Fortnite Players to Get $72 Million in Refunds: Here’s What You Need to Know

Fortnite Players to Receive Refunds Following Epic Games Settlement

Millions of Fortnite players and other Epic Games customers are set to receive refunds totalling $72 million in the coming weeks. This is part of a larger $245 million settlement between Epic Games and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), initially announced in December 2022. The settlement resolves allegations that Epic Games used deceptive design tactics—commonly called “dark patterns”—to trick users into making unintended purchases.

For the gaming industry, this marks one of the most significant refunds ever ordered by the FTC. As part of the resolution, Epic Games also paid an additional $275 million fine for violating children’s privacy laws, bringing their total penalties to over $520 million.

Why Is Epic Games Refunding Players?

The FTC accused Epic Games, the creator of the global sensation Fortnite, of using manipulative design tactics that unintentionally led players to spend money on in-game purchases. These tactics allegedly included:

• Confusing Button Layouts: Players could easily make unwanted purchases with a single accidental button. For example, attempting to preview an item could instead trigger a purchase.
• Sleep Mode Issues: When players wake up their consoles from sleep mode, purchases can be automatically processed without their intention.
• Account Lockouts: Customers who disputed unauthorized charges with their banks often found their Fortnite accounts locked, cutting them off from content they had already purchased.

In announcing the settlement in 2022, FTC Chair Lina M. Khan emphasized the importance of protecting children and families from deceptive online practices. “Dark patterns and privacy-invasive settings harm users, especially teenagers and children. These actions make it clear that the FTC is serious about holding companies accountable,” she said.

How Much Money Are Customers Receiving?

The refunds will be distributed to more than 629,000 eligible players in this first round of payments. The average payout is $114 per player, though the exact amount varies depending on the claim submitted. Refunds are being sent through two methods:

1. PayPal Transfers: Customers who chose PayPal as their preferred payment method have 30 days to redeem their funds.
2. Checks in the Mail: Customers receiving checks have 90 days to cash them.

Additional rounds of payments are expected in 2025 as the FTC continues to process claims from eligible players.

Who Is Eligible for a Refund?

The settlement covers three primary groups of customers who were impacted by Epic Games’ practices between 2017 and 2022:

1. Accidental Purchases: Fortnite players are charged for purchases they did not intend to make.
2. Unauthorized Transactions by Children: Parents billed for charges their children made without parental consent.
3. Account Lockouts: Customers are locked out of their Fortnite accounts after disputing unauthorized charges with their credit card companies.

The FTC estimates that up to 37 million people were eligible for these refunds. However, only a fraction of this group has filed claims, leaving a significant portion of the $245 million fund unused.

How to Claim Your Refund

There’s still time if you believe you qualify for a refund but must submit a claim. The FTC’s refund process remains open until January 10, 2025. Here’s how you can apply:

1. Visit the FTC Settlement Website: The official FTC claims site provides detailed instructions and a claims form.
2. Fill Out the Form: Provide the necessary information, including proof of unauthorized charges or other relevant details.
3. Choose Your Payment Method: Indicate whether you prefer to receive your payment via PayPal or check.

Consumers who missed the first round of payments will be included in the subsequent disbursements planned for 2025.

What Are Dark Patterns?

Dark patterns are design tricks websites, and apps use to manipulate users into taking actions they might not otherwise choose. In the case of Fortnite, these patterns made it easy for players to make unintended purchases.

For example, the game’s user interface featured confusing layouts and poorly labelled buttons, increasing the likelihood of accidental transactions. These tactics not only affected children and teenagers, who make up a large portion of Fortnite’s player base, but also frustrated adults.

“Games like Fortnite are popular among younger audiences, and companies need to be held accountable when their practices exploit this demographic,” said FTC Chair Lina M. Khan.

The Broader Impact on the Gaming Industry

This case sets a significant precedent for regulatory agencies addressing deceptive practices in the gaming industry. The FTC’s action against Epic Games serves as a warning to other companies that employ similar tactics.

“The size of this settlement sends a clear message,” said gaming industry analyst Mark Rosenberg. “Developers need to ensure their payment systems are transparent and user-friendly. Anything less won’t be tolerated.”

The settlement has also sparked discussions about the ethics of microtransactions and in-game purchases, which have become a staple revenue model for many gaming companies.

Epic Games’ Response

Epic Games did not admit to any wrongdoing as part of the settlement but stated in 2022, outlining its commitment to improving player experiences. The company acknowledged that some of its older systems may have caused confusion and pledged to make changes moving forward.

“Over the past few years, we’ve implemented several improvements, including clearer refund policies and more transparent payment processes,” the statement read. “We value our community and will continue to prioritize their trust.”

What About Privacy Violations?

In addition to the $245 million refund settlement, Epic Games also paid $275 million for violating the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). This penalty was related to allegations that Fortnite collected personal data from children under 13 without parental consent.

The $275 million fine is the largest ever imposed for a COPPA violation, highlighting the FTC’s commitment to protecting children’s digital privacy.

Looking Ahead: Future Refunds and Claims

While this first round of payments covers a significant portion of affected consumers, the FTC has clarified that there is more to come. The commission plans to distribute additional refunds in 2025 once all claims are reviewed.

If any money remains in the settlement fund after all eligible claims are processed, the FTC may issue a second round of payments. This ensures that the funds are fully utilized to compensate affected consumers.

A Lesson for Gamers and Developers

The Epic Games settlement reminds players and developers about the importance of fair practices in the gaming world. For players, viewing in-game purchases and monitoring transactions closely is crucial, especially when children can access the account. For developers, transparency and ethical design are good business practices and legal obligations.

As the gaming industry continues to grow, cases like this will likely shape the future of how companies handle payments, privacy, and user experiences.

The $72 million refunds now being distributed mark a victory for consumers who Epic Games unfairly charged. This case highlights the importance of protecting players from deceptive practices and ensuring that gaming remains an enjoyable experience for all.

If you think you might be eligible for a refund, don’t wait—submit your claim before the January 10, 2025, deadline. For more information, visit the FTC’s official website.