Epic Games, the creator of the popular video game Fortnite, has reached a settlement with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to refund customers who were allegedly tricked into making unwanted purchases. The settlement amounts to a total of $245 million.
Fortnite, known for its multiplayer battle royale format, has gained immense popularity since its release six years ago. While the game has brought joy to many players, it has also raised concerns about the manipulation of users, especially children, through various online practices.
In addition to the refund settlement, Epic Games previously agreed to pay $275 million to settle claims that it violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. The company’s use of “dark patterns,” manipulative techniques to encourage purchases, was at the center of the accusations.
The FTC highlighted that Epic Games made it easy for children to make unauthorized purchases without parental consent and also locked the accounts of consumers who disputed such charges with their credit card companies. The settlement serves as a warning to the video game industry and signals potential increased regulation in the tech sector.
To facilitate the refund process, the FTC has begun notifying over 37 million Fortnite players eligible to claim a portion of the settlement. Individuals who were charged for unwanted in-game items between January 2017 and September 2022 qualify for a refund. Parents can also apply if their child made unauthorized charges to their credit card between January 2017 and November 2018. Additionally, individuals who had their accounts locked between January 2017 and September 2022 after raising complaints with their credit card company can file a claim.
The refund claim process will take approximately one month, and interested parties have until January 17, 2024, to submit a claim. Those seeking a refund must be at least 18 years old, or if younger, have a parent or guardian complete a form on their behalf.
The exact payment amounts and timeline for issuing refunds are currently unknown. The amount of each refund will depend on various factors, such as the total number of claims received. Epic Games and the FTC have set up a dedicated page for Fortnite refunds where players can apply.