Fortnite is one of the most popular games in the world, attracting players of all ages. However, it has an age rating system, which many people may not understand. In this blog post, we will explore one of the reasons behind the age rating system on Fortnite and how it relates to the Epic Shop.
The Business Model of Fortnite: Free Game, Paid Cosmetics
Fortnite operates on a unique business model – give the game away for free and then sell cosmetic items for the characters. This includes costumes, weapons skins, and emotes, among others. These items have no impact on the gameplay, but they make the characters look nice. This strategy has proven to be extremely successful, especially among children who love to dress up their characters.
The Temptation of In-Game Purchases
As a parent, you may have experienced the situation where your child wants to spend money on the Epic Shop. This is especially true when the items on sale are priced at just a few pounds, making them seem like a small, insignificant expense. However, this can quickly add up, and children may not understand the value of money.
To teach children the importance of budgeting and money management, you may have set up a system, such as a Nimble card, to help them manage their pocket money and birthday money. However, this may not always work, as children may still burn through their funds buying cosmetic items in the Epic Shop.
Implementing a Ban on In-Game Purchases
To prevent children from spending excessive amounts of money on in-game purchases, it may be necessary to put a ban in place. This can be done by limiting the amount of money they can spend each month, or by restricting their access to the Epic Shop altogether.
In the end, it is up to each individual parent to determine what works best for their child. However, by understanding the reasons behind the age rating system on Fortnite and the temptation of in-game purchases, you can make informed decisions about how to manage your child’s spending.