Epic is adding new time limit controls to Fortnite and the Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN), giving parents another tool in keeping their kids from playing the popular battle royale every waking moment of the day.
In an official blog, Epic revealed the new additions to its parental controls, which also includes time reports. The tool will allow parents to decide when and how long kids can play Fortnite, with the tool offering the ability to set specific time windows of availability.
If the time limit controls are active, kids will start seeing in-game notifications when they have 30 minutes left. Once it expires, kids won’t be able to play again until the next window of availability, meaning they will have to find another way to entertainment themselves. Roblox, perhaps. Or Minecraft.
The time limits and accompanying time reports are part of a suite of tools designed to give parents control over how their kids play one of the most popular games in the world. Other options include voice and chat permissions, the ability to filter mature language, and purchase settings (so little Timmy doesn’t buy $100,000 worth of Metal Gear Solid and Family Guy skins).
Fortnite’s outsized popularity has put it in the spotlight with parental groups, with one 2018 report claiming that it was behind video game addiction in kids. It’s a claim that has been leveled at many popular video games over the years, with Fortnite being just the latest.
One way or another, Fortnite rolls on. Earlier today, Epic released Fortnite Patch 31.30, which includes a sleep mode and Fortnitemares promotions. It’s currently in the midst of Fortnite Chapter 5 Season 4, which introduces a host of Marvel-themed content and is expected to run until November.
Kat Bailey is IGN’s News Director as well as co-host of Nintendo Voice Chat. Have a tip? Send her a DM at @the_katbot.
