Introducing Cabined Accounts: A New Way for Kids to Join the Metaverse

As we work toward the future open metaverse, companies building social experiences need to think about how to meet the challenges and raised expectations that come when kids participate in an online ecosystem. 

Some companies approach this challenge by creating isolated experiences solely for their younger players, but these experiences are usually restrictive and unappealing when compared to the full game or activity and may encourage false reporting of age. Another approach has been to offer a fulsome experience for younger players, but if kids do not obtain permission from their parents, they are locked out entirely with no alternatives. Neither of these are optimal. 
 

Announcing Cabined Accounts

Today we are announcing Cabined Accounts, a new type of Epic account that will provide a tailored experience that is safe and inclusive for younger players. We believe that creating a rich experience within the same overall game or product is the best way to empower younger players to meaningfully participate without compromising on safety or privacy. 

Cabined Accounts will begin rolling out in Fortnite, Rocket League, and Fall Guys today.  
 

Here’s how it works

All players globally will be asked to provide their date of birth at log in. If someone indicates they are under 13 or their country’s age of digital consent, whichever is higher, their account will be a Cabined Account and they will be asked to provide a parent or guardian’s email address to begin the parental consent process. While waiting for consent, players will still be able to play Fortnite, Rocket League, or Fall Guys with full access to previously purchased or earned content in-game, but in a tailored Cabined Account environment where certain features, such as chat and purchasing, are disabled.
 

Parent verification

The player’s parent or guardian will receive an email letting them know about their child’s Epic account. Following links in the email, parents can review information about Epic’s privacy practices, provide consent for additional features, set up Parental Controls, and will be asked to verify they are an adult via SuperAwesome’s Kids Web Services.

Once the player receives parental consent, they will no longer have a Cabined Account and their experience will respect their parent or guardian’s preferred Parental Control settings.
 

Cabined Accounts and the Epic Games Launcher

Cabined Accounts are built on Epic Account Services, which means Cabined Accounts will also apply to younger players or developers who use the Epic Games Launcher. While waiting for parental consent in a Cabined Account, younger players or developers using the Launcher can view and access their library but will not be able to get new games or access certain Unreal Engine features. 

Learn more about Epic Games Cabined Accounts.