Fortnite is one of the most popular online video games. This game was initially played by 13+ adults and was recently made available for the younger ones with integrated parental controls. The move from the Epic Games was welcomed first but slowly turned into an unhealthy update.
The parents have found that their kids got addicted to the game. As a result, kids started skipping their regular and basic activities of the day such as showering, sleeping, and even eating.
Epic Games have their major revenue from Fortnite. It earns them about 5 billion dollars annually. Last year, the total earnings of Epic from Fortnite was the highest. It was more than the earnings of the year 2018 of 5.4 billion. The revenue calculated for the year 2021 was 5.8 billion dollars. Hence, they keep on upgrading the game with new features to spread their market and to make the play more interesting.
Though the game has attracted 350 million players, still there exist a few unmatured players. Especially, kids and teens are left uncontrolled and are addicted to an interesting games.
Parent’s legal action against Epic Game’s Fortnite
Three parents from Canada, have reported to the court that their children are addicted to Epic’s Fortnite. And also their children forgo sleeping, bathing and even eating due to the addiction. They have also highlighted the observation of WHO on the same in 2018.
A Canadian judge has approved the class-action lawsuit. The lawsuit is against Epic Games and its Canadian subsidiary. It was also found one of the child’s playtime crossed 7700 hours in less than two years. In a statement, Epic Games said it had “industry-leading parental controls that empower parents to supervise their child’s digital experience”. “Parents can receive playtime reports that track the amount of time their child plays each week, and require parental permission before purchases are made,” the company said.
Quebec Superior Court Justice Sylvain Lussier ruled the lawsuit was not something frivolous. He compared the case with tobacco addiction. He ruled that players who live in Quebec and experienced symptoms of addiction after playing the Battle Royale edition of Fortnite since 1 September 2017 can join the legal action.
Although millions enjoy the game, still there are a few who get addicted. Kids are not mentally mature. They have to be guided correctly and also shouldn’t comprise on enjoying. Even though many games offer parental controls, most parents don’t use it. Parents should make sure to use hose options and guide their children to a good and happy path in life.
Epic Games launch the “Cabined Accounts”
Epic Games has created a new kid account facility in Fortnite ‘Rocket League’ and ‘Fall Guys’ games which now enables safe play for those under 13 youngsters.
They have introduced new ‘Cabined Accounts’. ‘Cabined Accounts’ will provide a personalised experience that is safe and inclusive for younger players. While signing in, players will be asked for their date of birth and their ages checked.
If someone is found to be under 13 or their respective country’s age of digital consent, then their account will be converted as a “Cabined Account”. And they will be asked to enter a parent or guardian’s email address to start the parental consent procedure.
‘Cabined Accounts’ will provide a The parent or guardian of the player will get an email informing them about their child’s Epic account. Parents can examine Epic’s privacy policies, provide permission for extra features, set up parental controls, and verify their adult status through SuperAwesome’s Kids Web Services by the links given in the email.
