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Empowering Safe Gaming for Kids: Behind KWS at Epic Games
In an era where digital interaction among children is ubiquitous, online gaming platforms need innovative systems to ensure safety. At the forefront of this effort is the Kids Web Services (KWS) team at Epic Games, responsible for scaling parental consent and verification measures in gaming experiences such as Fortnite. This approach enables seamless and responsible integration of young gamers into the world of online gaming.
The video 'KWS: Scaling Parental Consent and Verification in Fortnite and Beyond' discusses the challenges and innovations in ensuring safe gaming for children, which prompted us to analyze these efforts at Epic Games.
Understanding Parental Verification and Its Importance
The parental verification system employed by KWS allows parents or guardians to confirm their adult status, ensuring that children can access gaming experiences like Fortnite. This verification process works efficiently through a simple flow: after entering their birth date, if the player is deemed underage, they are prompted to provide a parent’s email. This initiates an email sent to the guardian, who can then verify their identity through various methods based on geographical location. This innovative approach not only safeguards children but also regulates the essence of gaming by involving guardians.
Achieving Scalability amidst Growing Demand
As gaming surges in popularity, anticipating and accommodating traffic peaks becomes a substantial challenge. The KWS team effectively prepares for spikes in user traffic, such as during launch days, employing a microservices architecture to manage demand efficiently. With the ability to handle up to 10,000 verifications per minute, the platform anticipates periods of increased demand, ensuring a stable experience for all users, regardless of load.
The Future of Safe Online Gaming
As the online gaming landscape continues evolving, KWS aims to expand its offerings beyond gaming platforms to various digital environments, providing free and effective tools to help developers maintain safe environments for children. By focusing on scalability and reliability, KWS demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to child safety in online environments—a crucial aspect for developers collaborating in the rapidly growing gaming industry.
Whether you're an aspiring game developer or a young gamer navigating online spaces, understanding the importance of accountability and safety features in gaming can pave the way for responsible, enjoyable digital experiences.
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