FTC Begins $72 Million Refunds to Fortnite Players in $245 Million Settlement with Epic Games

Dec 10, 2024, 03:02 PM

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has begun distributing refunds totaling over $72 million to more than 600,000 Fortnite players who were allegedly tricked by Epic Games Inc. into making unwanted in-game purchases. FTC Chair Lina Khan announced, "We are now sending the first round of refunds totaling more than $72 million to those harmed." The refunds are part of a $245 million settlement that Epic Games agreed to pay in 2022 after the FTC accused the company of using deceptive design practices, known as 'dark patterns,' to induce players, including children, into unauthorized transactions. Affected consumers can file claims until January 10, 2025, potentially receiving up to $114 each on average. The FTC's complaint also alleged that Epic Games unlawfully allowed minors to make purchases without parental consent and locked users out of their accounts when they disputed wrongful charges.