The FTC has ordered Fortnite developer Epic Games to compensate players with $245 million.
The FTC recently found that Epic Games, with Fortnite in particular, exploited players by using deceptive button configurations that forced users to make unwanted purchases. As a result, it must pay out $245 million in refunds to affected players.
See also: Epic Games: $520 million fine for FTC complaints
The Federal Trade Commission announced in a press release, as reported by GamesRadar , that Fortnite 's control system was inconsistent, confusing, and still allowed children to purchase items without their parents' permission. This chaotic configuration of buttons resulted in players being charged for pressing a single button.
Epic Games sparked controversy by locking the accounts of players who disputed an unwanted purchase, according to GamesRadar.
Epic is strictly prohibited from using deceptive tactics, such as strange patterns, to trick consumers into paying fees without their express consent, according to the press release. Additionally, the order prohibits Epic from preventing customers from accessing accounts to dispute unauthorized charges.
Epic Games has only 8 days to pay the fine in full, and it is unknown when users can expect to receive compensation, as the FTC will distribute the money at its discretion. An FTC made this statement, but was unable to provide information on an estimated timeline for refunds.
Epic Games will transfer $245 million to the FTC , which will then disburse the refund funds to eligible customers. If you were affected by their practices, visit this website here for more information on how to claim your refund when the claims process begins. As a reminder, those eligible for a refund include:
See also: Fortnite: Returns to iPhones despite Epic's battle against Apple
- Parents whose children made an unauthorized credit card purchase on the Epic Games Store between January 2017 and November 2018
- Fortnite players charged with in-game currency (V-Bucks) for unwanted in-game items (such as cosmetics, llamas, or battle passes) between January 2017 and September 2022
- Fortnite players whose accounts were locked between January 2017 and September 2022 after disputing unauthorized charges with their credit card companies.
Source: gameinformer.com
