Fortnite has gone through plenty of transformations over the years. The newest one involves adding age restrictions to Creative game modes and cosmetics. If you’re confused about this change in direction, you’re not alone. Here’s why Fortnite added age restrictions to cosmetics.
Why Did Fortnite Add Age Restrictions to Cosmetics?
Age restrictions and ratings are not at all new to the world of video games. However, when it comes to a game like Fortnite that has endless game modes available in Creative 2.0, things get a little bit muddy. There are plenty of family-friendly game modes, but horror mini-games are an example of content that’s not suitable for all ages in the Creative library. So, Epic Games came up with the plan to individually rate Islands in the Creative Library starting November 16, 2023. Epic Games simply stated:
“This is to help parents and players make informed play decisions about the thousands of games and other experiences in Fortnite!”
Sounds simple, right? Unfortunately, it couldn’t be any less straightforward. If you’re browsing through your Cosmetics collection in a Creative game, you might be wondering: why does Fortnite say age restricted? Well, if Creative Islands are going to be rated, the content that appears in them is going to be rated, too. So, as a player equipping a Fortnite cosmetic, you’re bringing in content that could exist outside of the Creative game’s rating when you join the lobby.
On November 16, 2023 Epic stated that currently, only 7% of Fortnite Outfits can be equipped in islands rated Teen (or the regional equivalent). However, over the next year, they’ll be enabling most of the outfits to be compatible with all game modes by having the game automatically adjust your skin’s appearance based on the mini-game’s rating. Until then, we’ll just have to remain patient as Epic tinkers with this newly rolled out plan.
Which Fortnite Skins are Restricted?
I experimented a bit with this new rule and hopped into some Creative games. At first glance, there’s no rhyme or reason for the restricted cosmetics in Fortnite. However, after further observation, it became apparent that all skins featuring weapons are restricted. For example, if your cosmetic features a holstered gun, like Lara Croft, it will be restricted. This goes for harvesting tools, too. So any visually realistic weapons, like the Beast Fang knives pickaxe, will be restricted.
If you’re worrying about purchasing a restricted skin, don’t worry. Fortnite has added a warning to preface each purchase confirmation that details the experience restrictions. You’ll see exactly what modes the cosmetic is allowed in before you buy it. All things considered, we anticipate that Epic Games will clarify the restrictions in the future.
Why is Fortnite Not Suitable for Players Under 12?
The base game of Fortnite is rated suitable for ages 12+ by PEGI and has an official rating of “T” for Teen by the ESRB, making it suitable for ages 13 and up. Essentially, Fortnite is not suitable for players under 12 because of action violence. The “action violence” directly correlates to the restrictions on realistic weapons outside of the Teen rating.
Oddly enough, there are some games in the Creative Library that feature an E rating for ages 10+. So, while the game itself has a Teen rating, there are games that exist on the Fortnite platform that are suitable for younger players. So, even though Fortnite started out as a Battle Royale with clear intentions, it’s since transformed into a playground for gamers of many ages.
That explains all there is to know about age restrictions in Fortnite. Stay tuned with us at our guides hub here for all there is to know for this throwback to the past.
Published: Nov 17, 2023 05:23 pm