FTC Refunds for Fortnite Players: Nearly $200 Million Paid Out
The United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has returned nearly $200 million in refunds to Fortnite players who were victims of misleading in-game purchase practices.
This move is part of a major legal settlement between the FTC and Fortnite developer, Epic Games.
Background of the Case
In 2022, the FTC sued Epic Games for allegedly using "dark patterns" in interface design that trick users into making unintended in-game purchases. In its complaint, the FTC stated that children and teenagers were the primary victims of this practice, where they made purchases unintentionally or felt pressured to buy in-game items.
Additionally, the FTC also noted that Epic unfairly locked user accounts that questioned unauthorized charges, causing many players to lose access to their accounts and purchases.
Refund Process
As a result of the lawsuit, Epic Games agreed to pay a total of $245 million as compensation to the players. From this amount, the FTC has refunded approximately $195 million to more than 6.7 million eligible Fortnite players. The refund process has been conducted through various methods, including checks and direct bank transfers.
Now, the FTC has reopened the claim period for players who previously did not submit refund requests. Players who believe they made unauthorized purchases or were caught in confusing design practices can file claims until the specified deadline through the official FTC website.