In December 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) began issuing refunds to Fortnite players across the United States as part of a settlement with Epic Games. The settlement, which stems from complaints about Epic Games’ practices, is aimed at addressing unfair charges and issues with the game’s in-game purchasing system.
The FTC’s action is a major win for players who were unfairly charged or locked out of their accounts during disputes over unauthorized transactions. According to Forbes, over $72 million will be distributed to more than 600,000 Fortnite players, making it one of the most significant refund programs ever issued by the FTC. “The average payment is around $114,” the FTC said according to CBS News.
As part of a settlement, which was first announced in December 2022, Epic Games has been ordered by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to pay $245 million to address allegations of unlawful billing practices. These practices involved using design techniques, commonly known as “dark patterns,” to trick players into making unintended purchases. The FTC labeled the settlement the largest refund amount ever issued in a gaming-related case, underscoring the severity of the issue and its impact on consumers
The problem started with Epic Games’ handling of in-game purchases. Many players, mostly children, were charged for Fortnite items without their knowledge or consent. Due to the game’s mechanics, many players made accidental purchases, often leading to substantial bills without adequate warnings. In many cases, players were unable to reverse charges or reclaim lost funds, even when it was clear the purchases were unauthorized. This led to complaints and a federal investigation into Epic Games’ practices.
The FTC’s settlement provides relief for those affected by these issues. Players who were charged for unwanted items between January 2017 and September 2022 are eligible for refunds. Additionally, those who were locked out of their accounts after disputing charges are also included in the refund program. The process is simple: affected players can visit the official Fortnite refund website to submit a claim. Refunds will be distributed automatically to eligible players, and those who believe they are entitled to a refund but missed the deadline can still submit claims before January 10, 2025.
The settlement is a direct result of the FTC’s investigation, which found that Epic Games had made it difficult for players to stop unauthorized transactions. In some cases, players were also locked out of their accounts when they raised disputes about charges, preventing them from accessing purchased content. The FTC’s investigation also revealed that Epic had used deceptive practices to encourage players to spend more money on in-game purchases.
As part of the settlement, Epic Games has agreed to change its policies to prevent similar issues in the future. The company will now require explicit consent from players before making any charges and has pledged to improve the transparency of its in-game purchasing system. Additionally, Epic will ensure that players who dispute charges are not unfairly penalized, and their accounts will no longer be locked as a result.
While the settlement brings a sense of justice to those who were affected by Epic Games’ practices, it also sends a strong message to the gaming industry about the importance of consumer protection. The FTC has stated that it will continue to monitor the gaming sector to ensure that players are not being exploited by unfair business practices.
Players wishing to apply for a refund can do so through the official Fortnite refund website. The deadline for submitting claims is January 10, 2025, so players who believe they are eligible should act quickly. Epic Games has also promised to notify affected players about the refund process, providing them with the necessary information to ensure they can reclaim their funds.
