Epic Games Settles with US Regulator, to Pay Hundreds of Millions in Compensation to Fortnite Players

Epic Games will pay back hundreds of millions in compensation to Fortnite players as a result of a settlement with the US regulator. From now on they can submit their claims on a specially set up website. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has already begun notifying millions of players via email about this possibility. More Fortnite players should receive corresponding emails within the next four weeks.

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In December 2022, the FTC imposed a record fine on Fortnite developer Epic Games for allegedly violating the privacy of children and young people. In addition to the $275 million fine, the company agreed to a settlement and will pay $245 million to consumers who were tricked into making purchases they didn’t intend by using so-called “dark patterns.”

Nearly 40 million eligible players

Over 37 million Fortnite players could now be entitled to compensation reports Gizmodo. According to the FTC, young players in particular were tricked into making unwanted in-app purchases through design tricks in the game. However, the FTC requires claimants to be at least 18 years old. For minors, parents or legal guardians must do so FTC form fill out. The supervisory authority gives them until January 17, 2024 to do so.

The amount of damages depends FTC information depends on whether the applicant’s claim is approved and how many players actually submit their claims. Given the application deadline is the beginning of 2024, any payments will probably only be made after that.

Epic Games responds to FTC allegations

Epic Games had already declared at the end of 2022 that it would make appropriate changes to the game. It will introduce an explicit yes-no choice for storing payment information. Players could request refunds via credit card. “If a cardholder sees an unauthorized transaction on their statement, they can report it to their bank to have it reversed,” the company said.

To protect children, Epic Games says it has introduced features such as more accessible parental controls, a PIN requirement that allows parents to authorize purchases, and “restricted accounts” for children under 13. Since December 2022, there have also been restricted children’s accounts in the Epic Games Store. This only allows you to play certain titles – and not spend any money.

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