With the new ESRB Mobile App, parents can:

Search for ESRB-Assigned Rating Information

Video games are a huge attraction for kids of all ages! Now more than ever, it’s important that parents can access rating information quickly and with ease! The ESRB Mobile App continues to allow parents to search for age and content ratings assigned to physical video games. This includes Rating Categories, Content Descriptors, Interactive Elements, and Rating Summaries (if assigned).

Start a Conversation with ESRB’s Family Gaming Guide

The best way for parents to manage their kids’ video game experiences is to stay involved. To help, ESRB’s Family Gaming Guide is now available on the ESRB Mobile App. The Family Gaming Guide provides easy access to information that can help start an open-ended, judgement-free family conversation about video games.

But a conversation is just the first step! The Family Gaming Guide also outlines simple tips so parents can establish household rules around managing screen time, online communications, and more. Perhaps most importantly, the resources found in the Family Gaming Guide will help parents get some peace of mind knowing their kids are set up for fun and age-appropriate video game experiences.

Find Step-By-Step Parental Controls Guides

It’s always a good idea to back up household rules by setting parental controls. The ESRB Mobile App makes accessing ESRB’s free step-by-step parental controls guides quicker than ever.

From consoles and computers to smartphones and tablets, every video game device offers parental controls. These help parents and caregivers manage what their kids play, when and for how long, with whom, and how much (if any) money they can spend on in-game purchases.

Read the ESRB Blog

Sometimes it’s helpful to have a little more information about specific video games, services (like Discord and Twitch), and devices (like a new video game console). The ESRB Mobile App includes direct access to the ESRB Blog, which is regularly updated with new information on new and long-running games, tips to manage online play, and other useful information to help parents stay involved with their kids’ video game experiences.

More to Come!

We’ll continue to add more features and resources to the ESRB Mobile App in the future. Make sure you visit the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store and download the app so you can stay up to date on the latest insights to help keep your kids’ video game experiences appropriate, wherever you are.

Patricia E. Vance is the president of the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). In her position, she leads the teams responsible for assigning age and content ratings to video games and apps, enforcing marketing guidelines adopted by the video game industry, and operating ESRB Privacy Certified, an FTC-sanctioned COPPA Safe Harbor Privacy seal certification program.

The post Welcome to the New and Improved ESRB Mobile App appeared first on ESRB Ratings.

With the new ESRB Mobile App, parents can:

Search for ESRB-Assigned Rating Information

Video games are a huge attraction for kids of all ages! Now more than ever, it’s important that parents can access rating information quickly and with ease! The ESRB Mobile App continues to allow parents to search for age and content ratings assigned to physical video games. This includes Rating Categories, Content Descriptors, Interactive Elements, and Rating Summaries (if assigned).

Start a Conversation with ESRB’s Family Gaming Guide

The best way for parents to manage their kids’ video game experiences is to stay involved. To help, ESRB’s Family Gaming Guide is now available on the ESRB Mobile App. The Family Gaming Guide provides easy access to information that can help start an open-ended, judgement-free family conversation about video games.

But a conversation is just the first step! The Family Gaming Guide also outlines simple tips so parents can establish household rules around managing screen time, online communications, and more. Perhaps most importantly, the resources found in the Family Gaming Guide will help parents get some peace of mind knowing their kids are set up for fun and age-appropriate video game experiences.

Find Step-By-Step Parental Controls Guides

It’s always a good idea to back up household rules by setting parental controls. The ESRB Mobile App makes accessing ESRB’s free step-by-step parental controls guides quicker than ever.

From consoles and computers to smartphones and tablets, every video game device offers parental controls. These help parents and caregivers manage what their kids play, when and for how long, with whom, and how much (if any) money they can spend on in-game purchases.

Read the ESRB Blog

Sometimes it’s helpful to have a little more information about specific video games, services (like Discord and Twitch), and devices (like a new video game console). The ESRB Mobile App includes direct access to the ESRB Blog, which is regularly updated with new information on new and long-running games, tips to manage online play, and other useful information to help parents stay involved with their kids’ video game experiences.

More to Come!

We’ll continue to add more features and resources to the ESRB Mobile App in the future. Make sure you visit the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store and download the app so you can stay up to date on the latest insights to help keep your kids’ video game experiences appropriate, wherever you are.

Patricia E. Vance is the president of the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). In her position, she leads the teams responsible for assigning age and content ratings to video games and apps, enforcing marketing guidelines adopted by the video game industry, and operating ESRB Privacy Certified, an FTC-sanctioned COPPA Safe Harbor Privacy seal certification program.

The post Welcome to the New and Improved ESRB Mobile App appeared first on ESRB Ratings.

Microsoft’s Xbox Series X|S

Microsoft offers not one, but two consoles: The Xbox Series X and the Xbox Series S. They both play the same games but there are a few notable differences that may help you decide which is a better fit for your children.

• Xbox Series X – The Xbox Series X is the fastest and most powerful Xbox ever. The Series X loads the latest high-res games with speed. Additionally, the Series X can play games via disks or download.
  • The Xbox Series X starts at $499
• Xbox Series S – Xbox Series S is similar to the Series X, although it has 1440p resolution as opposed to the Series X’s 4K. While it can play all the same games, it’s important to note that the Xbox Series S is an all-digital console, which means it does not play disc-based games, only downloads.
  • The Xbox Series S starts at $299

As mentioned, you can play the same games on both consoles, as well as many games from the original Xbox, the Xbox 360, and the Xbox One. That’s about 20 years of video games to choose from! Some Xbox games that may be on your children’s list, with their ESRB age rating noted, include:

• Forza Motorsport – Everyone
• Sonic Superstars – Everyone
• Hi-Fi RUSH – Teen
• Minecraft Legends – Everyone 10+
• Minecraft – Everyone 10+

A few of the exclusive game franchises you’ll find on the Xbox and/or Windows PC and nowhere else include Halo (Teen to Mature 17+), Starfield (Mature 17+), Age of Empires (Teen), Microsoft Flight Simulator (Everyone), and more. Additionally, Xbox users can subscribe to Xbox Game Pass (also available for PC) ) starting at $9.99/mo. for one console or PC, or $16.99/mo. for both console and PC, which provides hundreds of games at any given time..

Xbox parental controls can be set on the device, through the Xbox Family Settings app (Android and iOS), or the Microsoft Family website:

• Content & Age limits:  Set age level for ESRB rating for games on Xbox consoles for each child (via app, console, and website)
• Screen time limits:  Create screen time schedules for each child. Customize each day of the week with different ranges and what fits best for your household schedule (via app and website)
• Manage Friends:  See each friend your child is following, allow them to ‘Ask a parent’ to add a friend, or you can remove friends who your child is following. (Via app and console)
• Manage Spending:  Add money to your child’s account and enable the ‘Ask to Buy’ feature when they want to purchase a game, app, or in-game purchase. View your child’s account balance and spending history (via console and website)

Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch system can play games both on the TV at home and on a handheld anywhere. There are currently three variations of the Nintendo Switch console.

• Nintendo Switch – This is the standard Nintendo Switch, giving your kids the ability to play their games both on the TV using a “dock” and in handheld mode with the system’s built-in screen.
  • The Nintendo Switch starts at $299
• Nintendo Switch – OLED Model – While it’s largely the same as the original Nintendo Switch, it boasts a larger OLED (organic light-emitting diode) screen. This sounds complicated, but what it really means is that the colors are more vivid, with crisp contrast when you play on-the-go. It also has some other improvements (enhanced kickstand for tabletop play and a new dock with integrated LAN port, etc.), but the new screen is certainly the main draw here.
  • The Nintendo Switch – OLED Model starts at $349
• Nintendo Switch Lite – This is a handheld-only console. While it still plays nearly all the same games you’ll find on the original Nintendo Switch and the OLED Model, you cannot connect it to your TV.
  • The Nintendo Switch Lite starts at $199

Some Switch games that may interest your kids are:

• Super Mario RPG – Everyone
• Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Everyone
• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Everyone 10+
• Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet – Everyone
• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Everyone

A few of the exclusive game franchises you’ll find on the Switch and/or other Nintendo devices and nowhere else include The Legend of Zelda (Everyone to Teen), Super Mario (Everyone to Everyone 10+), Super Smash Bros. (Everyone 10+ to Teen), Pokémon (Everyone to Everyone 10+), and more.  Additionally, Nintendo users can subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online for as little as $3.99/mo. and have access to over one hundred classics from Nintendo’s back catalogue.

Parental controls can be set on the device itself, through the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app (Android and iOS), and your Nintendo Account allowing you to manage:

• Which games your kids can play based on the ESRB age rating (via console and app)
• When and for how long (via app)
• Whether communication can occur
• If they can spend money on in-game purchases (via Nintendo Account)

PlayStation 5

Sony’s newest console – the PlayStation 5 – offers a leap in power from its predecessor. There are two slightly different options available if the PlayStation 5 is on your kids’ wish list for this year.

• PlayStation 5 (2023 refresh) – This console, released with an updated design in November 2023, plays all the new games, as well as PlayStation 4 games, via either disks or digital download. Note that the older model may still available in some stores for the same price, but will be phased out in favor of this newer, slimmer design.
  • The PlayStation 5 starts at $499
• PlayStation 5 Digital Edition (2023 refresh) – The hardware capabilities are identical to the standard PlayStation 5 – meaning all the games will look and play the same as the console with a disk drive. The core difference is that this is a download only console, so you and your family will have to download games online via the PlayStation Store. That said, the refreshed model, launched in November 2023, has the ability to add a disk drive at a later date if you change your mind. This disk drive can be purchased separately for $79.99.
  • The PlayStation 5 Digital Edition starts at $449

Both consoles also play an overwhelming majority of the back catalogue of games from the PlayStation 4.  Some PlayStation games that may catch your kids’ eyes are:

• Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 – Teen
• Hogwarts Legacy – Teen
• HOT WHEELS UNLEASHED 2 – Turbocharged – Everyone
• Horizon Forbidden West – Teen
• Sackboy: A Big Adventure – Everyone

A few of the exclusive game franchises you’ll find on the PlayStation and (in some cases) on PC and nowhere else include Gran Turismo (Everyone), Ratchet & Clank (Everyone 10+ to Teen), The Last of Us (Mature 17+), Final Fantasy XVI (Mature), Uncharted (Teen), God of War (Mature 17+), and more. PlayStation users can also subscribe to PlayStation Plus, a tiered subscription service. You can choose from PlayStation Plus Essential (starts at $9.99/mo.), PlayStation Plus Extra (starts at 14.99/mo.), and PlayStation Plus Premium (starts at 17.99/mo.). Each tier has its own perks, with the highest tier including hundreds of video games to choose from.

PlayStation parental controls can be set on the device itself or through a browser-based portal on a computer or mobile device to manage:

• Which games your kids can play based on the ESRB age rating
• When and for how long
• With whom
• How much money (if any!) they can spend on in-game purchases

More Tips

Shopping for video game consoles is just the first step! There are dozens of great video game options for every family, but here are a few more tips for the holidays season, especially as the shopping competition heats up.

• Check the Ratings – Make sure you always check the ratings before you buy to make sure a video game is appropriate for your family. You can find ratings on:
  • ESRB.org
  • On the front and back of video game boxes in stores
  • On many retail websites (such as Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, Target, and Walmart)
  • On product detail pages on digital storefronts
  • In advertisements
  • Via the ESRB Rating Search App for iOS and Android.
• Update The Console – If you have time, it’s helpful to update the firmware for a console before you give it to your kids! Just like your phone, consoles receive regular updates that add new functionality, address bugs, update features, and more. While it’s very simple to do, it may not be the most fun first experience for your kids to wait for their new console to update before diving into a game. If there’s time, open the console, connect it to your internet (Wi-Fi or wired) and follow the prompts to update the console. This may also be a good opportunity to create child accounts for your children and activate parental controls. You can find more information about that below.
• Set Parental Controls – As mentioned above, every video game device has parental controls built in to help you manage what your kids play (based on the ESRB age rating), when they can play, for how long, with whom, and whether they can spend money on in-game purchases and new game downloads. However, each console’s settings have their own unique options and features, so be sure to explore how your new console can help you keep video games a positive experience for your family. If there’s time, hook up the console and set parental controls before you give your kids the new console. This way everything is set as soon as they unwrap their gifts. Visit ParentalTools.org for step-by-step parental controls guides.

Make sure you always check the ratings before you buy to make sure a video game is appropriate for your family.

• Visit the Family Gaming Guide – Our user-friendly guide has tips to help you manage your kids’ video game experiences. The Family Gaming Guide explores picking appropriate games, managing screen time, establishing household rules, keeping your kids’ personal information safe, and more! Check out the guide to maintain some peace of him around your kids’ video game experiences.
• Review the Online Safety Principles that Nintendo, PlayStation, and Xbox share to  help ensure  the safety of their players, especially those most vulnerable.  Those principles include:
  • Prevention: Empower players and parents to understand and control gaming experiences
  • Partnership: Nintendo, PlayStation, and Xbox commit to partnering with industry, regulators, law enforcement, and their communities to advance user safety
  • Responsibility: Nintendo, PlayStation and Xbox hold themselves accountable for making their platforms as safe as possible for all players.

Patricia E. Vance is the president of the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). In her position, she leads the teams responsible for assigning age and content ratings to video games and apps, enforcing marketing guidelines adopted by the video game industry, and operating ESRB Privacy Certified, an FTC-sanctioned COPPA Safe Harbor Privacy seal certification program.

The post What Parents Need to Know About Shopping for Video Game Consoles appeared first on ESRB Ratings.

The open-world sandbox game is filled with the kind of exploration, creation, and community that appeal to adults and children alike. Odds are you’ve been hearing about Minecraft for quite some time. Maybe you’ve learned a lot about it through your kids, or maybe you’re just getting acquainted with it now. Either way, if you’re wondering about what more you need to know about the risks and rewards of your child playing Minecraft, read on.

What is Minecraft?

At its core, Minecraft is a game where players place blocks and go on adventures. This includes anything from crafting simple items like containers or weapons, to building structures like houses, castles, and cities, or even making complex mechanical devices, all within the game’s world. Think of it like an endless world of complex, programmable LEGOs that allows players to imagine, design, and create anything they dream up.

Gameplay in Minecraft is split into two different modes: Survival mode and creative mode.

Survival mode is almost like a campaign, where players must forage for food and fend off incoming enemies with various weapons such as swords or pickaxes. Players have to be resourceful when exploring their environment, as they could be attacked by mobs of threatening creatures (such as the iconic Creeper).

The ultimate goal is to use materials to build equipment and structures like houses or gardens to stay safe from the elements. Unlike many similar games, the path to victory is entirely up to the player. The open-world structure invites many different playstyles and encourages experimentation and exploration when dealing with the crafting mechanic. For those that want a structured challenge, the Ender Dragon is the main threat within this mode, and players can try and vanquish it, though it’s not an easy task!

Creative mode offers a more open-ended experience, where players do not have to worry about hunger, health, or being attacked by enemies. In creative mode, players can fly and have access to an unlimited amount of in-game resources. With a full arsenal of materials to use, players create and explore to their heart’s content. Some players opt to create simple structures, while others create vast works of art and engineering. The possibilities are endless!

Is Minecraft Appropriate for Kids?

Minecraft is rated E10+ (Everyone 10+) with a Content Descriptor for Fantasy Violence. It also has Interactive Elements for Users Interact (meaning players can communicate online if they choose) and In-Game Purchases (meaning the game offers the ability to exchange real-world currency for in-game currency or items).

Minecraft does not have violent or gory content in the base game. Enemies and other creatures will simply vanish when defeated, and while players can kill non-threatening animals for food sources, these displays are not glorified. That said, the ability to create and share content means that some other users may publicly share content that your kids may not be ready to engage with. Fortunately, there are parental controls available to help manage (block, limit, etc.) access to user-created content.

Materials like pickaxes and dynamite are used to explode terrain and enemies, but these are blocky and cartoony in nature. In survival mode, players can perish from starvation, burning, drowning, falling, or being attacked by hostile creatures, among other fates; however, these aren’t shown, and players can simply respawn after succumbing to the elements.

Community Features

Players can also join private servers that are set up by independent members of the community and are not controlled or moderated by Mojang Studios. Servers may host some users with whom parents may not be familiar. Players can “block” or “mute” other players who bother them. Many servers are set up by default to censor profanity in text chat; however, some servers – which is an individual player’s “world” – are set up by their host to allow more explicit or objectionable content subject to the specific community guidelines they establish. Voice chat is not available in the PC version of the game, but players can use other platforms like Discord to chat while playing. Meanwhile, those playing on game console platforms, like Xbox and PlayStation, do have access to in-game voice chat. Of course, you can block or limit with whom your kids’ can communicate via parental controls.

Parents should monitor which Minecraft server(s) their children are participating in to determine if the user base is appropriate. You can also create a private server for your kids called a Minecraft Realm, which allows you to individually approve or deny who is permitted to enter. Microsoft parental controls also enable parents to set up a child account to manage online communications, not just in Minecraft but in other Windows PC and Xbox games.

You can find step-by-step parental controls guides at ParentalTools.org.

Differentiating Versions of Minecraft

You may notice that there are two different versions: Minecraft Java Edition and Minecraft Bedrock Edition. The major difference between these versions hinges on the platforms on which they are available. Java Edition is available on PC, Mac, and Linux computers, whereas Bedrock is available on Windows 10 and 11, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, PlayStation 4 and 5, Nintendo Switch, Fire OS/TV, Android, iOS, Windows Mobile, and Samsung Gear VR. Players using the Java Edition cannot play with players using the Bedrock Edition, so if your child plays Minecraft on a PC and wants to play with their friends online, it would be important to find out which version their friends use.

Parents should monitor which Minecraft server(s) their children are participating in to determine if the user base is appropriate.

There are a number of other differences between the two versions, including how players access user-created “mods” or downloadable content like skins and maps for the game. In the Bedrock Edition, mods are curated and only accessible in the Minecraft Marketplace, which means the quality will likely be more limited but consistent. The Bedrock Edition enables cross-play across a much broader variety of platforms, whereas the Java Edition is limited to playing with other PC users. You can find more on the differences between Minecraft Java Edition and Minecraft Bedrock Edition here and here.

How Much Does Minecraft Cost?

Minecraft is available for almost every modern console, smartphone, tablet, and computer, but the price of the game differs depending upon the platforms your kids use.

Regardless of the version, “Minecoins” (Minecraft’s in-game currency) can be used to purchase add-ons and skins in the Minecraft Marketplace. Note that any add-ons are completely optional, and the game is playable without needing to make any additional purchases. Minecoins aren’t available for purchase on all platforms, so it may not even be applicable in your home.

Remember that all gaming devices have parental controls that allow you to restrict or limit the ability to make in-game purchases. Remember to visit ESRB’s step-by-step parental control guides at ParentalTools.org to help manage how much your kids can spend on new games and in-game purchases, which games your kids can play, with whom, and when/for how long they can play.

Using Minecraft in Schools

Minecraft also has a special version created specifically to facilitate learning in a fun and engaging way. Minecraft: Education Edition is built to help kids learn things like collaboration, creative problem-solving, STEM skills, and more! Education Edition has also been evolving into creating lessons to help kids better navigate online environments. This includes how they can stay safe online and to help teach them how to keep their personal information private.

Minecraft: Education Edition is available for free for anyone with an Office 365 Education account. If you (or your kids’ school) aren’t eligible, you can still try Education Edition with a free Hour of Code.

Patricia E. Vance is the president of the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). In her position, she leads the teams responsible for assigning age and content ratings to video games and apps, enforcing marketing guidelines adopted by the video game industry, and operating ESRB Privacy Certified, an FTC-sanctioned COPPA Safe Harbor Privacy seal certification program.

The post What Parents Need to Know About Minecraft appeared first on ESRB Ratings.

If you’re at all familiar with video games you’ve almost definitely heard about Fortnite, especially if you have kids. From game consoles and computers to smartphones and tablets, Fortnite’s fun gameplay and accessibility quickly cemented its popularity among gamers of all ages. Over the years Fortnite has continued to evolve, becoming a fully cultural phenomenon incorporating popular brands, celebrities, film screenings, concerts, fashion shows and more. As a parent, you may be wondering what you need to know about Fortnite, particularly if it’s suitable for your children.  The following should help answer that question.

What is Fortnite?

Fortnite is rated T for Teen with a Content Descriptor for Violence and Interactive Elements including Users Interact and In-Game Purchases.  The depictions of guns and violence in Fortnite are cartoon-like and there’s no blood or gore. The game comes across as whimsical and even absurd at times.

Although Fortnite can be enjoyed alone or just with friends in its Save the World mode, the real draw for most Fortnite players is its online multiplayer Battle Royale modes. In each match, 100 players are dropped into a map with the sole mission of being the last player standing. Most competitions last approximately 20 minutes, but because it’s a free-for-all, player experiences can be as short as a few seconds. Gamers take out other players by gathering items, including guns and other weapons. Some modes allow players to defend themselves by building complex structures on the fly, but there is also a “Zero Build” mode which has gained popularity since its introduction in March 2022. The last player standing wins the coveted “Victory Royale.”

Creative mode lets players design their own Fortnite games and experiences that they can share with friends and others online. Recently, Epic revealed the Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN). These tools allow players to design, develop, and publish more professional looking games and experiences directly into Fortnite. In short, UEFN enables players to use some of the same tools Epic uses to develop Fortnite to create and share their own Islands (empty maps on which players and creators can make their own personalized experiences), stories, and more.

Partnerships and collaborations – like an in-game battle with Marvel villain Galactus – bring in players from different “fandoms,” after which they often stick around to see what the game offers next. Fortnite’s strategy, depth, and story-like flow to each “season” make it compelling. Meanwhile, its exuberant schoolyard simplicity makes it easy for players of all ages to pick up and enjoy, regardless of a player’s skill.

How to Mitigate Risks in Fortnite

It’s important to note that if your kids go to Islands built with Fortnite Creative or UEFN, they will have access to other people’s creations in Fortnite. The good news is, through a combination of automated tools and human review, Epic currently examines all player-created content prior to its release to ensure that it is appropriate for Fortnite’s audience and abides by their content rules.

With so many playing the game, your child could encounter players who may not set the greatest examples in terms of sportsmanship. This presents a good opportunity to talk with your child about online safety, what kind of behavior is appropriate, and what’s over the line. And remember, if another player ever makes your kids feel uncomfortable you can always mute, block, or report the offender.  Moreover, Fortnite has its own robust parental controls and even default settings to ensure that your child has a positive experience.

What Are Cabined Accounts?

Epic launched Cabined Accounts in late 2022, a new type of Epic account that provides a tailored experience designed to help ensure that experiences are appropriate for younger players.

Should your kids be under 13 their account will automatically be classified as a Cabined Account and require you to approve your child’s access to certain in-game features. (This is a reminder about why it’s so vitally important that your kids always enter their accurate age when signing up for a product or service!) Once your child receives parental consent, they will no longer have a Cabined Account and their experience will respect your preferred Parental Control settings.

When your kids register for Fortnite, they will be asked for a parent’s email address. Epic will then send an email to you letting you know about your child’s Epic account and provide you with the opportunity to provide permission to access certain features and set up parental controls that:

• Manage the games your kids can get in the Epic Games Store based on ESRB ratings;
• Limit online chat (voice and/or text) to Everybody, Friends and Teammates, Friends Only, or Nobody;
• Block or limit spending on in-game purchases using Epic Games payment; and
• Set up parental controls that allow you to manage who your child is able to send or accept Epic friend requests from;
• Track the amount of time your kids spend playing Fortnite every week.

Where Can You Play Fortnite?

The game is available for download on multiple gaming platforms: Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and the Epic Games Store. For Android users, it’s also available in the Samsung Galaxy Store on Samsung Galaxy devices, or from the Epic Games App on all other Android devices. As of this writing, the mobile version of the game is no longer available for download in either the Apple App Store or Google Play but can be played if the game was previously installed on an iOS or Android device. Fortnite is also playable via cloud streaming on Amazon Luna, GeForce Now, and Xbox Cloud Gaming.

Notably, Fortnite allows players on one device to play with friends and other players using a different one. This is referred to as “cross-platform” playability, a feature that not every game has but greatly expands the pool of online players.

How Much Does Fortnite Cost?

Anyone can access and play Fortnite for free. However, the game offers purchases with its own in-game currency called V-Bucks (1000 V-Bucks costs $7.99). Players can use V-Bucks to buy in-game items like cosmetics to customize their experience. They can also buy a Battle Pass using 950 V-Bucks, adding an extra layer of unlockable gadgets and bonuses for each gameplay “season,” which typically lasts for about 10 weeks. A Fortnite Crew subscription of $11.99 a month will get players a monthly bonus of 1,000 V-Bucks, the most recent Battle Pass and exclusive outfits.

For the record, buying V-Bucks is not required to enjoy Fortnite, as they don’t provide any competitive advantage. Players are not penalized for sticking with the free option. On top of that, players can also earn V-Bucks by completing in-game tasks, making additional purchases entirely optional.

While Battle Royale and Creative modes are free-to-play, Save the World needs to be purchased for access. The price has fluctuated over time between $15.99 and $39.99 depending on the platform.

For the record, buying V-Bucks is not required to enjoy Fortnite.

Keep in mind that some of these costs are subject to change, so it’s helpful to double check before making a purchase.

Additional Tips for Parents

While Cabined Accounts and parental controls offer parents many great choices, there are more steps you can take to ensure that your kids have appropriate video game experiences.

We always say that the best first step is to call a family meeting and establish some household rules around video game play. By first discussing the situation you’re setting a precedent for an open-ended, judgment-free conversation about video games. You’re also letting them know that, while you respect their love of playing games, there are parameters that the whole family (even you!) need to respect.

To back this up, you can also set platform-level parental controls. All video game platforms (including consoles, smartphones, and computers) also include parental controls, which you can activate to manage what games your kids play, with whom, when/for how long, and whether they can spend money on in-game purchases and/or new games. Some devices even let you set spending limits or allot time parameters for every day of the week. Both iOS and Android mobile devices also offer effective tools for parents, like Apple’s Screen Time and Google’s Family Link. ESRB offers step-by-step parental controls guides at ParentalTools.org.

Visit ESRB’s Family Gaming Guide for more information on household rules, parental controls, online safety tips, and more.

Patricia E. Vance is the president of the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). In her position, she leads the teams responsible for assigning age and content ratings to video games and apps, enforcing marketing guidelines adopted by the video game industry, and operating ESRB Privacy Certified, an FTC-sanctioned COPPA Safe Harbor Privacy seal certification program.

The post What Parents Need To Know About Fortnite Battle Royale appeared first on ESRB Ratings.

E (Everyone)

50% of all ratings assigned to physical and console downloadable games in 2022 were for E for Everyone. Families with kids of all ages have thousands of options to choose from when looking for games that are appropriate for the whole family.

E10+ (Everyone 10+)

Everyone 10+ was assigned 17% of the time in 2022, just 1% more than the numbers in 2021. Combined with all the games rated E for Everyone, your 10-year-old has even more age-appropriate games to choose from than last year.

T (Teen 13+)

21% of ratings assigned were for T for Teen in 2022, 1% down from what we saw in 2021. Combined with E and E10+, almost 9 out of 10 ratings assigned to physical and console downloadable games released in 2022 are appropriate for your teenager.

M (Mature 17+)

M for Mature 17+ was assigned least frequently in 2022, with 12% of rating assignments.

Rating Categories are a great first step to understanding what’s in a game before buying or downloading for your kids. But ESRB provides even more information to help you decide what’s appropriate for your family. ESRB also assigns Content Descriptors to indicate why a game was assigned a specific rating, and Interactive Elements to highlight interactive or online features that may be of interest, such as online communications with other players and in-game purchases. If you’re still up in the air, you can also consult our rating summaries, which are available by title search on our website and mobile app.

And there are tons of resources beyond ESRB-assigned age and content ratings. In fact, many parents tell us that they’re picking up the controller more and more often to determine if a game is OK for their kids. You can also look up gameplay videos, research on social media, and talk to other parents to get a good idea of what’s in a game.

But always remember that no one knows your kids better than you! Sometimes a younger child may be ready for a T-rated game, and other times a 14-year-old may need some more time. ESRB is here to help provide you with the tips and information you need to make those decisions while maintaining some peace of mind. For more information on what you can do to keep you kids’ video game experiences positive visit our Family Gaming Guide – a comprehensive, user-friendly guide that provides tips for picking appropriate games, managing online communications, establishing household rules, setting up child accounts and parental controls, and more!

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But how can you be sure this entry into the world of Harry Potter is appropriate for your kids? Fortunately, we have everything you need to know in order to decide.

What is Hogwarts Legacy?

Hogwarts Legacy is a single-player, open-world, action role-playing game set in the fictional magical school made famous in the Harry Potter series and Wizarding World universe. The story takes place in an 1800s wizarding world, more than a hundred years before the books’ setting, so familiar characters may not show up.

Instead, players take on the persona of a new fifth-year student, who they create for themselves using a powerful but simple character customization tool at the start of the game. It allows for detailed options, including gender, ethnicity, coloring, attire, accessories, and more. Players will also be sorted into their chosen school house – Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Gryffindor, or Slytherin.

Students attend classes for Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, and Potions. Throughout the school year they can become more powerful by passing simple magical challenges, taming and riding magical beasts, and accruing new powers and skills, including the ability to fly on a broomstick (alas, competing in Quidditch tournaments is not part of the game).

Players learn powerful spells used in combat against nefarious, supernatural enemies such as goblins and witches, as well as the secrets of potion brewing. Students will also be free to explore not just Hogwarts, but its connected locations, such as Diagon Alley, the Forbidden Forest, the Room of Requirement, and the village of Hogsmeade. Wizards may even encounter some familiar denizens of Hogwarts, including Nearly Headless Nick, The Fat Lady, and Peeves.

Throughout the game’s story, players will shape their wizarding personality through their choices and actions, influencing the overall arc of the game.

Is Hogwarts Legacy Appropriate for Children?

Hogwarts Legacy is rated T (Teen 13+), with Content Descriptors including Blood, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Use of Alcohol, and Interactive Elements for In-Game Purchases.

ESRB’s Rating Summary provides more details that may be important to consider as you decide if Hogwarts Legacy is appropriate for your family, such as:

Battles are frenetic at times, with explosions, cries of pain, and impact sounds. A handful of story sequences depict characters getting slain by a killing curse. Blood is sometimes depicted near corpses and piles of bones. During the course of the game, players and characters can consume butterbeer that is described as having “a slight alcoholic content.” The word “bastard” appears in the game.

Where Can I Play Hogwarts Legacy?

Hogwarts Legacy is out now on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows.

Hogwarts Legacy costs $69.99 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, and $59.99 on Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Deluxe editions are also available at higher prices (79.99 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S; 69.99 for the Switch, PS4, Xbox One and PC). A small selection of “Deluxe” features are also available to buy in-game as the “Dark Arts Pack”, which adds a number of cosmetic items and a new battle arena.

Hogwarts Legacy is out now on PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X|S.

While it may be hard to find, there is also a Collector’s Edition available that includes a number of exclusive physical and in-game items. If you can track one down, it costs $299.99 on all available platforms.

Staying Involved with Your Kids’ Wizarding Adventures

As always, understanding the games your children are playing is key to making sure they have appropriate experiences.

Checking the ratings, researching online, or even watching your children play for a while is not only a great way to stay informed, but also helps nurture a judgment-free environment around something they love. You may even want to pick up the controller and join the fun. Playing immersive role-playing games with family and friends can be a great opportunity to connect and enjoy each other’s company.

Consoles and PC gaming platforms like Steam and Epic Games Store offer parental controls that help you manage what your kids play, when and for how long, with whom, and whether they can spend money on new games or in-game purchases. You can find step-by-step parental controls guides at ParentalTools.org.

While you’re there, visit ESRB’s Family Gaming Guide for more tips about how you can help to ensure positive video game experiences for your kids.

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The Family Gaming Guide was created to be a user-friendly, digestible tool for parents and caregivers to quickly find information about the games their kids are playing and asking about. Today, we’re launching a new, streamlined interface to help parents and caregivers find what they’re looking for quickly. Paired with updated information to help parents address key concerns around video games, screen time, online game play, privacy, and more, the updated Family Gaming Guide is a go-to resource.

The new guide can help parents and caregivers with:

• Selecting Appropriate Video Games
  • Learn the steps you can take as a parent to understand the content of a video game before downloading or buying it for your kids. This section provides advice on everything from checking the ESRB-assigned rating information, to the benefits of trying a game before making a purchase.
• Establishing Household Rules
  • Household rules are an important step to help ensure video game play has a positive, balanced place in a child’s day-to-day life. This section has guidance around appropriate games, screen time, online play, and more.
• Setting Up a Child Account and Using Parental Controls
  • Back up household rules with parental controls, which are available on virtually every device that can play video games. The guide explains the ins and outs of how parental controls can help manage what kids play, with whom, for how long, and whether they can spend money on new games and/or in-game purchases. Be sure to visit ParentalTools.org for in-depth, step-by-step instructions for most video game devices.
• Playing Multiplayer Games Online
  • Online gameplay is a great way for kids to socialize and keep in touch with friends, classmates, and family members. From group chats on Discord to round after round of Among Us, there are resources to help children have a safe, positive experience online, such as reviewing community guidelines and showing them how to block, mute and report other players.
• Managing Screen Time
  • Kids depend on screens and devices for schoolwork, entertainment, and socialization, so it’s no surprise that managing screen time spent is a priority for parents. Beyond setting household rules, there are tools to help set boundaries around screen time. Learn more about how to navigate these features, set up timers and other tips.
• Privacy Tips for Parents
  • Whether children are using their parents’ device or their own, there are tools and options to help parents maintain their kids’ privacy while playing their favorite games. While there are laws that govern the collection and use of online information, reviewing settings and features are key to making sure that kids’ personal information is protected online.

Along with the updated Family Gaming Guide, we’re launching a series of videos highlighting each of the six sections. Narrated by Kinda Funny’s Greg Miller, the videos cast parents as the household hero, making sure their kids’ video game experiences are fun and appropriate.

With the new, enhanced Family Gaming Guide, parents can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowledge and information, while kids get to benefit from the best of what video games have to offer.

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Read on for more key trends from our most recent survey with parents, conducted by Hart Research Associates in June 2022.

Trend: More Parents Are Playing Games to Help Decide Appropriateness

Parents are making time to play a video game to help them decide if it is appropriate for their children; in fact, playing a game to determine age appropriateness is second only to checking the ESRB rating information.

Parents and caregivers are getting into the game more than ever. Most say ESRB ratings are still a “very helpful” method for determining the appropriateness of a game. This year, we’re also seeing more and more parents jump in as player 1 to help them decide about appropriate video games. Of course, as the survey confirms, parents are also taking advantage of other resources and strategies, including getting information from other parents, considering the genre of a game, and conducting internet research.

Trend: All Three Parts of the ESRB Ratings Continue to Be Very Important to Parents

Parental awareness and use of ESRB-assigned age and content ratings remains high. Parents say that all three parts of the rating system continue to be very valuable when deciding whether a video game is appropriate for their children. 

Parents continue to show a high level of awareness and use of the ESRB ratings. In fact, 84% say they are aware of the age ratings, while 74% say they check them before buying a game “every time” or “most of the time.”

A large majority of parents also find that all three parts of the rating system are “extremely” or “very” important when making decisions about appropriate video games for their family.

Trend: Parents and Caregivers are the Primary Decision-Makers When it Comes to Video Games

Parents and caregivers remain active in the decision-making process around appropriate video games. The survey revealed that parents make the decisions about which games and apps are permitted in the home.

Parents are in the driver’s seat when making decisions about which video games are permitted in the home. 78% of parents say they make all or most of the decisions about which games their kids can play and which apps they download. Some parents (17%) opt for a hybrid approach, working with their children to make these decisions. Only 5% of parents say their kids are allowed to make all or most of the decisions about what they play and download.

Trend: Parents Trust their Kids While Leveraging Parental Controls as Back-Up

Parents generally trust their children to follow the household rules. That said, many parents still enable parental controls to ensure that there are guardrails in place for their children around what they play, with whom, for how long, and whether they can spend money on new games and/or in-game purchases.

A large majority of parents (80%) say they use at least one parental control setting on one or more of their kids’ game devices (including consoles, PCs, and mobile devices) in the home. For parents who use parental controls on a video game console the highest proportion say they do so to limit or block purchases using real money. This is followed by limiting screen time, blocking games based on the ESRB-assigned age rating, and managing online communications with other players.

Trend: Parents Are Involved!

We often say that the best way for parents and caregivers to manage their kids’ video game play is to stay involved. From conducting pre-purchase research to setting parental controls, nurturing an open-ended, judgement-free conversation around appropriate video games is a surefire way to make sure you’re never in the dark about what (with whom and how much) your kids play. The good news is that this year’s survey illustrates that parents largely take advantage of the many tools and resources available and are actively engaged in managing their children’s video game experiences.  Parents being parents!

Patricia E. Vance is the president of the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). In her position, she leads the teams responsible for assigning age and content ratings to video games and apps, enforcing marketing guidelines adopted by the video game industry, and operating ESRB Privacy Certified, an FTC-sanctioned COPPA Safe Harbor Privacy seal certification program.

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On the whole, gaming is a healthy, fun activity, but it’s always helpful to stay involved with what your kids are playing, especially when you can’t be there to watch.

What Are Mobile Games?

If your child has access to a smartphone, chances are they’re playing mobile games. These games are mostly downloaded from either the Google Play Store (Android) or the Apple App Store (iPhone/iPad).

These digital stores maintain simple-to-follow rating systems that inform parents about the game’s age appropriateness, and the nature of the game’s content. In fact, every game and app in the Google Play Store includes ESRB assigned age and content rating information. There are also plenty of online resources that inform parents about individual games, and whether they are appropriate to an individual family’s preferences.

When it comes to mobile games and kids, most parents have five key questions, which I will address here:

1. Can my kids spend money on mobile games without my consent?
2. How do I manage for how long my kids can play mobile games?
3. How do I block inappropriate games?
4. How can I restrict in-game advertising?
5. How do I manage with whom my kids communicate in mobile games?

Can My Kids Spend Money On Mobile Games Without My Consent?

Many games are free-to-play, meaning that they cost nothing to download and to play. These games make their money by serving ads and/or offering in-game purchases, where players can buy items such as clothing, weapons, or ability boosts. Some offer “season passes” which open up access to new, sometimes exclusive, content. These are often extremely tempting for keen game players, and most parents with kids who play games will be familiar with earnest requests for funds to purchase new content.

Parents can employ a number of strategies to limit how their children spend money in app stores. Both iOS and Google Play include parental controls that allow parents to block their kids’ devices from making purchases if they feel it is necessary, or to impose maximum limits in purchases.

The most common strategy – and the one I use – is to tell my kids that they must always ask permission before buying anything online. These purchases then become treats, and some parents may feel that they are earned through, say, completing homework assignments. App store settings allow parents to receive notifications when their child tries to make a purchase, that they can then either approve or deny.

Another strategy is to give your kids an allowance that they can spend how they please. This may also help teach kids the value of budgeting, saving, and how they can spend their own money.

The most common strategy – and the one I use – is to tell my kids that they must always ask permission before buying anything online.

Some mobile games cost a fixed fee to download and play – like traditional video games you’d find in a store or on a game console. If you don’t have parental controls for spending set up on your kids’ phones, keep an eye on your bank statements and look out for strange charges.

Both Google and Apple also offer subscription services. Google Play Pass offers hundreds of games for a monthly (or reduced yearly) fee. None of these games include any additional charges or advertisements. Apple offers a very similar service, Apple Arcade. These both allow parents some peace of mind, especially if you’re concerned about in-game purchases and the nature of ads in mobile games.

How Do I Manage For How Long My Kids Can Play Mobile Games?

As a fan of video games I know how easy it is to get sucked in, and it’s the same for my kids. I’m always keen to make sure they’re not spending too much time gaming, especially if it’s at the expense of other activities like schoolwork, and outdoor pursuits.

Agreeing on video game time limits is one of the biggest parental challenges of our times (at least in my house) and it is not unknown for my kids to sneak a gaming session under the bed sheets when they ought to be fast asleep. Thankfully, this is an area where cellphones have parental controls to block kids from playing games between certain hours of the day. Parents can also set daily time limits on how long kids are able to play games. I recommend using these tools, which are also available on game consoles, especially for younger children.

How Do I Block Inappropriate Games?

Phones registered to children always include a variety of settings that allow parents to block any kind of content they deem inappropriate.

As mentioned, Google Play features age and content ratings assigned by ESRB, including:

• Rating Categories – suggest age appropriateness such as
  • E (Everyone)
  • E10+ (Everyone 10+)
  • T (Teen)
  • M (Mature)
  • AO (Adults Only)
• Content Descriptors – indicating whether a game contains violence, suggestive themes, language, gambling, controlled substances, and more.
• Interactive Elements – provide more insight into features that are of interest to many parents, such as the ability for users to interact (Users Interact) or the ability to spend money within a game (In-Game Purchases, In-Game Purchases (Includes Random Items)).

The iPhone and iPad app store uses a similar rating system based on children’s ages:

• Rated 4+
• Rated 9+
• Rated 12+
• Rated 17+

App stores also allow you to organize content into family-friendly areas, so that kids are only browsing games that are appropriate to their age group. Again, parents can set this as the default on their children’s phones.

How Can I Restrict In-game Advertising?

Many free-to-play games are funded via advertising. In some scenarios these are pop-ups, and in others players are obliged to watch an ad to continue playing. These ads often promote other mobile games and come with an invitation to download. The ESRB does not have any way of classifying these ads, as they are controlled by ad networks and typically based on the behavior of the user (which in many cases is you). The responsibility lies with app stores to serve ads that are appropriate to the content and the user.

Frankly, their automated systems are a work in progress so inappropriate ads can sometimes slip through. Some games allow players to block ads by paying a small fee, which may be a worthwhile investment if your child enjoys the game. Alternatively, you can reach out to the storefront’s customer service to let them know that your kids were served an inappropriate ad.

App stores also allow you to organize content into family-friendly areas.

Playing advertising-funded games in airplane mode can also sometimes block the ads from getting through. Another solution is to monitor the games your kids are playing and block all apps that serve ads. This can limit the number of games available to your kids, but some parents may feel more comfortable with this measure.

How Do I Manage With Whom My Kids Communicate?

Unfortunately, stranger-danger is something all parents and kids have to be aware of in all situations, including mobile games.

It’s always worth finding out if the games your child plays have a ‘chat function,’ which allows them to converse with other players. It is common for games to allow anyone to play with one another, creating the potential for bad actors and bullies to interact with kids.

Game settings often allow parents to restrict whom their child plays with. For example, look for a privacy setting that restricts games to only your child’s in-game friends, or perhaps to a wider circle called ‘friends of friends’. You can also turn chat functions off entirely.

I talk to my kids about ‘stranger danger’ online. If they ever feel uncomfortable with another player’s behavior, they know to block or mute that player, and perhaps to report their behavior via the game’s reporting mechanisms, which are usually very simple.

My kids also know to talk to their parents if they come across someone who upsets them or creates concern among their friends. This way I can look into that person’s online persona and make my own complaint to the game’s moderators if necessary. I also teach my kids to never, ever agree to private chats with strangers, or to hand over any passwords or game keys.

It’s worth noting that most kids, most of the time, will have positive experiences playing games online. Game companies are getting better at weeding out toxic players and identifying concerning behavior patterns through artificial intelligence and in-game monitors. As always, staying involved as a parent is the best way to make sure your kids are having a good time.

Bottom Line

Mobile games are great fun, and a positive experience for kids. By keeping an eye on your kids’ gaming habits, staying informed, and making use of parental controls, you can maintain a healthy relationship between your children and their favorite mobile games.

Colin Campbell is a freelance journalist whose work has appeared in The Economist, The Guardian, Polygon, IGN, Gamesindustry.biz and more.

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E (Everyone)

50% of all ratings assigned to physical and console downloadable games in 2021 were for E for Everyone. This means that families have literally thousands of choices of games that are appropriate for the whole family!

E10+ (Everyone 10+)

Just like in 2020, Everyone 10+ was assigned 16% of the time in 2021. Combined with all of the games rated E for Everyone, your 10-year-old has even more age-appropriate games to choose from than last year!

T (Teen 13+)

22% of ratings assigned were for T for Teen in 2021. Combined with E and E10+, almost 9 out of 10 ratings assigned to physical and console downloadable games released in 2021 are appropriate for your teenager!

M (Mature 17+)

Like in years past, M for Mature 17+ was the least common rating in 2021 with 12% of rating assignments.

Rating Categories are a great first step to understanding what’s in a game before buying or downloading for your kids. But remember that it’s just one part of the equation! ESRB also assigns Content Descriptors to indicate why a game was assigned a specific rating, and Interactive Elements to highlight interactive or online features that may be of interest, such as online communications with other players and in-game purchases.  And if you have any remaining questions, you can always consult our rating summaries, which are available by title search on our website and mobile app.

It’s also worth keeping in mind that no one knows your kids better than you. Sometimes your younger one may be ready for a T-rated game, and other times your 14-year-old may need some more time. ESRB is here to help provide you with the tips and information you need to make those decisions while maintaining some peace of mind. For more information on what you can do to keep you kids’ video game experiences positive visit our Family Gaming Guide – a comprehensive, user-friendly guide that provides tips for picking appropriate games, managing online communications, establishing household rules, setting up child accounts and parental controls, and more!

The post Half of All ESRB Ratings Assigned in 2021 Were E for Everyone appeared first on ESRB Ratings.