In this latest podcast episode, Beyond the Screen – Digital Safety and Game-Based Learning, we sit down with the Breck Foundation‘s Erica Thornton to talk about one of the most important topics facing families today: how young people navigate their digital worlds.

From virtual interactions to real-life experiences, we explore how to keep children safe online while also giving them opportunities to thrive. It’s a powerful discussion about balancing the risks of digital life with the amasing potential gaming and technology hold for education and growth. Join us as we dive into Digital Safety and Game-Based Learning in today’s podcast!

Who the Breck Foundation Are

The Breck Foundation was created in memory of Breck Bednar, whose tragic story has inspired a nationwide movement for online safety. Today, the foundation works tirelessly to protect children and young people from online grooming and exploitation.

Through school talks, parent workshops, digital resources, and nationwide campaigns, they’ve reached hundreds of thousands of children, families, and professionals. Their mission is simple but vital: to empower every young person to enjoy the internet safely, confidently, and without fear.

The Breck Foundation was a perfect choice to help us in exploring Digital Safety and Game-Based Learning allowing them to share their expertise and passion for helping young people take back control of their digital spaces.

Who is the Play New Meta Academy?

For those unfamiliar with who we are.

At Play New Meta Academy, we believe gaming can be more than just play, it can be a tool for learning, creativity, and personal growth. Our in-person classes for ages 8–16 teach children everything from game design and coding to teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.

We help turn screen time into skill time, giving kids a safe, positive environment to explore what they love while keeping them safe online and preparing them for the future. By blending the fun of gaming with structured learning, we aim to show families that digital play can unlock real-world potential.

If you’re curious about our services live near or in London or Milton Keynes, we have free trial classes where you can come in and try out our services.

More Helpful Links Here

We’ve recently connected with Jeremy who has had his son coming in for 1-on-1 lessons at our academy. He describes his and his son’s experiences, and offers insight in how our lessons turn a Love of gaming into social skills.

1-on-1 Lessons that Help Turn a Love of Gaming into Social Skills

Jeremy’s son Holden, has autism, and isn’t currently in formal education. Like many parents of children aged 8–16, Jeremy and his wife were searching for something that could:

• Spark Holden’s interest
• Encourage him to get out of the house
• Build his confidence and social skills
• Feel safe and welcoming without overwhelming him

Group sessions weren’t an option due to Holden’s anxiety levels. But when Jeremy reached out to Play New Meta Academy, the team offered something different… tailored 1-on-1 gaming lessons and informal mentoring designed to suit Holden’s needs. Ultimately helping him build skills through his love of gaming.

Feeling at Home from Day One

From the first visit, Holden came home excited and full of stories. He loved the comfortable space, the friendly team, and even the noodles served in the café.

“When Holden comes to Meta, he isn’t ‘autistic Holden.’ He’s just Holden the gamer,”

That shift in identity, from being defined by a diagnosis to simply being part of a gaming community, was a turning point. Holden’s shoulders relaxed the moment he walked through the door, and his parents could see he felt safe, welcomed, and understood.

Why Gaming Mentorship Works for Kids with Autism

Play New Meta Academy’s 1-on-1 sessions gave Holden:

• A calm, low-pressure environment for social interaction
• Positive role models who understand both gaming and online culture
• Opportunities to build resilience by learning how to handle wins and losses in games

These experiences didn’t just help Holden’s gameplay. They improved his real-world communication, patience, and self-confidence.

More Than Just Gaming Skills

Before starting sessions, Holden could become anxious or upset if something went wrong in a game, like losing in Fortnite or struggling with a skill.

Now, he’s learned that:

• Mistakes aren’t failures — they’re chances to try again
• Gaming skills can improve over time with practice
• Staying calm helps both in gaming and daily life

“Don’t underestimate the drip-feed power of becoming good at something. That confidence flows into other areas of life.”

A Place He Always Wants to Return To

Jeremy points out that Holden’s demand avoidant profile means he often starts activities and then refuses to return. But Play New Meta Academy has been different — he’s always wanted to come back.

This consistency has helped Holden:

• Build lasting relationships
• Strengthen his social skills
• Develop trust in a safe, structured environment

Closing Thoughts and Recommendations from Jeremy

Jeremy’s advice to other parents of children aged 8–16 — especially those with autism, social anxiety, or special educational need, is simple:

“Take them down and let them enjoy it. The wider impact on their life may surprise you.”

Interested in our service?

💡 Ready to help your child build skills, confidence, and friendships through gaming?
Play New Meta Academy offers 1-on-1 sessions and small group classes for children aged 8–16, tailored to their needs and interests. We actively offer FREE trial sessions as a way for families to explore our services and find out if it’s a good fit for them!

This Learning Disabilities Week, we’re highlighting the growing importance of support for SEN (Special Educational Needs) — and how gaming is becoming a powerful tool in that journey. At Play New Meta Academy, we combine the excitement of gaming with structured learning to create inclusive, safe, and engaging educational experiences for neurodiverse students.

Did you know that 1 in 5 gamers face additional educational challenges? Many of these young people thrive in structured yet stimulating environments like gaming platforms, which is why they’re proving so effective for building both academic and social-emotional skills.

Why Gaming Is an Effective Tool for SEN Support

Gaming offers clear rules, instant feedback, and immersive worlds—making it an ideal environment for many SEN learners. At Play New Meta Academy, we use gaming as a launchpad for growth, helping students with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning differences develop:

• Coding and digital literacy
• Communication and collaboration
• Emotional regulation
• Leadership and problem-solving skills

Our approach provides meaningful and practical support for SEN students, tailored to how they learn best.

Concerns in Gaming – Safety Comes First

Gaming is fun—but it’s also essential to teach kids how to navigate the online world safely. For SEN students, risks like scams, inappropriate content, or oversharing can be even more concerning without proper guidance.

That’s why every class at Play New Meta Academy is coach-supervised, with built-in digital safety lessons. We help our students understand online etiquette, set boundaries, and respond to challenges in a supportive and structured environment.

For some of our classes such as for games made by “Epic Games” we use their fantastic tools to help guide how our students interact online. For more on how you can customise how your child interacts online, check this Mastering the Meta article we’ve recently released.

A Blended Learning Model That Builds Confidence

At the heart of our method is a blended learning approach. We combine what students love, Gaming, with the life skills they need to thrive in school and beyond. This balance between play and purpose creates a space where our students feel engaged, successful, and confident across all our classes, from Esports, to Game Development and even into Content Creation.

Most importantly, we recognize that every child learns differently. That’s why our programs are flexible, inclusive, and centered on each student’s unique strengths. Our model offers personalized support for SEN learners in a way that builds independence and self-esteem. This is an added benefit of our smaller class sizes!

Get Started with a Free Trial

If you’re looking for effective, creative, and fun support for a young gamer obsessed with gaming? We’re here to help! Check out one of our free trial classes and see how it all works!

Together, let’s create a world where every learner feels seen, supported, and inspired.

At Play New Meta Academy, one of the most common questions we hear — especially during trial sessions — is, “Will my child make friends here?” It’s a great question, and the answer goes straight to the heart of how we approach our classes. We always have the goal of building friendships through gaming.

We’ve designed our academy to be more than just a place to play. It’s a supportive, inclusive environment where young gamers feel seen, safe, and valued from the moment they walk through the door. Through shared passion, face-to-face interaction, and structured group activities, students form meaningful bonds that often extend well beyond the game.

Building friendships through gaming also gives kids a natural way to develop communication, collaboration, and leadership skills — all while having fun doing what they love. Our experienced coaches guide this growth while also teaching students about online safety, respectful play, and digital responsibility.

Watch the video below to see how we support this development and take a peek inside our academy’s vibrant, welcoming community.

Thanks for watching, if you’re interested in learning more about us or have a young gamer at home hoping to transform their games experience, you can book 90-minute free trial. These are perfect to see if what we do as an academy works for you and your family. Or you can also learn more about our classes. Just click one of the links below!

For any questions relating to the academy, please email us here:  ac*****@pl*********.gg  or connect with us on WhatsApp on the pop-up below!

Welcome to Beyond the Screen, this is Play New Meta Academy’s introductory Podcast from Andrew Harford and Jack Simmons where they take gaming conversations beyond the screen with insights, personal experiences, and discussion.

In this episode, Andrew and Jack reflect on how their own experiences with video games highlight the powerful connection between gaming and skill development for youth—transforming play into moments that build character, confidence, and lifelong bonds. But this isn’t just about fun and games. They reveal how video games became a gateway to learning, growth, and real-world success.

As they explore gaming and skill development for youth, Andrew and Jack also address common concerns parents may have, offering thoughtful perspectives on how gaming, when approached with intention, can be an incredible tool for development. If you’re a parent wondering how games fit into your child’s life, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.

Through honest stories and relatable experiences, they highlight how gaming nurtures problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity — skills that extend far beyond the screen. Plus, they introduce how their academy bridges the gap between gaming and personal growth, creating a place where passion meets purpose. Whether you’re curious or skeptical, this episode offers a fresh and practical look at how gaming impacts youth today.

Thanks for watching, if you’re interested in learning more about us or have a young gamer at home hoping to transform their games experience, you can book 90-minute free trial. These are perfect to see if what we do as an academy works for you and your family. Click below for the full list!

If you have any feedback for us, have topics you’d like us to cover, or potentially want to come onto one of our podcasts, you can contact Andrew per email here: an****@pl*********.gg

For any questions relating to the academy, please email us here: ac*****@pl*********.gg or connect with us on WhatsApp on the pop-up below!

If your child plays video games, you may have heard them talk about Fortnite, V-Bucks, or Battle Passes. These are all part of a growing trend in the gaming industry: Live Service Games. But what exactly are they, and how do they work?

Below you’ll find a video as well as text to walk you through Live Service Games with Fortnite as an example. As well as a handful of tips to help you manage microtransactions best within these types of games.

This is a new type type of content we are testing, so if you like it, please do let us know, and if you’re interested in some other topics be sure to get into contact with us here: an****@pl*********.gg .

What Are Live Service Games?

Unlike traditional video games, which are purchased once and played as they are, Live Service Games are designed to evolve. These games receive continuous content updates that can be purchased as a means to keep their player base engaged over time. Instead of paying upfront, players are encouraged to spend money on in-game content like character skins, cosmetic items, and season passes.

Let’s take a closer look at how this works using Fortnite as an example.

How Fortnite’s Microtransactions Work

V-Bucks: Fortnite’s In-Game Currency

Fortnite uses a virtual currency called V-Bucks, which must be purchased with real money. Here’s how the pricing works, for the moment it’s a £6.99 for 1000 V-Bucks.

Players use V-Bucks to buy cosmetic items such as:

• Character Outfits – Unique skins for their in-game avatar.
• Back Blings – Stylish backpacks for customization.
• Pickaxes – Tools for gathering resources.
• Gliders – Used when entering the game.
• Contrails – Special visual effects when jumping into a match.
• Pets – Small companions that follow the player.
• Emotes – Dances and animations for characters.
• Wraps – Custom designs for weapons and vehicles.
• Music – Background music for the game’s lobby.

These items don’t improve gameplay skills—they’re purely cosmetic. However, because some of these items rotate frequently, there is a pressure to earn/buy them before they disappear!

The Battle Pass – Purchased with 1000 V-Bucks or £6.99 Per Season

One of Fortnite’s biggest microtransactions is “The Battle Pass” where players spend 1000 V-Bucks to gain exclusive access to a set of around 100+ cosmetic items during a specified “Season” in-game. Once the season completes these cosmetic items will no longer be able to be purchased or earned unless there is a special occasion where they are readded.

The battle pass can be accessed by anyone playing the game, however only players who have purchased the battle pass will have the ability to earn access to all the new cosmetic items. Players that haven’t will only earn every 4th or 5th item.

Fortnite Crew Subscription – £9.99/Month

Fortnite also combines their microtransactions in a monthly subscription as well. Allowing players the following benefits:

• 1,000 V-Bucks each month
• Battle Pass Access
• Limited-time cosmetics
• Additional Exclusive Passes

The Challenges for Kids

Why Is This a Concern?

• FOMO (Fear of Missing out), exclusive content, that will never be available again
• Peer Influence, don’t miss out on the fun your friends are having
• New releases of content each with the focus of pushing more microtransactions

It’s like walking into a toy store every day and being told, “Buy now or you’ll never see this again!”—and for many kids, that’s tough to ignore.

Ultimately, these spending habits can be difficult to steer clear of and it makes it all the more important that players equip themselves so they don’t over indulge with these seemingly small purchases.

How Parents Can Help

1. Set Spending Limits

Decide on a budget together—whether it’s a monthly allowance for V-Bucks or limiting purchases to special occasions. This helps kids understand that digital purchases are still real spending.

2. Encourage Smart Spending

Before they buy, ask: Do you really want this, or is it just because it’s new? Encouraging them to pause and think before spending can help as after a period of time the excitement within the game to have these various skins will simmer down.

3. Use Parental Controls

Fortnite allows parents to set a range of controls to avoid over spending online. Using these tools can help prevent impulsive spending.

• Require approval for purchases.
• Set spending limits.
• Turn off in-game purchases completely.

4. Shift the Focus

Remind kids that cosmetic items don’t improve gameplay—there is no advantage to having them or not, it is purely for a visual change or effect. A player who hasn’t spent a single £ of money in the game will have the same gameplay experience.

Final Thoughts

Fortnite is a fun, social game, but it’s also built to encourage spending, helping fund the constant updates and expansions that keep its world dynamic and engaging.

Kid’s playing a “live service game” like Fortnite need to know how the game works and it is extremely helpful if parent’s are aware of how to setup healthy boundaries for their children, so that they can ensure an enjoyable Fortnite experience without falling into unhealthy spending habits.

By having open conversations, setting limits, and using the tools available, you can protect from the dangers of live service gaming and ensure they reap the benefits of online play.

Interested to know more about what we do at Play New Meta Academy, or looking to experience it first hand yourself? Book a free 90-minute trial below and see if it’s a fit for your family, or take a look at all our courses with the links provided below!

If you found this blog interesting and helpful, please do let us know! We are actively searching for new topics to cover and eager to know what type of content our parents are curious about. If you have any ideas or thoughts, please share them here: an****@pl*********.gg .