The Fortnite community is currently expressing strong dissatisfaction with the game's latest update, which introduces age ratings for islands and cosmetics. Epic Games announced that each island and cosmetic item will now carry an age rating to better inform players and parents about content within the vast range of Fortnite experiences.

While Epic Games indicates that these measures are to ensure informed decisions, players are upset about the implementation, notably because it restricts the use of cosmetics, including those that have been purchased, based on the age rating of the island they're used on. Cosmetics incompatible with an island's rating are automatically replaced with default items. Notably, fan-favorite modes Battle Royale and Zero Build are rated T for Teen, so no restrictions apply there.

The backlash has been severe, with players taking to social media to voice their concerns, some going as far as to claim that this update could "destroy" the Fortnite community. A petition urging Epic Games to reconsider the age restriction system has even started, receiving thousands of signatures already.

Despite the controversy, Fortnite has also recently seen a resurgence in popularity with the "OG" update that reinstated the original game map, resulting in a peak in daily player numbers.

The update also includes a new safety feature, allowing players to clip audio and file anonymous voice reports. Fortnite continues to evolve, but this recent update has certainly sparked a notable debate within the gaming community.