Epic Games is looking to stop its younger Fortnite fans from spending parents’ money unknowingly or speaking with strangers online through its new child-specific accounts.
Outlined in a blog post, Epic announced what it’s calling Cabined Accounts, which offer a host of additional security features (that can be managed by parents) to ensure a safer and more structured environment for younger players of popular titles like Fortnite, Rocket League, and Fall Guys.
Children under the age of 13 will have to supply a parent or guardian’s email address when signing up under the new policy, and they’ll need to request permission from that adult to access many of the service’s core features.
Though they can still play games from the Epic Store from the get-go, features like voice chat and microtransaction purchases will need to be approved by the guardian. Children hoping to get permission to chat with friends in Fortnite and other games on the Epic Store can send a consent request via email. Guardians can then decide what options they’d like to enable or keep disabled based on their parenting preferences.
Cabined Accounts won’t just block kids from chatting online or spending money unexpectedly, though, as even permission to create a custom display name will need to be granted.
Epic has also ensured that children won’t be marketed to by email or have recommendations pushed on them based on past purchases, and SMS-based two-factor authentication will be disabled by default. The full list of features is available on a Cabined Account FAQ.
Cabined Accounts are arriving alongside Fortnite Chapter 4 and therefore what will likely be an influx of new players using Epic’s services. The new season adds a bunch of Unreal Engine 5 enhancements alongside new mechanics and a brand new map.
Billy Givens is a freelancer at IGN with over a decade of experience writing gaming, film, and tech content. His work can also be found on GameSpot, USA Today, Digital Trends, Tom’s Guide, and more. You’ll find him blabbering on about video games and more on Twitter at @mektige.
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