Fortnite is a 3D first person shooter game where players battle each other to the death. Caution: Due to frequent violence, simulated substance/medication use, and online/social media connectivity this game is not recommended for children 12 years and under, and parental guidance is recommended for children 13 – 17 years.
No gambling content found in the levels played
This review of Fortnite: Battle Royale was completed by the Australian Council on Children and the Media (ACCM) on 8 May 2018.
This section contains details about the app provided by an ACCM Reviewer.
Name of app: | Fortnite: Battle Royale |
Developed by: | Epic Games |
Platform reviewed: | Apple App Store |
Cost: | Free |
ACCM suggested age: | Parental Guidance 13-17 years |
Gambling content advice: | No gambling content found in the levels played |
This review of Fortnite: Battle Royale contains the following information:
Level 8
In Fortnite players skydive onto an island where they must quickly loot buildings and boxes in order to arm themselves. Player artillery is used to attack/defend against other online players. Other items including bombs, health, special ability positions, and building materials can be collected and used to the player’s advantage (mainly to get up to places where loot is stored and to barricade oneself against attackers). All players have a mandatory pickaxe which can be used to collect materials (e.g. wood from trees) but this item can also be used as a weapon to swing at and kill enemies. Movement is achieved by dragging to move and aim, double tapping to run, tapping anywhere to fire guns, and holding the screen to continuously fire. There are also buttons on-screen for other functions such as jumping, crouching and building. Players can play solo, duo and in a team of four. The aim of the game is to be the last person or team standing.
The first person shooter concept isn’t a new one – but due to the popularity of Fortnite, parents should be aware of the style and features of the game. Firstly, the look and feel of this game is very cartoon-like and thus would appeal to a younger audience. It’s not as graphic as the very similar PUBG game but the concept is almost identical; kill or be killed. Due to their similarity these two games are often compared and in a lot of cases playing one may well be a gateway into the other – noting that PUBG is more graphic and realistic - this could be of concern for some parents. Secondly, users need to sign up to play. This includes inputting your first and last name, your email address, creating a user name and agreeing to terms and conditions and receiving latest news and information about “this product”. Thirdly, players can “add friends”. There are a number of ways in which this can be done but most concerning is that you can look up other people and request friends through searching the display name and/or their email address. Furthermore, once connected you can speak with "friends" through voice chat. It is recommended that players click on the drop down menu in the top right hand corner (the three lines), select “Privacy”, and change the default from “Public” to either “Friends” or “Private”. Also, to deactivate the voice chat option: go to the drop down menu; press the cog icon, then press the sound icon, then press the right arrow on “voice chat”.
To the reviewer’s knowledge, virtual currency cannot be earned through achievements. Thus, any upgrades can only be purchased with real money. Furthermore, achievements can only be unlocked by purchasing the “Battle Pass” or “Battle Bundle” for 950 and 2,800 V-Bucks respectively.
V-Bucks
1000 V-Bucks = $14.99
2500 (+300 Bonus) V-Bucks = $38.99
6000 (+1,500 Bonus) V-Bucks = $89.99
10000 (+3,500 Bonus) V-Bucks = $159.99
At the time of review, the reviewer found no simulated gambling content. If you discover simulated gambling content in this app, please contact uswith the details so we can update our review.
None noted.
Unlike other games, avatars cannot be created (unless purchased). The game’s initial avatar is a female and as you progress through the game, it changes to a male. This may imply to some that females are not as effective or revered in battle as males.
None as a standard part of the game, but voice chat doesn’t have a filter.
See reviewer’s comments.
N/A.
You can contact us if you have suggestions of children's apps that we can check for tracking data.
Tip: Leave out the first A, An or The
Selecting an age will provide a list of apps with content suitable for this age group. Children may also enjoy apps selected via a lower age.
Top 50 Children's Android Apps in Australia - AppCensus Privacy Check. See full details on the Apps can Trap page
Content is age appropriate for children this age
Some content may not be appropriate for children this age. Parental guidance recommended
Content is not age appropriate for children this age
These icons signal the use and/or transmission of your personal data. (Please note, not all apps on our website have been checked)
Most games contain elements of risk, chance and knowledge, that is why they are fun to play. There is growing concern about the impacts of simulated gambling games on the health and wellbeing of children. That's why we are identifying games that contain gambling elements on our site. These icons signal simulated gambling activity and where none was noted.
Simulated casino style gambling. Not suitable for minors
Contains some elements of gambling. Some content is not recommended for minors. Parental guidance recommended
No gambling content found in the levels played
Children and Media Australia (CMA) is a registered business name of the Australian Council on Children and the Media (ACCM).
CMA provides reviews, research and advocacy to help children thrive in a digital world.
ACCM is national, not-for-profit and reliant on community support. You can help.
ABN: 16 005 214 531