We explain from how many years the popular online shooter is playable and give useful tips for parents in dealing with the game.
What is Fornite?
Fortnite is a online based shooter, which is known above all for its free game mode “Battle Royale” is known. In it, 100 opponents compete against each other until only one player remains and thus wins the game.
Fortnite: Age rating from 12
Fortnite was initially released in summer 2017 as a cooperative survival shooter. At the time, the Entertainment Software Self-Regulation (USK) issued an age rating of 12 for stationary retail. Somewhat later, however, the free online version “Battle Royale” was released, for which initially no age verification had been submitted by the developer.
In Germany, providers of games that distribute them exclusively online are not subject to the labeling requirement of the Interstate Treaty on the Protection of Minors in the Media (Jugendmedienschutz-Staatsvertrag), but are themselves responsible for ensuring the protection of minors.
In summer 2019, Epic Games, the development studio behind Fortnite, finally decided to submit the current version of the game to the USK for review. There, they came to the conclusion that all of the game’s modes are Suitable for children aged 12 and over Are.
Why is Fortnite from 12 years old despite the violence?
The USK has developed certain standards for classifying games into the various age groups. For the age rating from 12 years, the children and adolescents are attributed the ability, to distinguish more strongly between the game world and realitythan is the case with younger age groups.
Thus, while violence or sex can certainly play a role in games, these should not be disturbing or disorienting in any way. Since the graphical representation in Fortnite seems quite fairy-tale-like and the demonstration of excessive violence is avoided (corpses disappear), even younger players should be able to enjoy the game according to the USK’s assessment. not project the content onto their lifeworld.
Related to the topic: At what point a smartphone for children?
Keeping an eye on media use yourself
Even if the official testing agency for entertainment software concludes that Fortnite is suitable for ages 12 and up, this does not absolve parents of responsibility, take a closer look at their children’s media use.
In its pedagogical assessment, the Fachstelle für Jugendmedienkultur NRW comes to the following conclusions independent of the USK rating comes to an age recommendation from 14 years. Among other things, it criticizes the fact that violence is the only way to win in the “Battle Royale” game mode. Criticism is also levelled at voice chat and in-game purchases, i.e. paid extra content, considered. Although the latter can only be used to visually embellish the characters, this could create pressure to keep up with others, especially among younger players.
On the topic of voice chat, the “Look!” initiative writes:Players can connect with strangers from all over the world – without any form of moderation or protections from unwanted and inappropriate comments and questions.” (source)
It is important to sensitize young people to such issues and to talk openly about it. At the end of the day, of course, it’s up to parents themselves to decide what game content they think is appropriate for their children. But the better you know about media use and the content it contains, the more informed you can make a decision for or against it.
To that end, it can’t hurt to play a game with your child once in a while. This not only promotes the understanding of how such games workbut also for the appeal that comes from them.
Things to know about Fortnite for parents
Account creation: To play Fortnite online, you need an account. This can be created very easily with an email address. The age of the player is not checked.
Game contentFortnite has various game modes. First and foremost, however, it’s about eliminating opponents with weapons. These are either computer-controlled zombies or other gamers of all ages from all over the world. The graphics are comic-like and colorful. When an opponent dies, blood is not shown. The corpse disappears and only the collected equipment remains.
Child lock: Parental controls can be used to turn off certain features, such as chat, in Fortnite to make the gaming experience safer. To find out exactly how this works, check out Epic Games’ guide.
Device Availability: Meanwhile, Fortnite is playable on almost all platforms: PC, PlayStation, XBOX and smartphone. So if you forbid your child to play on the PC, he could theoretically continue to play via the smartphone.
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