Epic Games has openly recognized that the new age rating system for their popular title, Fortnite, did not resonate well with the community. In response to the feedback, the company has announced that a new system is in the works. This update is expected to be unveiled during a significant in-game event, aiming to address the concerns raised by players and improve the overall gaming experience.
(Image credit: Epic Games)
Controversy Over Age Rating System
The introduction of a new age rating system in Fortnite sparked significant controversy within the gaming community. This system, which assigned an ESRB-style rating to each individual island within the game, was intended to help players make informed decisions about the content they engage with. However, it led to several unintended consequences:
- Some cosmetics in the game, including items that players had paid for, were not compatible with the E (Everyone) or E10+ ratings.
- Players were unable to use T (Teen)-rated cosmetics on E-rated islands, leading to automatic replacement with age-appropriate items.
- Approximately 7% of Fortnite’s outfits carry the T rating, which, while a small percentage, still affected a portion of the player base.
- The inconsistency in rating enforcement, where some seemingly inappropriate characters were allowed on all islands, while less concerning ones were restricted.
The community’s reaction was overwhelmingly negative, with players expressing their dissatisfaction across various platforms.
Community Response and Epic’s Decision
The Fortnite community was vocal in its response to the new age rating system. Reddit users, in particular, highlighted the absurdity of the situation with examples such as the ‘swole cat’ Meowscles outfit being banned on certain islands while the character Michael Myers was not. The community’s outcry was not just about the restrictions on cosmetics but also about the direction in which Fortnite seemed to be heading, with some users referring to it as the “Roblox-ification” of Fortnite.
In light of the backlash, Epic Games made the decision to disable the controversial system. The company took to Twitter to announce their plans to rework the system, stating:
“Welp, our plan for cosmetics with the ratings update didn’t hit the mark. We’re working on a few new options that we hope to have in place for say… some sort of big in-game event. Stay tuned, we’ll keep you posted <3”
(Image credit: Epic Games via Twitter)
The company further elaborated on their decision in a blog post, explaining that the age rating system for the majority of Fortnite cosmetics would be disabled until a better solution was found. This change was set to take place with the rollout of the v28.00 update.
Anticipation for the Upcoming Event
Amidst the controversy, there is growing anticipation for the upcoming in-game event teased by Epic Games. Dataminers have leaked information about an event called “The Big Bang,” which is rumored to conclude Fortnite Chapter 4 Season 5. While the name is not officially confirmed, the community is abuzz with speculation and excitement over what the event could entail.
“LEAK: The Chapter 5 event is called ‘The Big Bang’ 🌌 The name could still be changed before the event begins, but it’s honestly not very likely #FortniteOG (Information by @ickrisp & @ralisdumb)”
(Image credit: ShiinaBR via Twitter)
The event is expected to begin on December 2, and if the leaks are accurate, it could be one of the most significant events in Fortnite’s history.
The positive fan reaction to Epic Games’ willingness to listen and adapt has been palpable. The community has expressed a renewed sense of trust and excitement for the future of Fortnite. This sentiment is not only due to the changes in the age ratings but also because of the anticipation for the upcoming “big in-game event.” Players are eager to see how Epic will continue to evolve the gaming experience and maintain Fortnite’s position as a leading title in the battle royale genre.
(Image credit: Twitter)
