Fortnite players begin receiving FTC refunds amid controversy
- The FTC has begun mailing refunds to US consumers tricked into making unwanted purchases from Fortnite.
- Epic Games agreed to a $520 million settlement in 2022 to resolve various grievances related to its payment methods and children’s privacy.
- This settlement underscores the importance of consumer protection in the gaming industry and the regulation of misleading sales tactics.
In the United States, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced the commencement of refund checks for consumers deceived into making unauthorized purchases in Fortnite. The refunds arise from a settlement reached in 2022, where Epic Games agreed to pay $520 million due to grievances including children's privacy violations and misleading payment methods. Allegedly, the game's design employed tactics that misled players, especially children, into making unintentional purchases with misleading button configurations. The first wave of refunds, over $72 million to around 629,000 affected players, is now underway, with players who submitted valid claims by October 8, 2024 being prioritized. Claims can still be filed until January 10, 2025, indicating ongoing awareness and efforts from the FTC to ensure consumer protection in digital transactions. The FTC's actions highlight the need for transparency and protection for players amid concerns about the gaming industry's practices.