The developer of the well-known online video game Fortnite, Epic Games, has agreed to pay $245 million to resolve FTC complaints over in-game transactions. The FTC claims that the business froze the accounts of consumers who contested erroneous payments with their credit card providers and charged parents and gamers of all ages for unnecessary merchandise.
The FTC intends to use the proceeds of the settlement to reimburse American Fortnite players who were harmed by the company’s invoicing and refund policies.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) claimed that Epic used a range of design gimmicks known as “dark patterns” to persuade Fortnite players of all ages to make unplanned in-game purchases in a complaint made public in December as part of a settlement agreement with Epic. Fortnite’s counterintuitive, uneven, and confusing button arrangement leads users to incur undesirable charges depending on the click of a single button.
Also, the business made it simple for kids to buy things while using Fortnite without requesting their parents’ permission. Customers whose credit card companies raised complaints about fraudulent charges with Epic also had their accounts closed, according to the FTC’s lawsuit.
Are You Entitled to Get a Refund?
The FTC has planned to make refunds available to:
- Parents whose kids bought anything on the Epic Games Store with an illegal credit card between January 2017 and November 2018.
- Those who between January 2017 and September 2022 were charged in-game currency V-Bucks for unnecessary in-game stuff like cosmetics, llamas, or battle passes.
- Players whose accounts were disabled between January 2017 and September 2022 after they disputed unlawful charges with their credit card issuers.
If you think you qualify for a refund, there is no need for you to take any action at this time. We will update this page and notify consumers who paid for in-game purchases by email when we have more details regarding the refund program.
Note: Keep in mind that the FTC never charges you to make a claim or get a refund. Never pay anybody who demands money in exchange for a guarantee of an FTC refund.
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FAQ
What is Fortnite?
Fortnite is a free-to-play online video game developed by Epic Games. It is a battle royale game where up to 100 players fight to be the last person or team standing on an ever-shrinking island.
What platforms is Fortnite available on?
Fortnite is available on PC, Mac, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android.
Is Fortnite free?
Yes, Fortnite is free-to-play. However, there are in-game purchases available for players to buy cosmetic items, Battle Passes, and other items.
What is the Fortnite Battle Pass?
The Battle Pass is a seasonal progression system that allows players to earn rewards by completing challenges and leveling up. It costs V-Bucks (Fortnite’s in-game currency) to purchase and provides access to exclusive rewards for the duration of the season.
Can I play Fortnite with my friends?
Yes, Fortnite has both solo and team modes. You can play with friends in duos or squads, or join random players in team modes.
What is V-Bucks?
V-Bucks are Fortnite’s in-game currency that can be used to purchase cosmetic items, Battle Passes, and other items. V-Bucks can be earned by completing challenges or purchased with real money.
Is Fortnite cross-platform?
Yes, Fortnite supports cross-platform play between different platforms, allowing players on PC, Mac, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android to play together.
What is the Fortnite Creative mode?
Fortnite Creative is a sandbox-style mode where players can build and customize their own island, invite friends to explore, and play mini-games they created.
