Why is Fortnite 18?

Fortnite is not entirely 18+, but it is increasing its age limit to 18 years on certain platforms due to the standards set by the platforms it operates on, which was a significant point of discussion in the Apple v. Epic trial. The game’s age recommendation is 13 and up, as rated by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board, but the new age restriction is being implemented to comply with platform regulations, affecting players who use the August 2020 13.40 app build on iOS, Mac, and Google Play.

Introduction to Fortnite Age Restrictions

The decision to raise the minimum age limit is not Epic Games‘ per se, but rather a response to the requirements of the platforms that host the game. This change affects players who use the August 2020 13.40 app build on iOS, Mac, and Google Play, and they must be over 18 to play.

FAQs About Fortnite Age Restrictions

General FAQs

1. Is Fortnite OK for a 12-year-old?: The age recommendation for Fortnite is 13 and up, but each child is different, and Common Sense Media recommends the game for kids 13 and up due to its action violence and open chat.
2. Is Fortnite going to be 18+?: Fortnite is accessible only to adults on certain platforms, specifically those using the August 2020 13.40 app build on iOS, Mac, and Google Play.
3. Is Fortnite OK for 11-year-olds?: Common Sense recommends Fortnite for teens 13 and up, primarily because of the open chat and action violence.
4. Is Fortnite too violent?: Fortnite is mostly safe for kids, but without proper supervision or parental controls, it can expose children to risks like cyberbullying and addiction.

Safety and Parental Controls

5. How do you make Fortnite safe for kids?: To make Fortnite safe, go to settings, select parental controls, and enter your 6-digit PIN to enable features like requiring a PIN to add Epic friends.
6. Is Fortnite banning kids under 13?: Players under 13 require parental consent to play, and those under 18 may face restrictions on certain platforms.
7. Why is Fortnite asking me for my date of birth?: Fortnite asks for your date of birth to apply settings that ensure the best experience for all players and to comply with age restrictions.

Comparisons with Other Games

8. Is Roblox safe for kids?: Roblox doesn’t specify a minimum age, and while it has safety precautions, it can pose risks to kids, especially younger ones, due to its open approach.
9. What age is Roblox meant for?: Content on Roblox is generally suitable for ages 13 and up.
10. Is Minecraft safe for 6-year-olds?: Minecraft is recommended for kids age 8 and up due to its complexity, mild violence, and online community.

Game Ratings and Content

11. Is GTA5 OK for a 9-year-old?: As Grand Theft Auto 5 is an 18+ rated game, it is not suitable for children due to its profanity, violence, crime, drugs, sex, and other mature themes.
12. What is Roblox rated?: Roblox has an ESRB-assigned rating of T for Teen, with Content Descriptors for Diverse Content and Interactive Elements.
13. Can I let my 7-year-old play Roblox?: While Roblox enables certain safety settings and parental controls by default for children under 13, not all games on the platform are suitable for young children.

Access and Restrictions

14. Is Fortnite blocked at school?: School network administrators often block access to popular game servers like Fortnite to prevent bandwidth clogging and ensure students use the internet for studies.
15. Why did my child get banned from Fortnite?: Player bans are applied for violating the Code of Conduct or tournament rules, which can include sharing personal information, bullying, or other forms of misconduct.