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Following another weekend of drama surrounding the FNCS, some members of the competitive Fortnite community are suggesting raising the minimum age requirement to enter tournaments.
Fortnite’s competitive integrity is at an all time low. Top tier pros are being banned, accused of colluding, stream sniping and all sorts. Fans are losing faith in the scene and something needs to be done to help.
Some people are blaming Fortnite’s overwhelmingly young player base for the issues. They claim that many of the stars we see topping the leaderboards each week lack maturity and understanding. Therefore, the idea of increasing the minimum age limit for events from 13 to 18 has been plastered all over social media.
Feels bad for the few underage kids who are actually cool people, but the comp scene should be 18+
— Jerm (@Jermfn) March 30, 2020
Whilst there’s no doubt that certain young pros fit the toxic image that is painted of them, realistically this is not a solution. Firstly, there are plenty of exceptions to the trend; teenagers that hold themselves to a professional standard as well as older players that are up there with the worst culprits.
More importantly though, is the viewership. Not only are many of the best pros young themselves, but so are the people watching them. If you look at the numbers of older Fortnite streamers, you will see that their audience is generally also in a higher age bracket.
What this means, is that by raising the age requirement, not only will you see the majority of younger pros leave Fortnite, but also their viewers will have no one to watch and lose interest themselves.
If you think the comp scene should be 18+ ur just stupid. There is 0 reason to have a age requirement besides legal reasons. Teenagers understand the consequences of their actions but in FN there ARE no consequences. Most people who say it seriously are garbage washed players
— yung calculator (@yungcalc) March 30, 2020
Unfortunately, in a Battle Royale game, and even more so a title like Fortnite which focuses so heavily on online open tournaments, it is impossible to fully cut out foul play. There are definitely ways to improve things though.
It all starts with Epic Games. Communication has been almost non existent for a very long time now, and it’s seriously hurting the competitive and even casual landscape of Fortnite. If the developers were more involved in the scene, rather than simply throwing money at it, then we would see a change for the better.
By opening up a dialogue with pros, analysts and experts on competitive Fortnite, work could be done to create a set of clearer guidelines, rules and punishments for certain actions.
Today, we announce the FNPPA, or the Fortnite Professional Players Association. pic.twitter.com/KFO5vj6htd
— Fortnite Professional Players' Association (@FNPPA) October 4, 2019
The Fortnite Professional Players’ Association was founded back in October last year, to represent top players around the world. Since its formation however, it seems like it hasn’t done anything at all. If the FNPPA and Epic came together to discuss and plan for future events, then we may see some real improvements.
So no, I don’t think making tournament entry 18+ is the way to go, and regardless I don’t think this is something that Epic Games would ever consider. Whilst the situation is bleak at the moment, there is a way out, and it all starts with communication.
