Ben Affleck recently opened up about his experiences playing Fortnite, revealing a humorous yet relatable side of himself during a conversation with NFL stars Travis and Jason Kelce on their podcast, *New Heights*. The Oscar-winning actor, now 54, shared that his foray into the popular online game was largely inspired by his young son, who is currently “obsessed” with Fortnite.
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Affleck jested that diving into the game with high hopes based on his previous experience with video games, including football simulation titles like Madden and various first-person shooters, quickly led to a reality check. He stated, “Twelve-year-olds just f— you up,” highlighting the sometimes brutal competitiveness of online gaming.
The actor recounted how, despite his adult status, he was often bested by much younger players. “I get killed right away, and they taunt you and s—, like, ‘You suck! F— you!’” Affleck admitted, revealing that these exchanges often escalated into bizarre arguments. “I end up getting in arguments,” he laughed, saying, “ ‘F— you! I don’t suck, I’m a grown man!’”
The star of *Armageddon* and *Good Will Hunting* has three children from his previous marriage to actress Jennifer Garner: Violet, 20; Seraphina, 17; and Samuel, 14. He indicated that his challenge in gaming wasn’t merely a technology issue but also the generational gap, which led to unexpected confrontations in the virtual realm.
In addition to discussing gaming, Affleck reflected on his co-parenting relationship with Garner in a recent clip from a forthcoming interview on *Sunday TODAY with Willie Geist*. He candidly expressed feelings of inadequacy in his role as a father, admitting, “I always feel like I’m coming up a little short.” Affleck praised Garner, describing her as “spectacular” and playfully noted that he often feels he is only performing at “75% as good as your mum.” Unsurprisingly, his children, ever honest, responded with a cheeky “maybe 40%.”
While maintaining a light-hearted tone, Affleck acknowledged the challenges of parenting while juggling a busy career. He shared how he combines work commitments with family life, stating, “I work hard, and then I go home and pick up the kids from school.” According to the actor, the children split their time between their parents, spending one week with him and another with their mother. This arrangement appears to work well for the family dynamic.
Affleck conveyed gratitude for their joint parenting, emphasising that he is “really, really grateful” for the role Garner plays in their children’s lives. The actor expressed contentment with his current life stage, saying, “I know things will come up that are hard, but this time in my life as a human being is really wonderful.”
The conversation touched on modern parenting realities, especially how technology influences family interactions, with Affleck’s Fortnite experience showcasing his struggle to connect with the digital behaviours of the younger generation. His experiences resonate with many parents today, illustrating the complexities of engaging with children in a digital age.
In sharing these anecdotes, Affleck not only provides a glimpse into his personal life but also connects with a wider audience of parents who face similar challenges. The candid discussion on *New Heights* serves to remind listeners that no matter one’s fame or success, the journey of parenthood comes with its own set of trials, triumphs, and hilarity.