requests, and use the platform's parental controls to set spending limits or require approval for purchases. Ranked play can pull kids into long sessions, so agree together on when it is time to stop. If your child seems upset after games, hides how much they spend, or is being pushed into private chats by someone they don't know, talk about it calmly and tighten the settings together.
How to join in
Fortnite is a free-to-play online game where players team up or compete, and it keeps changing with seasonal updates, including a Halloween one right now. Kids love it because it is a place to hang out with friends, because of the creators they watch, and because of the satisfaction of climbing the ranks. A good way in is to ask your child to show you what is new in the Halloween update, or to join a round and let them be the expert. Watching a favourite creator's stream together also gives you plenty to talk about.
Try saying
“I heard there's a new Halloween update in Fortnite. Can you show me what's different? I'd love to watch a round, or even try one with you, even if I'm terrible.”
Sources
From Mistlift, mistlift.app. Plain talk about what kids are into online.