The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced that a substantial number of U.S. players of the popular video game Fortnite may be eligible for refunds after being unlawfully charged for unwanted purchases. In a recent statement, the FTC indicated that 629,344 refunds, amounting to over $72 million, are being distributed to Fortnite players following a settlement reached with the game’s developer, Epic Games. This settlement, initially publicized in December 2022, arose from claims that Epic Games permitted minors to accumulate unauthorized charges without parental consent.
The FTC highlighted that Epic Games had obstructed access to purchased content for users who disputed those unauthorized charges, describing these practices as “counterintuitive, consistent and confusing.” This initial round of refunds was issued on Monday, distributed equally via checks and PayPal, with the average refund totaling approximately $114.
Eligibility for the refunds includes consumers who experienced unwanted charges from January 2017 to September 2022, parents whose children made unauthorized charges between January 2017 and November 2018, or users whose accounts were locked after filing a dispute regarding wrongful charges. Participants must be at least 18 years old to file a claim independently, although parents or guardians can assist minors.
Refund claims can be submitted online, with the deadline set for January 10, 2025. While the exact refund amount may vary based on the total number of claims filed, the FTC assures consumers that purchasing activities in the Fortnite accounts will remain unaffected by this claims process.
As the FTC continues to process claims, players have been encouraged to file their claims promptly. Future payments are anticipated in 2025, following the thorough evaluation of all claims submitted. For further inquiries, players can reach out to the refund administrator via phone or email.
This initiative not only exemplifies consumer protection but also serves as a reminder of the importance of monitoring in-game purchases, especially for households with younger players. The swift action taken by the FTC reflects the commitment to ensuring fairness in the gaming industry. Overall, this resolution underscores the ongoing evolution of digital gaming regulation, paving the way for safer gaming experiences for everyone involved.