Fans of the popular battle royale game Fortnite are expressing their frustration following a recent update that has significantly altered the way players can use their paid cosmetics. The update, which introduced a new age rating system for the game’s Creative mode islands, has led to restrictions on cosmetic items based on these ratings, causing a stir within the community.
Update Details and Player Reactions
The contentious update to Fortnite introduced island age ratings, allowing creators to assign specific age ratings to their islands, which could be lower than the game’s standard T for Teen ESRB rating. This change has had a direct impact on the cosmetics players can equip. If a player tries to use a cosmetic item rated T for Teen on an island with a lower E10+ or E rating, the item is replaced by a default skin, regardless of its original cost or rarity.
Players have voiced their dissatisfaction loudly, with many taking to the Fortnite subreddit to air their grievances. They are particularly upset about being unable to use high-value cosmetics, such as those from the $16 Driftwalker pack, in islands with a lower age rating. The community has labeled the update as inconsistent and feels that it undermines the value of their purchases.
Community Confusion and Outrage
The Fortnite community is bewildered and outraged by the new system’s inconsistencies. The restrictions seem arbitrary, with some skins and items being inexplicably banned on certain islands while others, seemingly more mature in theme, are universally accepted. This has led to a list of affected items that has only added to the confusion:
- Lara Croft and Meowscles skins restricted to T for Teen islands
- Michael Myers skin allowed on all islands
- Loading screens, which are only visible to the player, are also restricted
Players are questioning the logic behind these decisions and the overall direction the game is taking with such updates.
Comparisons to Roblox and Community Sentiment
Many in the Fortnite community have drawn parallels between the recent changes to the game and the model used by Roblox, a platform known for its kid-friendly content and extensive customization options. Some players feel that the game’s new direction is an attempt to emulate Roblox’s success, a move they’ve termed the ‘Roblox-ification’ of Fortnite. This sentiment is not being received well by a portion of the community, who feel that the unique identity of Fortnite is being compromised in pursuit of a different audience.
Community members have expressed their disappointment, suggesting that the game they have invested in, both financially and emotionally, is shifting away from its core appeal. The concern is that these changes could alienate the existing player base in an attempt to attract a younger demographic, similar to strategies they perceive have been employed by Roblox.
Epic Games’ Response and Future Plans
Epic Games has acknowledged the community’s feedback regarding the Fortnite cosmetic restrictions. They have stated that about 7% of Fortnite outfits are currently limited to T-rated islands. In response to the backlash, Epic Games has announced plans to adjust the majority of these outfits to be compatible with all ratings, allowing them to auto-adjust their appearance based on the island’s rating. However, they have also indicated that this solution will not apply to all outfits, leaving some questions unanswered about the future of certain cosmetics.
More on today’s rating announcement. About 7% of Fortnite Outfits can only be equipped in islands rated Teen. Over the next year we will enable most of these Outfits to be compatible with all ratings by having them auto-adjust appearance based on the island you want to play.November 16, 2023
In summary, the Fortnite community is currently grappling with the implications of a significant update that has introduced age ratings to player-created islands, affecting the use of paid cosmetics. The response from the player base has been one of confusion and frustration, with many feeling that the value of their purchases has been undermined. While Epic Games has promised to address these concerns, the full resolution of this issue may take some time, leaving players to wonder about the future of their beloved game and its evolving landscape.
