Epic Games is implementing an age-based rating system for Fortnite, starting November 14. This move aims to help parents identify age-appropriate content for their children. Fortnite, one of the world’s most popular online games, is introducing a new rating system for user-created content. The system will help parents and guardians identify content that is suitable for players of certain age groups, and it will go into effect on November 14.
Epic Games is rolling out a new age rating system into Fortnite next month. https://t.co/AiKeh5bJBM pic.twitter.com/9YabVBjCip
— IGN (@IGN) October 3, 2023
The reason behind this new system is Fortnite’s feature that allows players to create their own in-game islands, which can be made public. This means that younger players could potentially encounter content that is not suitable for their age group. In an effort to mitigate this issue, Epic Games, the developer behind Fortnite, has decided to assign age-based ratings to “all experiences published in Fortnite.”
Identifying Age-Appropriate Content
To determine these age-based ratings, Epic Games will utilize the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC) content rating process. Creators of in-game content will be required to complete a questionnaire, which will then be reviewed by an Epic Games moderator. Based on the questionnaire responses, the moderator will assign an age-based rating to the content.
The introduction of this system reflects Fortnite’s evolution into a multi-game ecosystem with various experiences created by both Epic Games and third-party creators. The IARC rating system aims to provide parents and players with reliable and familiar ratings that will assist them in making informed decisions regarding the content they access and interact with.
Fortnite Ensuring a Safe Metaverse
Questionnaires for content rating will be available starting on October 16, and after November 14, any user-created content that remains unrated will be immediately delisted. It’s important to note that the criteria for sensitive content will vary by region. Furthermore, global rating authorities may modify the ratings assigned to content based on their own evaluations after publication.
In North America, the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) is the relevant ratings authority. The ESRB assigns ratings such as E for Everyone, Everyone 10+, T for Teen, Mature 17+, and Adults Only 18+.
Epic Games emphasizes that this new rating system is a significant step toward building a metaverse that prioritizes safety and enjoyment for all participants. The concept of the metaverse, a virtual universe where users can interact, create, and explore, has gained considerable attention across various industries, with many companies, including Epic Games, aiming to play a role in its development.
By implementing this age-based rating system, Epic Games is addressing concerns related to user-generated content within Fortnite and demonstrating its commitment to creating a safe and enjoyable online environment for players of all ages.
This move by Epic Games represents a positive step in the ongoing effort to ensure that online gaming platforms are safe and age-appropriate for their users. It acknowledges the diverse player base of Fortnite and the need for more precise content ratings.
