Since its release in 2017, Fortnite has been one of the most popular online games among children and teenagers. Many game modes are rated for ages 12 and up, but are often played by much younger players.
Age rating: USK 12+
When talking about Fortnite, it is important to note that it is not just a game. Rather, Fortnite has developed into a platform for online games with different game modes, which often share the same visuals and setting. In the only paid mode, “Save The World”, you have to build a fortress with other players to protect the last human survivors from zombies.
Far better known and more popular is the free version, “Fortnite Battle Royale,” in which the goal is to eliminate all other players—either alone or as part of a team—in order to survive. There’s also a Creative mode, which is featured in our article “Getting Creative with Fortnite and Minecraft” and which, in some cases, allows players to completely avoid violence and time pressure.
Also newly added are the three modes “Fortnite Festival,” “Fortnite Racing,” and “Lego Fortnite.” While “Fortnite Festival” is more like a rhythm game, “Fortnite Racing,” as the name suggests, is all about fast-paced races. In “Lego Fortnite,” players must work together to fight monsters and build structures, with the characters and content designed to look like classic Lego toys.
Fortnite is available on all major consoles, such as the PlayStation 4/5, the Nintendo Switch, and the Xbox One/Series. The app can also be downloaded on PC and Mac. With a few workarounds, the app can also be installed on Android and Apple devices, though not through the standard Google Play Store or Apple App Store. In addition, the game can be played via streaming on many devices through increasingly popular cloud gaming providers such as Amazon Luna.
In March 2022, “Fortnite Battle Royale” added the so-called “No Build” mode. In this variant, players cannot build protective structures such as walls and must come up with new ways to gain an advantage over other players, such as a height advantage. Fortnite is currently collaborating extensively with other companies and franchises to integrate their content into the game. For example, pop artist Billie Eilish has been immortalized as a playable character in the game. Characters from Star Wars, Avatar: The Last Airbender, My Hero Academia, and many more also continue to bring a breath of fresh air to the game.
Creative Mode, in particular, has changed significantly in recent years. Players can now create their own “islands” and incorporate entirely custom game objectives. While many of these islands replicate the well-known “Battle Royale” mode, others are completely nonviolent. As a result, even within Fortnite, there can be different age ratings and recommendations.
Rarely has a game generated this much hype. This is certainly partly because parts of Fortnite are free to play and available on various platforms. Plus, it’s easy to get started with the game even without any prior experience.
The gameplay is very exciting and provides plenty of adrenaline. Players must constantly be on their guard, quickly hide from attackers, and develop good strategies to survive. The turn-based system encourages players to do better in the next round than in the previous one. Fun details, such as the characters’ world-famous celebration and victory dances, add to the enjoyment of the game.
Due to its USK age rating of 12 and up, Fortnite’s “Battle Royale” mode has come under heavy criticism. Gun violence is the only—but necessary—way to win the game. While Fortnite does not contain detailed depictions of violence—there is no bloodshed— there are no corpses to be seen, and the cartoon-style graphics downplay the violent gameplay. Nevertheless, the goal is to kill one another. Children, in particular, could very quickly lose sight of this fact. At the same time, 12-year-olds, given their media experience, may well already see through this game mechanic.
Fortnite “Battle Royale” is nevertheless very nerve-wracking, as players have to constantly scan their surroundings for threats. This pressure can cause children and young people to feel stressed and overwhelmed. During the game rounds, many game pieces are quickly eliminated. This can cause frustration in a short time when it hits your own avatar.
If you want to play Fortnite, you need an account with Epic Games. To create one, you’ll need to provide an email address or use an existing account, such as Apple, Google, Facebook, Nintendo, PlayStation, or Xbox.
The game allows players to purchase virtual currency, known as V-Bucks. These can be used to buy virtual items such as outfits, victory dances, or access to weekly challenges with real money. While these items and features aren’t necessary for playing the game, they’re particularly appealing to children and teenagers. In recent years, collaborations with well-known franchises such as Marvel and Star Wars have expanded significantly, with the aim of boosting voluntary in-app purchases. Some of these offers are often available for purchase only for a limited time, which can trigger the fear of missing out (FOMO).
Please note that the various game modes have received their respective age ratings for different reasons. For example, it’s not just the depiction of violence that can be a deciding factor, but also increased incentives to make purchases. Fortnite should be understood as a “Games as a Service” title, a topic we’ve covered in a separate article.
In particular, the “islands” created by users have their own age ratings, which were assigned according to the so-called IARC system and may therefore be suitable for younger children as well.
If your child wants to play Fortnite, check out the game yourself first and talk to your child about why they find it interesting. Play together, have your child explain what the game is about, and agree on some rules together. Keep an eye on your child’s screen time and adjust the technical settings to help strike a balance between gaming and other leisure activities.
Try to make your child aware that Fortnite involves violence and that this should not be underestimated. However, that doesn’t mean that video games necessarily make people violent.
Be there as a point of contact if your child encounters inappropriate content or unpleasant fellow players. Players who behave inappropriately can be reported through the game menu. Use Fortnite’s parental controls and set them up together with your child. For example, you can use a PIN to restrict payments, interactions, and communication options. You can also restrict the content your child can view in Fortnite. For example, you can completely block game modes that aren’t age-appropriate for your child. You can find a clear guide for parents on this topic at medien-kindersicher.de.
