[Discussion] Creating Safer Spaces in Gaming: Epic Games Rolls Out Voice Reporting in Fortnite

[Uncrowned Guard]

In a significant move to enhance online safety, Epic Games has introduced a new voice reporting feature in Fortnite. This addition is designed to offer players a method to report inappropriate behavior in voice chats, enhancing the overall gaming experience and community well-being.

Epic Games' latest feature is particularly focused on safeguarding young players. For gamers under 18, the voice chat monitoring is automatically activated, continuously recording voice chats. The only way to circumvent this recording is by either muting the microphone or disabling voice chat entirely. This proactive approach ensures that younger players are less exposed to potentially harmful interactions, aligning with the broader industry trend of prioritizing online safety for minors.

Reporting Mechanism and Privacy Measures

The reporting process involves capturing the last five minutes of a voice chat, which is then securely uploaded to Epic's servers for review by moderators. This system operates on a rolling basis, ensuring that only the most recent interactions are captured and older recordings are automatically deleted. For adults, the feature offers customization options within the audio settings, allowing them to decide their level of participation. Epic emphasizes the confidentiality and security of these voice clips, which are automatically erased after 14 days or once the review process is concluded, unless legal reasons necessitate longer retention.

Epic Games Joins Industry Trends in Online Safety

This initiative by Epic Games mirrors efforts by other major gaming companies like Microsoft, Riot Games, and Sony, who have all implemented similar voice chat recording tools to combat inappropriate behavior in online gaming environments. Additionally, Epic has introduced age ratings for all playable content in Fortnite, furthering its commitment to providing a safe and age-appropriate gaming environment. This move signals a significant step in the gaming industry's ongoing efforts to create safer, more inclusive online spaces.

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[Shortie]

This is something that I have said for the longest time should have been implemented in the early days. I have lost count of how many times I was in a game or my kids were in a game and some of the stuff that was coming over voice chat was just uncalled for and very inappropriate. 

I am very happy to see this is now implemented and ready to use 🙂

[Uncrowned Guard]

23 hours ago, Shortie said:

This is something that I have said for the longest time should have been implemented in the early days. I have lost count of how many times I was in a game or my kids were in a game and some of the stuff that was coming over voice chat was just uncalled for and very inappropriate. 

I am very happy to see this is now implemented and ready to use 🙂

Yes, this is a great feature for most games and those aimed at kids truly need a way to at least try and protect them in voice chat.