
Epic Games Ordered to Refund $72M to Fortnite Players | Image Source: Activeplayer.io
WASHINGTON, December 10, 2024 – Fortnite players and other Epic Games customers deceived to make unwanted purchases in the game begin to see refunds under an agreement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Announced in December 2022, the agreement requires epic games to pay $245 million, marking the highest repayment in a gambling-related case. The funds are distributed in instalments, and more than 629,000 payments, or $72 million, were sent on Monday.
Reimbursements relate to allegations that epic games used misleading billing practices that involved dark patterns to deceive users to incur unwanted fees. According to the FTC, these design tricks have led to unauthorized transactions, often involving children and adolescents. The FTC described the agreement as an important step towards protecting consumers from online practices and accountability in the gaming industry.
What did the epic games do?
FTC research revealed that Epic Games, the Fortnite manufacturer, used design tactics known as dark models to deceive customers into making unwanted purchases. Dark patterns refer to user interface designs that manipulate users in actions they cannot take otherwise. Examples cited by the FTC include confusing button configurations that facilitate inadvertent loading. Just press an adjacent button or try to wake up the game in standby mode could lead to an unwanted purchase.
These tactics disproportionately affected young players, who often lacked understanding or ability to challenge unauthorized charges. FTC President Lina M. Khan highlighted the Agency’s commitment to reducing misleading practices, particularly those targeting vulnerable populations such as children. In addition to unintentional purchases, customers who challenged fees were often excluded from their account, losing access to purchased content.
Details of the distribution of funds
Under the agreement, the FTC began to repay on Monday. About half of the initial payments were made by PayPal, while the other half were issued as cheques. Customers who have chosen PayPal have 30 days to exchange their payments, while those who receive cheques have 90 days to collect them. The average amount of the refund is approximately $114, providing some financial relief to affected players.
The FTC made it clear that this is only the first round of refunds, with additional payments to be made. Players who consider themselves eligible for future refunds can still file claims on the FTC online portal, with the claim deadline of January 10, 2025. The agreement ensures that consumers deceived by Epic’s billing practices have a way to recover their losses.
Micro-transactions and dark patterns
Fortnite, a global game phenomenon, is free to download and play, but largely depends on microdistributions for income. Players can buy virtual items such as character costumes, dance movements and other active in the game. Although microtransactions are common in the game, the FTC stated that Epic Games practices go beyond industry rules actively concealing accusations and eliminating parental consent mechanisms.
For example, players trying to preview objects or awaken the game in standby mode can trigger purchases with one key. The FTC also noted that Epic’s default privacy configuration was invasive and contributed to the misleading experience. These practices, which took place between 2017 and 2022, led to important unauthorized positions, particularly among families and young users.
Greater impact of the FTC
The agreement with epic games reflects the growing surveillance of the gambling industry and its commitment to protect consumers from unfair practices. The Agency’s actions underline the importance of transparency and ethical design on digital platforms, particularly those frequented by children and adolescents. By providing the highest rebate in a gambling-related case, the FTC aims to set a precedent for other companies using similar tactics.
The epic games, for their part, recognized the agreement without mistake. The company stated that it had updated its systems to clarify transactions and provide more stringent guarantees to users. Despite these changes, the case highlighted the need for stronger monitoring and accountability in the gambling sector.
How to file a claim
Fortune players who believe they have been affected by Epic Games billing practices can still file claims. The FTC has made the process accessible through an online portal, with detailed instructions available to consumers. Eligible customers can choose their preferred payment method when sending a claim, with options including PayPal and cheques.
For those who have already received payments, it is crucial to buy back or raise funds within the deadlines – 30 days for PayPal payments and 90 days for cheques. The FTC stressed its commitment to ensure that all eligible consumers receive their refund and encourages players to act quickly to ensure their compensation.
The epic game solution recalls the importance of consumer rights and the role of regulators in combating unethical business practices. As digital platforms continue to evolve, transparency and fairness will remain essential to protect users and build confidence in the industry.