Epic Games, the developer behind the wildly popular game Fortnite, has reached a significant settlement agreement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This deal will see 5 million allocated for refunds, with million specifically earmarked for players or their parents who faced unauthorized charges. The deadline for applying for these refunds is January 17th. The lawsuit stemmed from allegations that Epic Games employed deceptive practices, leading to inadvertent purchases by younger players and subsequent account lockouts when disputes arose. Changes have since been implemented to address these issues, ensuring more transparent and fair transactions within the game.
The legal action against Epic Games was initiated due to concerns over "dark patterns" used in Fortnite's payment system. These patterns allegedly misled users into making unintended purchases, particularly affecting children. Between January 2017 and September 2022, many parents found themselves dealing with unexpected charges on their credit cards, often without their knowledge or consent. When customers attempted to dispute these charges, some reported being locked out of their accounts, losing access to items they had purchased. This situation escalated into a major issue, prompting regulatory intervention.
In response to the FTC's findings, Epic Games agreed to implement several changes to its policies and practices. Moving forward, the company will require explicit consent before processing any payments and has committed to not locking players out of their accounts if they contest unauthorized charges. In a statement, Epic Games emphasized its dedication to enhancing transparency and ensuring that cancellations and refunds are straightforward processes. They also introduced safeguards aimed at protecting players of all ages, particularly focusing on children's privacy and security.
To qualify for a refund, eligible applicants must meet specific criteria outlined by the FTC. Adults who played Fortnite between January 2017 and September 2022 and incurred charges for unwanted in-game items can apply. Additionally, parents whose children made unauthorized purchases between January 2017 and November 2018 may also be eligible. Those who had their accounts locked following complaints about wrongful charges during this period can also seek reimbursement. Applicants need to provide their Epic Account ID and claim number associated with their consumer complaint to submit a valid claim.
With the settlement now in place, Epic Games aims to restore trust among its player base. By addressing past grievances and implementing stricter guidelines, the company hopes to create a safer and more enjoyable gaming environment. For those affected by the previous practices, the opportunity to recover lost funds represents a significant step toward rectifying the issues. The changes underscore a commitment to greater transparency and accountability in how microtransactions are handled within Fortnite.