Is MultiVersus Appropriate for Kids?

MultiVersus is rated T for Teen by the ESRB, with Content Descriptors for Fantasy Violence and Language. The rating for MultiVersus also has an Interactive Element – In-Game Purchases – which let’s you know that you have the option to spend real-world currency on additional content.

This game features cartoon and mild superhero-movie style violence as well as light profanity from characters that’s consistent with their personalities in other media. For example, Harley Quinn says “bitchin”, and Batman uses a phrase that includes “badass”. An optional filter is available to toggle swearing on and off.

It’s designed for two-vs-two gameplay via online or offline contests but can also be played as a one-vs-one game, or in single-player mode.

Where Can I Play MultiVersus and How Much Does it Cost?

MultiVersus is available for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows PC. The game features full cross-play support, meaning that owners of different platforms can play against one another online.

Players can download and play MultiVersus for free, with the ability to earn in-game cosmetics by completing challenges and missions. At first, only a limited number of characters are available, but others are unlocked as the player becomes more proficient.

As mentioned, MultiVersus features in-game purchase options like Premium Battle Passes (in addition to a free Battle Pass), buffs, perks, costumes, and more – all of which can be obtained with the game’s premium currency called Gleamium. Players will have the option to purchase Gleamium or earn it through gameplay. If you’re thinking about purchasing Gleamium you can get:

• 450 Gleamium for $4.99
• 1,000 Gleamium for $9.99
• 2,200 Gleamium for $19.99
• 6,000 Gleamium for $49.99

While Gleamium is the only premium currency (meaning the only one you can purchase directly) players can also earn Fighter Currency, by completing certain in-game challenges, events, missions, and more. Fighter Currency can only be used to unlock new characters. Players can also earn Perk Currency, which can be exchanged for character perks that – when attached to a character – give them power ups. Like Fighter Currency, Perk Currency can be earned through in-game missions, events, and more.

Additional purchases are entirely optional, but keep mind that it may take time to earn enough currency to unlock some characters, cosmetics, abilities, and more. It’s also always a good idea to set parental controls to make sure your kids don’t accidentally spend money on in-game purchases or new games without your permission.

What is MultiVersus About?

Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. holds a host of properties that include film and TV studios, major comic franchises, and cable networks. Not to mention assets in sports, music, and more. It also owns Warner Bros. Games, the publisher of MultiVersus, a game that plucks many of Warner’s most valuable characters – old and new – and throws them together in a colorful world of fantastical combat.

MultiVersus celebrates these characters’ big personalities, and their charming quirks and catchphrases. Many of the characters are voiced by actors known for playing the roles on TV and in movies. Arya Stark from Game of Thrones, for example, is voiced by Maisie Williams.

The game’s cinematic trailer sets the stage for the story. Batman is surprised to be transported to a strange, grassy platform, where he’s quickly joined by an equally confused Shaggy, from Scooby Doo. Bugs Bunny shows up, followed by Arya Stark, slashing her famous sword. Mayhem ensues, as each character uses their own moves and weapons to best their rivals.

Like many free-to-play online games, the actual narrative may be barebones, but each new entrant shows off their celebrated personalities via their unique move sets, abilities, and powers. Other confirmed characters include Jake the Dog (Adventure Time), Garnet (Steven Universe), Taz (Loony Toons), Harley Quinn (Batman), The Iron Giant, Superman, and more.

How Does MultiVersus Play?

MultiVersus is often compared to the Super Smash Bros. series from Nintendo, an exemplar in the crossover platform fighting genre. Up to four players – generally 2-vs-2 – engage in brawls, attempting to damage opponents, diminishing their health until they are knocked out-of-bounds. The more damage a character takes, the easier it becomes to fling them off a level with a well-timed attack.

Fights take place in a variety of arenas, mostly themed around Warner Bros. properties, like D.C. and Game of Thrones. These often feature a central large platform, and smaller elevated or side platforms. Some levels also feature hazards, such as swarms of bats on the Batcave level that damage players or collapsing platforms on the Tree Fort stage (based on Adventure Time).

Each character has unique combat moves and special abilities that fit in with their character type. Superman, for example, can punch very rapidly and shoots vision-laser beams. Shaggy can fire Scooby Snacks at enemies, which also heal teammates if they pass close to them.

All the characters are equally powerful, but in different ways that can diminish danger. Some may be able to hit harder than others, but their attacks take longer to wind up. Meanwhile, other characters may have weaker strikes, but move faster and are therefore harder to hit.  Learning each character’s moves and abilities is key to success, as is practiced skill in manipulating the characters, which move around very quickly in chaotic fights.

Prior to bouts, players can also spend earned in-game tokens to equip their characters with unique advantages, like dealing extra damage with melee hits. These are often designed to help boost allies, so choosing and stacking them carefully is useful for good teamwork. Players can also earn catchphrases and taunts which are delivered with vocal panache.

Various modes are available, including playing against humans, or bots, playing offline against friends at home. Fun variants include one in which the arena gets steadily smaller, another in which fighters become larger and slower as they deal damage, and one in which fighters have large heads. Modes change throughout different seasons, so, for example, you can expect to see snowball fights in the winter months.

Swoop in to Manage Your Kids’ MultiVersus Experiences

There are plenty of tools and ways to help you set reasonable limits on your kids’ video game experiences as they prepare to enter the combat arena.

Of course, it’s always a good idea to check the ESRB-assigned rating information to make sure it’s appropriate for your children. If possible, we also recommend that you try the game out before giving your kids permission to play or learn more about the game via online streams and videos.

Additionally, gaming consoles feature parental controls that allow you to manage what your kids play (based on the ESRB-assigned rating information), 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 control guides at ParentalTools.org.

If you’re looking for more tips about video games and online safety, visit ESRB’s Family Gaming Guide.

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

The post A Parent’s Guide To MultiVersus appeared first on ESRB Ratings.

Is MultiVersus Appropriate for Kids?

MultiVersus is rated T for Teen by the ESRB, with Content Descriptors for Fantasy Violence and Language. The rating for MultiVersus also has an Interactive Element – In-Game Purchases – which let’s you know that you have the option to spend real-world currency on additional content.

This game features cartoon and mild superhero-movie style violence as well as light profanity from characters that’s consistent with their personalities in other media. For example, Harley Quinn says “bitchin”, and Batman uses a phrase that includes “badass”. An optional filter is available to toggle swearing on and off.

It’s designed for two-vs-two gameplay via online or offline contests but can also be played as a one-vs-one game, or in single-player mode.

Where Can I Play MultiVersus and How Much Does it Cost?

MultiVersus is available for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows PC. The game features full cross-play support, meaning that owners of different platforms can play against one another online.

Players can download and play MultiVersus for free, with the ability to earn in-game cosmetics by completing challenges and missions. At first, only a limited number of characters are available, but others are unlocked as the player becomes more proficient.

As mentioned, MultiVersus features in-game purchase options like Premium Battle Passes (in addition to a free Battle Pass), buffs, perks, costumes, and more – all of which can be obtained with the game’s premium currency called Gleamium. Players will have the option to purchase Gleamium or earn it through gameplay. If you’re thinking about purchasing Gleamium you can get:

• 450 Gleamium for $4.99
• 1,000 Gleamium for $9.99
• 2,200 Gleamium for $19.99
• 6,000 Gleamium for $49.99

While Gleamium is the only premium currency (meaning the only one you can purchase directly) players can also earn Fighter Currency, by completing certain in-game challenges, events, missions, and more. Fighter Currency can only be used to unlock new characters. Players can also earn Perk Currency, which can be exchanged for character perks that – when attached to a character – give them power ups. Like Fighter Currency, Perk Currency can be earned through in-game missions, events, and more.

Additional purchases are entirely optional, but keep mind that it may take time to earn enough currency to unlock some characters, cosmetics, abilities, and more. It’s also always a good idea to set parental controls to make sure your kids don’t accidentally spend money on in-game purchases or new games without your permission.

What is MultiVersus About?

Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. holds a host of properties that include film and TV studios, major comic franchises, and cable networks. Not to mention assets in sports, music, and more. It also owns Warner Bros. Games, the publisher of MultiVersus, a game that plucks many of Warner’s most valuable characters – old and new – and throws them together in a colorful world of fantastical combat.

MultiVersus celebrates these characters’ big personalities, and their charming quirks and catchphrases. Many of the characters are voiced by actors known for playing the roles on TV and in movies. Arya Stark from Game of Thrones, for example, is voiced by Maisie Williams.

The game’s cinematic trailer sets the stage for the story. Batman is surprised to be transported to a strange, grassy platform, where he’s quickly joined by an equally confused Shaggy, from Scooby Doo. Bugs Bunny shows up, followed by Arya Stark, slashing her famous sword. Mayhem ensues, as each character uses their own moves and weapons to best their rivals.

Like many free-to-play online games, the actual narrative may be barebones, but each new entrant shows off their celebrated personalities via their unique move sets, abilities, and powers. Other confirmed characters include Jake the Dog (Adventure Time), Garnet (Steven Universe), Taz (Loony Toons), Harley Quinn (Batman), The Iron Giant, Superman, and more.

How Does MultiVersus Play?

MultiVersus is often compared to the Super Smash Bros. series from Nintendo, an exemplar in the crossover platform fighting genre. Up to four players – generally 2-vs-2 – engage in brawls, attempting to damage opponents, diminishing their health until they are knocked out-of-bounds. The more damage a character takes, the easier it becomes to fling them off a level with a well-timed attack.

Fights take place in a variety of arenas, mostly themed around Warner Bros. properties, like D.C. and Game of Thrones. These often feature a central large platform, and smaller elevated or side platforms. Some levels also feature hazards, such as swarms of bats on the Batcave level that damage players or collapsing platforms on the Tree Fort stage (based on Adventure Time).

Each character has unique combat moves and special abilities that fit in with their character type. Superman, for example, can punch very rapidly and shoots vision-laser beams. Shaggy can fire Scooby Snacks at enemies, which also heal teammates if they pass close to them.

All the characters are equally powerful, but in different ways that can diminish danger. Some may be able to hit harder than others, but their attacks take longer to wind up. Meanwhile, other characters may have weaker strikes, but move faster and are therefore harder to hit.  Learning each character’s moves and abilities is key to success, as is practiced skill in manipulating the characters, which move around very quickly in chaotic fights.

Prior to bouts, players can also spend earned in-game tokens to equip their characters with unique advantages, like dealing extra damage with melee hits. These are often designed to help boost allies, so choosing and stacking them carefully is useful for good teamwork. Players can also earn catchphrases and taunts which are delivered with vocal panache.

Various modes are available, including playing against humans, or bots, playing offline against friends at home. Fun variants include one in which the arena gets steadily smaller, another in which fighters become larger and slower as they deal damage, and one in which fighters have large heads. Modes change throughout different seasons, so, for example, you can expect to see snowball fights in the winter months.

Swoop in to Manage Your Kids’ MultiVersus Experiences

There are plenty of tools and ways to help you set reasonable limits on your kids’ video game experiences as they prepare to enter the combat arena.

Of course, it’s always a good idea to check the ESRB-assigned rating information to make sure it’s appropriate for your children. If possible, we also recommend that you try the game out before giving your kids permission to play or learn more about the game via online streams and videos.

Additionally, gaming consoles feature parental controls that allow you to manage what your kids play (based on the ESRB-assigned rating information), 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 control guides at ParentalTools.org.

If you’re looking for more tips about video games and online safety, visit ESRB’s Family Gaming Guide.

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

The post A Parent’s Guide To MultiVersus appeared first on ESRB Ratings.

Is Sea of Thieves Appropriate for Your Kids?

Sea of Thieves is rated T for Teen, with Content Descriptors for Crude Humor, Use of Alcohol, Violence. Sea of Thieves also has Interactive Elements including Users Interact (meaning the game allows players to communicate with each other) and In-Game Purchases (meaning the game offers the ability for the player to make purchases with real-world currency).

According to the Rating Summary, “players can engage in sea battles against other pirate ships by using cannons and harpoons; on land, players can use pistols and swords to battle enemies (e.g., skeletons, ghosts) in frenetic combat.” On top of that, players “can drink mugs of grog, which can result in screen-blurring and the character belching and hiccupping. Consuming too much grog can cause the players’ character to vomit green liquid.”

Where Can I Play Sea of Thieves and How Much Does It Cost?

Sea of Thieves was initially released on the Xbox family of consoles and Windows in 2018, and has since grown significantly with new content and expansions. In June 2020 it was also released on the Steam PC platform. It is now available on the PlayStation 5 for the first time. Regardless of where you play, it costs $39.99 for the standard edition.

There is also a Deluxe Edition for $49.99, which includes several bonus in-game items and currency. A Premium Edition is available on some storefronts that includes all of the Deluxe Edition add-ons, as well as a season pass, early access to the game, and more. The Premium Edition is $59.99.

Remember that perks and add-ons are required to play! If you and your kids just want to get into some pirating adventures, you won’t lose anything by going with the standard edition.

If you already have an Xbox console and subscribe to Xbox Game Pass, Sea of Thieves is included and can be downloaded for no additional cost.

What is Sea of Thieves About?

Developed by Rare, Sea of Thieves is an online adventure game that allows players to create their very own pirating journey. Unlike some always-online games, Sea of Thieves does have a story, including narrative arcs, non-player characters, and more. If you and your kids are interested in learning more about the back story to the game, we recommend doing a quick search online so you can get caught up before you dive in. Considering the online nature of the game the ongoing story will continue to develop as time goes on.

Some may argue that the real story comes from how you and your family may decide to approach your pirating career. You’ll get your own ship to go where the wind takes you (literally), empowering you and your family to make your own story. One minute you can be docking on an island to search for treasure, and then battling another player in a ship-to-ship naval skirmish. You may even run into some sea monsters that are bent on destroying your ship!

A lot of the “story” develops from our own experiences and decisions as a pirate captain.

How Does Sea of Thieves Play?

From a first-person perspective players will run, battle, shoot, and sail their way through Sea of Thieves.

On land, this plays out as you may expect a first-person adventure game to. Players can explore islands – swords and guns in-hand to battle any pesky skeletons. On some charted islands you may find outposts (basically little towns), merchants, stories, quests, and more. Meanwhile, on others you may navigate treacherous dungeons to find gobs of treasure that can be (manually) carried back to your ship. Of course… a clever pirate may decide to clear out some enemies using their ship’s cannons from a distance.

The on-ship gameplay is a totally different experience, and surprisingly in-depth. By default, a standard ship spawns when your crew is created, but it can be customized. upgraded, or replaced as you progress. It will serve as both your home base and your transport. Players will need to consider the wind, sails, steering, navigation, and more to safely make it to your destination. And if your ship gets damaged, you’ll also have to manage repairs and leaks! You’ll even need to manually scoop out water using buckets. This can be fun alone, but if you have a full crew it can make for some wonderful chaos – especially once you become more advanced and can tackle more dangerous seas.

No pirate adventure would be complete without some naval battles, and you’ll see plenty of those. Players can use cannons (with various types of ammunition) and harpoons to battle other pirate crews, defend your ship, and vanquish sea monsters. Especially sneaky pirates may choose to stealthily board onto enemy ships to take it down from the inside. All while working by yourself or with a team to repair your ship, manage leaks, and defend your hard-earned (or stolen…) treasure.

Help Your Kids Become Pirate Royalty!

Whether they’re land-lubbers or born to ride the waves, it’s always helpful to stay involved with your kids’ video game experiences. Checking the ratings is a great first step for any game, but there are other steps you can take to make sure your children have appropriate experiences with their video games.

ESRB offers step-by-step parental controls guides to help you manage what your kids play, when and for how long, with whom, and whether they can spend money on in-game purchases or new games. Virtually all video game devices offer these controls, so check out our guides on how you can set them.

While you’re there, visit our Family Gaming Guide. This easy-to-use site has information and helpful tips about staying safe online, managing screen time, picking appropriate games, and more!

ESRB also has a free mobile app that bundles a lot of our resources into one convenient package. You can find the app in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.

You can find even more resources at ParentalTools.org.

The post A Parent’s Guide to Sea of Thieves appeared first on ESRB Ratings.

But what does this mean for you and your family? Find out how this new era of Fortnite is different and what you can do to help make sure your kids have a safe and fun experience while exploring everything Fortnite has to offer.

New Games

Epic released three new games in December 2023 that can be played within Fortnite:

1. LEGO Fortnite (Rated E10+) – LEGO Fortnite is a new survival crafting game from the long term partnership between Epic Games and The LEGO Group. In LEGO Fortnite, you explore vast, open worlds where the magic of LEGO building and Fortnite collide. Collect food and resources, craft items​, build shelter, and battle enemies with up to seven friends.
2. Rocket Racing (Rated E) – It’s possible that your kids may have played a game called Rocket League, which is (in its most basic form) soccer with cars. Only these cars can jump, boost, and fly to bash a gigantic ball into an even more gigantic net. Rocket Racing is developed by the same Epic-owned studio, Psyonix, behind Rocket League. Rocket Racing is an arcade racing game with the added mechanic of allowing players to “drift, fly, and boost” through tracks.
3. Fortnite Festival (Rated T) – This new game is most easily compared to Guitar Hero or Rock Band, and with good reason since it’s developed by Harmonix (the Epic-owned studio that worked on both of those franchises in the past). This rhythm game allows players to play through popular songs using button prompts on their controller or keyboard. Users can either play solo by picking a track (guitar, bass, drums, or vocals), or get their own band together and play through a set online.

Of course, Fortnite Battle Royale and Fortnite Save the World are still a huge part of Fortnite. You can find out more about those in our first Fortnite blog here.

In fact, your kids can bring most of the outfits and cosmetics purchased or earned in Battle Royale into these other games (providing they’re playing on the same account). So if your kids have ever dreamed of playing in a band made up of Superman, Kylo Ren, Spider-Man, and Lara Croft they’re in luck!

In addition to games made by Epic, there are thousands of other games built by other Fortnite creators. These creators use Fortnite Creative or Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN) to build their own experiences in Fortnite and make them available for the community to play. These can range from simple mini-games to more in-depth experiences based on the creator’s vision, so there’s always something new to explore. Each of these games is reviewed by Epic Games and receives an ESRB rating assignment before publication. This means that after an initial review by automated tools, a human moderator reviews each game to ensure that it is appropriate for Fortnite’s audience and abides by Epic’s content rules. Note that creators must be at least 18 years old to join the Fortnite Island Creator and Engagement Programs to publish islands and be eligible to receive engagement payouts.

Are The New Games Appropriate for Kids?

Fortnite is rated T for Teen and has a new Content Descriptor that means Fortnite offers access to a variety of content for people of all ages. The descriptor is: Diverse Content: Discretion Advised, which means the game, app, or platform in question offers access to a variety of content.

All of the games and experiences (aka “Islands”) available within Fortnite also have ESRB-assigned age and content ratings, ranging from E for Everyone to a maximum rating of T for Teen. You can find the rating information below each game. Epic Games does not allow any content higher than a Teen rating in Fortnite.

Some content may not be appropriate for all ages, but parents and guardians can use Fortnite’s Parental Controls to set age-rating restrictions to block their children from playing content above a certain rating. For example, if you want your child to play LEGO Fortnite, which is rated E10+, but not Battle Royale, which is rated Teen – you can set it up so that they can only play the games that are rated E10+ and E. Parents can also unlock individual experiences and add them to an unlocked content list.

Meanwhile, all the Fortnite games you and your family are familiar with such as Battle Royale and Save the World, as well as new ones and player-made games, have their own ESRB rating assignments.

How Much Do New Games Cost?

All of the games and experiences created within Fortnite – whether they’re made by Epic Games or by others – can be played for free. LEGO Fortnite, Rocket Racing, and Fortnite Festival are all playable for free, just like Battle Royale, but each offers some form of in-game purchases.

For example, in Fortnite you can purchase a ‘Battle Pass’ which lets players earn various rewards as they level up. The Battle Pass works with all of the games inside Fortnite so players can make progress regardless of which game they’re playing within Fortnite. That said, none of this is a requirement and your family can enjoy these games without spending any money.

Set up Parental Controls

Make sure you have a family conversation to establish some household rules about video game play and make sure everyone understands the expectations. Many parents also like to back up their household rules with parental controls which are available on virtually all game devices, as well as within your kids’ Epic accounts. Every device (including computers, video game consoles, mobile devices, etc.) allows parents to manage their kids’ friends lists. Some even let you create a curated list of friends to ensure that your kids aren’t talking with people they do not know. And visit ESRB’s parental controls guide page for step-by-step instructions to help you set them up.

On top of device-level settings, Epic allows parents to add additional controls on their child’s account to set up the experience that’s right for their family. Epic’s Parental Controls allow you to manage purchasing settings so you can prevent unauthorized payments, and you can also use these controls to manage which games your kids can play, to select your voice and text chat settings, and more.

Fortnite players under the age of 18 are more protected from the start. For example, if a player indicates they’re under 18 years old, Fortnite voice chat defaults to “off.” If your child indicates they are under 13 years old, their account will automatically be classified as a “Cabined Account.” Cabined Accounts are essentially child accounts that allow younger players to play Fortnite, but they won’t be able to access certain features such as voice chat or real-money purchases until their parent provides consent. Since this kind of account is automatically set up for younger players based on the date of birth provided during account setup, this should be a reminder about why it’s important that your kids always enter their accurate age when signing up for a product or service!

If your child indicates they’re under 13 years old, they will be asked to provide 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 access in Fortnite based on ESRB ratings;
• Limit online chat (voice and/or text). You can choose to allow your child to speak with ‘Everybody,’ ‘Friends and Teammates,’ ‘Friends Only,’ or ‘Nobody;’
• Require a Parental Controls PIN to make purchases while using Epic Games payment;
• Require a Parental Controls PIN to send or accept Epic friend requests; and
• Track the amount of time your kids spend playing Fortnite every week

It’s important to speak to your child about the game’s safety features and why you are using Epic’s Parental Controls. You should also make sure they understand that Epic Games has clear Community Rules that apply to all users of Epic’s games including Fortnite, and online bullying is never acceptable. Epic encourages players to report anyone who is breaking the rules. Players can also submit audio evidence when they report other players for engaging in inappropriate behavior in voice chat. This helps Epic take action against players violating their Community Rules.

If your child indicates they are under 13 years old, their account will automatically be classified as a “Cabined Account.”

Stay Involved

Things can evolve quickly in the world of Fortnite, so it’s important to stay on top of everything that’s available to your kids. The best way to do this is simply to stay involved! While that’s obviously easier said than done, showing some interest and nurturing open lines of communication will make it easier. Check out ESRB’s Family Gaming Guide for simple tips and conversation starters to get the ball rolling.

And don’t forget: It never hurts to take a seat and share a Fortnite session with your kids! Doing so will keep those conversations going and help ensure that everyone has fun when playing games online.

The post A Parents’ Guide to Fortnite appeared first on ESRB Ratings.

But what will your kids find as they run, fly, and adventure their way through this new game? Fortunately, we have you covered with everything you need to know to decide if Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora is appropriate for your family.

Is Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora Appropriate for Kids?

Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora is rated T for Teen, meaning it’s suitable for players ages 13 and up. Content Descriptors include Language, Mild Blood, and Violence. The game’s rating information also includes two Interactive Elements, Users Interact and In-Game Purchases. This means that players can interact with one another through co-operative online play, and in-game purchases are also available.

It’s a first-person shooter/action-adventure game in which players assume the role of a Na’vi alien engaged in resistance against a colonizing force. Players engage in frenetic combat, using arrows, explosives, and machine guns to attack enemies such as soldiers, drones, and mechs. A handful of areas allow players to use stealth tactics to infiltrate bases and attack soldiers.

According to the ESRB Rating Summary, firefights are highlighted by realistic gunfire, cries of pain, and explosions. One scene depicts blood smeared/splattered on a cliff near the corpses of soldiers. The words “sh*t” and “a*shole” appear in the game.

Where Can I Play Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora and How Much Does it Cost?

It’s available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S and costs $69.99 for the standard edition, which includes the full game either digitally or physically. There is also a digital only “Gold Edition” which costs $109.99, and includes the full game and the season pass. The season pass provides access to two story packs that will be released at a later date, and some additional bonus content. Additionally, there is an “Ultimate Edition” for $129.99, which includes everything in the Gold Edition and access to in-game cosmetic items and a digital artbook.

As mentioned, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora may also offer the ability to purchase in-game items, bonuses, and/or currencies using real money. Remember to set parental controls to make sure your kids know how much money they can spend, if any!

What is Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora About?

Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora is an action, adventure, and exploration game set on a beautiful alien planet, filled with extraordinary creatures. It’s the story of a young Na’vi who has escapes the clutches of the Resources Development Administration (RDA) – a colonizing human organization aiming to plunder Pandora for the planet’s rich resources. Following the player character’s escape, they are tasked with learning to reintegrate with the peaceful Na’vi.

Remember to set parental controls!

The player will join their fellow Na’vi as they are forced to defend their home from the RDA. The human invaders must be repelled through a series of missions and fights, in which the player makes use of Na’vi and human weaponry, tools, flying mounts, and vehicles.

How Does Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora play?

During combat sequences, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora is a first-person shooting game. The player takes the main character’s point of view, as they encounter enemies who must be fought using a wide variety of weapons. These include quiet but powerful Na’vi bows, which are useful for stealthy players, as well as noisy human rocket launchers, which can take out heavy fortifications.

The story parts of the game include training, exploration, and other (sometime optional) quests to further benefit the Na’vi. As the player progresses through the game, they will make friends, learn more about the Na’vi, and augments their skills, such as riding flying mounts, and crafting tools and weapons. As the player grows, so will their options for approaching exploration, combat, story segments, and more. Ultimately, it will be up to you and your family to decide how to overcome obstacles and protect the Na’vi.

But remember, just exploring Pandora’s beauty and varied wildlife is a big part of what makes this expansive open-world game so enjoyable, leading to unexpected in-game scenarios!

Prepare Your Kids for Adventure

There are plenty of tools and ways to help you set reasonable limits on your kids’ video game experiences as they prepare to defend Pandora.

Of course, it’s always a good idea to check the ESRB-assigned rating information to make sure it’s appropriate for your children. If possible, we also recommend that you try the game out before giving your kids permission to play, or learn more about the game via online streams and videos.

Additionally, virtually every video game device has parental controls that allow you to manage what your kids play (based on the ESRB-assigned rating information), 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 control guides at ParentalTools.org.

If you’re looking for more tips about video games and online safety, visit ESRB’s Family Gaming Guide.

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

The post What Parents Need to Know About Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora appeared first on ESRB Ratings.

Is Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Appropriate for your Kids?

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is rated T for Teen, with Content Descriptors for Blood, Drug Reference, Mild Language, and Violence. There is also an Interactive Element assigned for In-Game Purchases.

According to the assigned Rating Summary, players will enter the spider-shoes of Peter Parker and Miles Morales as they “attempt to save New York City from a new threat.” You can also expect characters that “punch, kick, and throw each other during fights,” with main characters using special abilities to battle criminals, villains, and other bad guys. Keep in mind that there are instances of blood, as well as references to drugs, and some mild language.

Where Can You Play Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and How Much Does it Cost?

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is available on the PlayStation 5 and costs $69.99 for the Standard Edition and $79.99 for the Digital Deluxe Edition that includes the game, unique spider suits for both Peter and Miles, and two skill points.

There is also a Collector’s Edition available for $229 that includes the game, a statue, and other physical and in-game items. You can find all of those details here.

As previously mentioned, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 also includes a label for In-Game Purchases. This means the game may offer the ability to purchase additional content directly within the game.

What is Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 About?

Following the events of 2018’s Marvel’s Spider-Man and 2020’s Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales players can once again swing into the webbed shoes of both Peter Parker and Miles Morales. This iteration sees Peter and Miles join forces to protect Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn from various villains, including Kraven the Hunter, who sees the Spider-Men as his ultimate hunt. Also making appearances are classic Spider-Man villains like the Lizard, Venom, and more.

Like the previous Spider-Games, the spider-men’s secret identities play a big role in the sequel. When not webbing around the city, players will experience moments as Peter and Miles as they try to navigate their double-lives, while keeping their loved ones safe. Miles, for example, is now old enough to be considering his future education, along with all the pressure that comes along with that. Meanwhile, Peter’s best friend, Harry Osborne, is plagued by a serious illness, making Peter desperate to help.

How Does Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Play?

The first thing that comes to mind when someone thinks of Spider-Man is swinging around New York City. This is a huge part of Insomniac’s Spider-Man 2, which gives players all of the tools to gracefully swing, wall-run, and catapult around a massive city at breakneck speeds. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 also introduces the “Web Wings”, which allow the player to glide through wind tunnels to speed up travel and create variety in how the player can get from point A to point B.

But what would Spider-Man be without being able to save some citizens and beat up some bad guys. Combat is another pillar of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. Peter and Miles have the ability to punch, kick, and pummel, all while leveraging their Spidey-sense (which appears as a colored wave above the characters’ heads) to dodge and parry enemy attacks. These standard fisticuffs can be further augmented with the use of gadgets, like little web grenades that grab multiple enemies to one point, and abilities, like Miles’ electricity powers (which he calls Venom powers… not to be confused with the bad guy named Venom) for additional options.

If you and your family are more into a stealthy approach, both Peter and Miles also have many opportunities to deal with situations quietly. The Spider-Men can use many of their abilities quietly to web up or knock out bad guys without getting into an all-out brawl.

Lastly, there are also some light puzzles that you and your kids may help Peter and Miles solve. After all… they’re scientists as well as superheroes, and sometimes the best way to solve a problem is with your brain!

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is a single-player, open-world, action-adventure game. While only one person can play at a time, the game is cinematic and visually varied, making it fun to take turns and share with the whole family.

Managing Your Kids’ Superhero Adventures

Even when your kids are itching to save New York City it’s important to manage how they do so. Fortunately, there are a bevy of tools and tips to help you set reasonable limits on your kids’ video game experiences.

It’s always great to start by checking the ESRB-assigned rating information to make sure it’s appropriate for your children. If possible, we also recommend that you try the game out before giving your kids permission to play.

That said, virtually every video game device has parental controls that allow you to manage what your kids play (based on the ESRB-assigned rating information), 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 control guides at ParentalTools.org.

If you’re looking for more tips about video games and online safety, visit ESRB’s Family Gaming Guide.

The post What Parents Need to Know About Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 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.

What is Star Wars Jedi: Survivor?

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is the newest game in the Star Wars franchise and a direct sequel to 2019’s Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (Teen 13+). Developed by Respawn Entertainment and published by Electronic Arts, Survivor is set five years after the events of Fallen Order. Players will once again step into the weathered boots of Cal Kestis as he and his droid buddy, BD-1, fight against the evil Galactic Empire. Of course, with the benefit of five years of Jedi-ing, Cal will call upon new and powerful Force abilities to best opponents, be they frail droids, sly bounty hunters, or powerful Inquisitors.

Survivor is a single player action/adventure game where players will experience a combination of combat, exploration, and puzzle solving, with the player earning various rewards depending upon the activity. Combat in and of itself is somewhat of a puzzle, revolving around blocking, parrying, and striking opponents. The key is understanding and “reading” an opponent’s movements, while strategizing what cocktail of abilities you must use to best an enemy. Of course, much of this is done via lightsaber-wielding, and Survivor includes new and refined lightsaber stances. These include single blade, double blade, dual-wield, crossguard, and a lightsaber-blaster combo. Each stance has strengths and weaknesses, with some being a more strategic fit for specific combat scenarios.

Players can also mix in new and familiar Force powers to augment their abilities, gain the edge in combat, and solve puzzles. All of Cal’s abilities from Fallen Order return, with new abilities unlockable through story progression and leveling up.

Your family will also join Cal as he explores planets, meets new allies, and solves ancient mysteries to gain an upper hand against seemingly insurmountable enemies. While optional in many cases, exploration is a significant part of Survivor. Each planet has a dedicated play area – which vary in size. Some planets may be more linear, asking Cal to complete a specific objective with fewer opportunities to explore, while others may be vast open areas with dozens of secrets to discover. For example, the “hub” planet Koboh is a huge, multilayered environment that unfolds as Cal gains new abilities and the story progresses. Regardless of the planet, players can stray from the beaten path to find optional challenges, dungeons, and more to flesh out the game’s story and earn Cal experience, skill points, cosmetics, and more.

Is Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Appropriate for Children?

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is rated T (Teen 13+), with Content Descriptors including Mild Language and Violence. ESRB’s Rating Summary provides some additional details that may be important as you decide if  Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is appropriate for your family, such as:

Players use lightsabers to slash and break apart alien creatures, droids, and humanoid enemies. Combat is fast paced, with cries of pain, impact sounds, and large explosions. Some sequences depict characters getting impaled through the chest. The words “a*s” and “bastard” are heard in the game.

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor does not have any assigned Interactive Elements.  In other words, it’s single player (doesn’t enable user interactions) nor does it offer in-game purchases.

Where can I Play Star Wars Jedi: Survivor?

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is available on Windows PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. If you’re playing on PC make sure you check the PC requirements before you decide to get the game.

How Much Does Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Cost?

The Standard Edition of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor costs $69.99 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Meanwhile, there is also a Deluxe Edition available on all platforms for $89.99, which includes cosmetics items to customize Cal’s and BD-1’s appearances.

Players use lightsabers to slash and break apart alien creatures, droids, and humanoid enemies. 

Staying Involved with Your Kids’ Jedi Training

Whether your kids are playing games themselves or joining you for a family video game session, the best way to make sure those experiences are appropriate is to stay involved!

You can do this by checking the ratings, researching online, chatting with other parents, or even taking some time to watch your kids play and ask some questions. In fact, many parents are taking more time to play games themselves to determine if it’s appropriate for their family!

Virtually every video game device – from consoles to computers – offers parental controls that allow you to manage what your kids play, when and for how long, with whom, and whether they can spend money. ESRB has step-by-step parental control guides available for many devices at ParentalTools.org.

You can also visit ESRB’s Family Gaming Guide for more tips about how you can establish household rules around video games and help make sure your kids have positive video game experiences.

The post What Parents Need to Know About Star Wars Jedi: Survivor appeared first on ESRB Ratings.