NEW YORK — U.S. consumers who were “tricked” into purchases they didn’t want from the Fortnite maker Epic Games are now starting to receive refund checks, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced this week. Back in 2022, Epic agreed to pay a total of $520 million to settle complaints revolving around children’s privacy and payment methods on its popular Fortnite game.
The FTC alleged the video game giant used deceptive online design tactics to trick Fortnite players, including children, into making unintended purchases “based on the press of a single button.” Consumers could be charged for something as simple as attempting to wake the game from sleep mode or by pressing a nearby button when trying to preview an item, the agency explained. The FTC also accused Epic of blocking some users who disputed the charges from accessing the content they purchased.
Beyond a $275 million fine related to collecting personal information on players under the age of 13, the settlement included $245 million designated for customer refunds. Now, the first batch of those refunds is being sent out. On Monday, the FTC announced it was sending over 629,000 payments to eligible customers who submitted claims. About half of those refunds have gone out via PayPal, which should be redeemed within 30 days, and the rest are checks, which should be cashed within 90 days. The average refund is about $114, according to the FTC.
This initial distribution totals over $72 million, leaving approximately $173 million left to be dispensed. Impacted consumers can still apply for a refund online. Those eligible include Fortnite players who were charged for items they didn’t want between January 2017 and September 2022 or saw their accounts locked after complaining to credit card companies about wrongful charges from January 2018 through November 2018.
The deadline for submitting claims is set for January 10, 2025. At the time the settlement was announced, Epic stated it accepted the agreement because it wanted to “be at the forefront of consumer protection and provide the best experience for our players.” The Cary, North Carolina-based company added it was already implementing changes “to meet the expectations of our players and regulators, which we hope will serve as guidance for others in our industry.”
Notably, Nevada gamers are also set to benefit, with approximately $401,000 sent to 3,805 individuals as part of this nationwide refund effort. Each gamer should expect to see around $114 depending on their claim status, with many receiving refunds lower than $80. The FTC reported this situation escalated due to design flaws Epic Games had reportedly neglected which caused unintended charges.
The FTC revealed their investigation showcased the “counterintuitive, inconsistent, and confusing” button configuration on Fortnite’s platform, leading players of all ages to incur accidental charges. According to FTC allegations, players could be charged at the most inconvenient moments—like when waking the game from sleep mode or pressing the wrong adjacent button during item previews. Consequently, children inadvertently amassed charges, often without parental consent.
“Many parents have been surprised to learn that Epic charged them hundreds of dollars for kids’ in-app activities they did not authorize,” the FTC detailed. The agency also stated Epic even blocked account access to users disputing these unauthorized charges.
Epic Games emphasized its intent during its 2022 settlement announcement, claiming, “No developer creates a game with the intention of ending up here.” The company cited the historical lack of clarity for application of existing statutes to modern gaming practices. Since the settlement, Epic has promised changes to align its operation standards with current consumer protection expectations.
An example from the FTC complaint showed how easy it was for unauthorized purchases to occur. One parent used their credit card to authorize only one Epic Games purchase for their child, only to later discover the card information remained stored, leading to over $140 of unauthorized charges within just one week.
The FTC has encouraged eligible consumers to submit refund claims at www.ftc.gov/fortnite. If filing for the first time, the deadline is January 10, 2025, but anyone whose claims were filed by the October deadline does not need to take any more action. Refunds are being processed through checks and PayPal, and details about payment methods were communicated to claimants through their confirmation notices.
For inquiries, the FTC suggests using the appropriately assigned refund administrators. Individuals may contact Rust Consulting Inc. at 833-915-0880 or email [email protected]. Potential claimants can also familiarize themselves with requirements for refunds by visiting the FTC website.
This refund program is only one of many active initiatives by the FTC to address concerns about gaming practices and other consumer-related issues. The commitment to consumer protection and transparency, as highlighted by the FTC's extensive procedures, helps guide both companies and consumers moving forward.
