The new Fortnite age restriction on certain cosmetics has sent shockwaves through its dedicated fanbase. Despite the game’s overall PEGI rating of 12+, the focus is now on Fortnite Creative, where individual map creators dictate the age rating, causing specific skins to face restrictions.
The aftermath? A growing chorus of players demanding refunds for their premium items and expressing frustration over unforeseen limitations.
The backlash that the new Fortnite age restriction caused
The disparity in age rating systems between Creative Mode, Save the World, and Battle Royale lies at the heart of the issue. Map creators wield the power to choose their world’s age rating, leading to the exclusion of certain skins for maps rated under 12. This revelation has left players questioning the implications for their purchased items and the overall accessibility of cosmetics across different game modes.
The call for refunds
Players, such as the vocal KsavirTheOld on Reddit, are leading the charge for a refund option. Their sentiment reflects a sense of incredulity and as the community echoes these sentiments, the demand for refunds gains traction, fueled by the expectation that purchased skins and cosmetics should remain usable across the entire Fortnite experience.
Fortnite needs to give us a refund option for all age restricted items! This is insanity!
byu/KvasirTheOld inFortNiteBR
The consequences of entering a mode with Fortnite age restriction with a banned skin are clear: automatic transformation into a default cosmetic. This unexpected turn of events has players grappling with the reality that their once-accessible and personalized items now face restrictions based on the age rating of the chosen game mode.
The restricted roster
Below is a compiled list of age-restricted skins, featuring popular characters like Leon S Kennedy, Lara Croft, Deadpool, and others. The impact goes beyond character skins, affecting back bling, pickaxes, music discs, loading screens, and gun wraps. The breadth of these Fortnite age restrictions reveals a more comprehensive limitation on in-game customization than initially perceived. Here’s the full list:
- Leon S Kennedy
- Claire Redfield
- Lara Croft
- Rebirth Harley Quinn
- Demogorgon
- Doctor Doom
- Black Widow (Snow Suit)
- The Visitor
- Midas
- Predator
- Deadpool
- Agent Peely
- Cloud Striker
- Gunnar
- Meowscles
- Mincemeat
- Nitehare
- Nolan Chance
- Reese
- Rook
- Sgt Winter
- TNTina
- Xenomorph
- Yellowjacket
Speculations abound
While Epic Games has not explicitly stated the reasons for age-restricting specific skins, speculations point to the presence of guns in their designs. The contrast between the non-violent nature of Creative maps and the intense battles in Battle Royale might explain the exclusion of certain skins to maintain a more kid-friendly environment.
In response to the discontent, players are urging Creative map makers to abstain from rating their worlds for younger audiences, creating a form of protest against the imposed limitations. Simultaneously, a united front is forming behind calls for refunds from Epic Games, questioning the fairness of the Fortnite age restriction on previously accessible content.
This latest development introduces complexity to Fortnite’s recent updates, initially celebrated for the return of the “OG” map. As Epic Games navigates through player concerns, the Fortnite community eagerly anticipates how the company will respond to the demands for refunds and the broader implications of age restrictions on in-game items.
Meanwhile, if you ever have any technical or gameplay issues with the game, make sure to check out our articles on it, such as the one on why is split screen not working in Fortnite.
Featured image credit: Reddit
