FTC Issues Refunds to Fortnite Players Over Deceptive Payment Practices

Nearly 630,000 Fortnite players and parents are receiving refunds as part of a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) settlement with Epic Games. This marks a significant milestone in a $72 million refund initiative aimed at addressing deceptive payment tactics in the immensely popular game.

The controversy stems from Epic Games’ alleged use of confusing and inconsistent button configurations in Fortnite, leading to unintended in-game purchases. According to the FTC, players could unknowingly incur charges by simply waking the game from sleep mode, navigating a loading screen, or previewing items. These practices reportedly affected players of all ages, sparking widespread complaints.

To date, the average refund issued is $114, with the government still accepting claims online through at least January 10. Additional payouts will be distributed via check or PayPal at a later date. This settlement follows Epic’s agreement in December 2022 to pay $245 million to resolve the FTC’s charges, marking the largest gaming-related refund in the agency’s history.

In addition to the refund settlement, Epic also agreed to pay $275 million for violating the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). FTC Chair Lina Khan criticized the company for “privacy-invasive default settings and deceptive interfaces” that misled users, including minors.

While Epic did not admit to any wrongdoing, the company stated its commitment to consumer protection and improving player experiences. Fortnite, launched in 2017, remains one of the most successful games of all time, with tens of millions of monthly active players.

Consumers eligible for refunds include those charged for unwanted in-game items, parents whose children made unauthorized charges, and players locked out of their accounts after disputing wrongful payments. Claims can be filed by individuals 18 or older, or by parents on behalf of minors, until the deadline.