Tennessee Fortnite gamers could soon see a bit of extra money thanks to a Federal Trade Commission refund.
The FTC announced on Monday that it will send the first of a total of $72 million in refunds to customers of Epic Games, the makers of the hugely popular Fortnite game. This is a result of allegations that players were misled into making purchases in the game. The refunds are part of a 2022 settlement with Epic Games, who agreed to compensate Fortnite players affected by its “unlawful billing practices,” according to the FTC.
Refund Amount and Eligibility
Epic Games agreed to pay a total of $245 million in refunds to Fortnite players. Currently, around 630,000 players are included in the first phase of refunding, with an expected average payment of $114. Those eligible for refunds have received a claim form to fill out and select a payment method.
If you are affected and have not filled out a claim form, you can still do so until January 10, 2025. Claims can be submitted online here.
Allegations Against Epic Games
While Fortnite is free to play, in-game purchases are a major revenue source for Epic Games. Players can buy in-game items and experiences—known as microtransactions, such as costumes and emotes. However, the FTC claims that Epic Games utilized “dark patterns” that obscured these purchases from players, allowing children to unintentionally accumulate unauthorized charges without parental consent.
These practices allegedly occurred between 2017 and 2022, and according to the FTC, a single accidental button press could trigger charges that players were not aware of. Additionally, it has been reported that if players disputed charges, their accounts were often locked, obstructing access to purchased content.
Settlement Details
The FTC and Epic Games reached this settlement in December 2022, marking it as the largest recorded refund in the gaming sector. Depending on claimants’ interactions, refunds will be distributed accordingly. Claimants who receive checks must cash them within 90 days, and those who opted for PayPal payments have a 30-day window to accept these funds.
The FTC is currently unclear about the timeline for distributing the remaining refunds but indicated further payments will be issued in the future.
In conclusion, if you think you are eligible for a refund, ensure you act promptly to secure your compensation. The FTC has ensured protections for Fortnite players, allowing many to regain lost funds due to Epic Games’ previous billing practices.
