In a pivotal move, Epic Games has declared that Fortnite is about to undergo a transformative shift with the introduction of an age-rating requirement for player-created content. This announcement, made on October 3, reveals a groundbreaking collaboration between Epic Games and the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC). Commencing on November 14, 2023, this new age rating system is set to reshape the Fortnite landscape.
This innovative system aims to offer “internationally-recognized age and content ratings for all first and third-party playable content.” Epic Games has laid out a structured plan for this transformation, with content creators mandated to complete an IARC content rating questionnaire, available on the Creator Portal from October 16. This questionnaire will undergo a comprehensive review by Epic, ultimately resulting in an age-based IARC rating for the content, spanning from ‘E’ (Everyone) to ‘Teen.’ Additionally, region-specific ratings will automatically accompany projects created in-game.
The term “content” pertains to Fortnite’s islands, a vital feature within Fortnite’s Creative mode that empowers players to craft a diverse range of creations. With the implementation of this new rating system, parents and guardians will acquire a significant level of control. They can define age rating limits through Epic’s existing Parental Controls settings, allowing them to block islands exceeding specific ratings. Moreover, they can unlock islands that surpass the established ratings threshold using a Parental Controls PIN. There’s also the option to enable or disable children’s ability to design their own games in Creative Mode.
Patricia Vance, the President of ESRB and Chairperson of IARC, expressed her views on this development, stating, “By implementing the IARC rating system within Fortnite, Epic continues to elevate its commitment to providing families with tools to make informed decisions about which experiences are appropriate for their children.” As Fortnite evolves beyond its Battle Royale origins into a broader ecosystem with content from both Epic and other creators, empowering parents with a clear understanding of the content their children can access becomes increasingly paramount.
In other recent news, Epic Games disclosed that the in-game V-Bucks currency is slated to become more expensive in multiple countries starting from October 27, following their announcement of workforce layoffs involving over 800 employees.
