Fortnite's Game-Changing Move: Revolutionizing User-Created Content

Highlights

Age ratings are coming to Fortnite Creative levels, following guidance from ratings boards. This may restrict access to certain experiences.

The IARC content rating questionnaire will ascertain the age classification, and any Creative levels that are not rated will be removed from the list. By implementing age restrictions, the goal is to ensure the metaverse remains a "safe and enjoyable" environment for all, potentially enhancing recommendations and safeguarding children from harmful content.

Age ratings are being introduced for Fortnite Creative levels, according to Epic Games. Since the introduction of Creative mode in 2018, players have created numerous experiences that may require age restrictions in the future.

Minecraft, Roblox, and No Man's Sky are also games that offer their own versions of Creative mode, alongside Fortnite. Epic Games has continuously updated Fortnite Creative, with Creative 2.0 introducing a wealth of content to the editor in 2023. The use of Fortnite Creative has allowed players to construct escape rooms, death runs, and even incorporate elements from Among Us, such as Impostors. While there is currently a wide range of these levels for Fortnite players to explore, significant changes may be on the horizon.

Age restrictions for Fortnite Creative experiences will be implemented on October 16th by using an IARC content rating questionnaire. Completing the IARC questions will result in a content age rating, which may limit access to the Creative level for certain individuals in the future. These age restrictions are based on guidance from global ratings boards such as the ESRB and PEGI. To ensure the accuracy of the IARC form, a Fortnite moderator will assess and publish the material, allowing Epic Games to identify any discrepancies between the provided answers and the content. Any Fortnite Creative levels that have not been rated through the IARC questionnaire will be removed from the platform on November 14th.

The time period between implementing the IARC form and its deadline gives Fortnite Creative fans less than a month to avoid their levels being removed. Some fans may have multiple questionnaires to complete because they create multiple Fortnite Creative experiences. Epic Games has implemented these age restrictions as part of their commitment to creating a safe and enjoyable metaverse for everyone. The age ratings assigned to Fortnite Creative levels will be specific to each region, which may affect their discoverability in other regions. These changes may also impact how Fortnite recommends Creative maps and modes in the game menu. By implementing age restrictions, harmful content can be prevented from reaching children, as some Fortnite experiences may not be appropriate for all ages. The standard of age ratings is being applied equally to all Fortnite Creative content, benefiting the entire community. This change may also improve the algorithm for recommending relevant experiences to different demographics. While the Fortnite Creative questionnaire has a deadline, it is currently uncertain when the restrictions will be enforced.

Fortnite is available now for mobile, PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

Source: Epic Games