Why is Fortnite becoming 18?
Fortnite, the popular online multiplayer third-person shooter game, has been dominating the gaming world for a while now. With over 250 million players worldwide, it’s no surprise that the game’s popularity shows no signs of slowing down. However, in a recent move, Fortnite has announced that it will be increasing its age rating from 12 to 18 years old on certain platforms. But why is this change necessary?
Is Fortnite too mature for its original age rating?
Fortnite’s original age rating of 12 years old was set by its developers, Epic Games, in collaboration with the platform holders, such as Apple and Google. However, as the game’s content and mechanics evolved, the developers realized that the original age rating may not be sufficient to ensure a safe and enjoyable gaming experience for younger players.
ESRB rating system
To understand why Fortnite is increasing its age rating, let’s take a look at the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating system. The ESRB is a non-profit organization that assigns age and content ratings to video games, movies, and music. The rating system includes six categories: E, E10+, T, M, AO, and RP.
- E (Everyone): Suitable for everyone, including children.
- E10+ (Everyone 10 and older): Suitable for children aged 10 and older.
- T (Teen): Suitable for teenagers aged 13 and older.
- M (Mature): Suitable for adults aged 17 and older.
- AO (Adults Only): Suitable for adults aged 18 and older.
- RP (Rating Pending): The game has not yet been rated.
Content descriptors
Fortnite’s original age rating of T (Teen) was given due to its cartoon-style violence, which is designed to be humorous and lighthearted. However, as the game’s content has evolved, it has become more intense and mature. The addition of new features, such as the ability to use guns and explosives, has raised concerns about the game’s suitability for younger players.
Rise of violence and maturity
In recent years, Fortnite has seen a significant increase in its violence and maturity. The game has introduced new characters, items, and gameplay mechanics that are more geared towards adult players. This has led to concerns that the game is no longer suitable for its original age rating.
Why 18 instead of 17?
So, why has Fortnite decided to increase its age rating to 18 years old, rather than 17 or 16? The reason is that the game’s content is not yet considered suitable for 17-year-olds. While 17-year-olds are considered mature enough to play the game, the developers believe that some of the game’s content may still be too mature for them.
Violence and blood
Fortnite’s new content descriptors include violence and blood, which are not suitable for children under the age of 18. The game’s violence is designed to be cartoonish, but the addition of blood and gore has raised concerns about its suitability for younger players.
ESRB rating decision
The ESRB has given Fortnite an age rating of T (Teen) with content descriptors that include violence, blood, and gore. This rating is suitable for teenagers aged 13 and older.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Fortnite is increasing its age rating from 12 to 18 years old on certain platforms due to concerns about its suitability for younger players. The game’s content has evolved to become more intense and mature, and the addition of violence and blood has raised concerns about its suitability for younger players. The ESRB has given Fortnite a T (Teen) rating with content descriptors that include violence, blood, and gore, which is suitable for teenagers aged 13 and older.