In a significant move for gamers, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced that nearly 630,000 Fortnite players in the U.S. are set to receive refunds after it was determined that they were unlawfully charged for unwanted purchases. This decision follows a settlement with Epic Games, the developer behind the popular online game, which has been criticized for its billing practices that the FTC labeled as “counterintuitive, consistent, and confusing.”
Refund Details
The FTC has initiated a refund process, distributing a total of over $72 million to affected players. This follows a settlement agreement of $245 million that was first disclosed in December 2022. The FTC’s investigation revealed that Epic Games allowed minors to incur unauthorized charges without parental consent.
Many players reported that their accounts were locked when they disputed these unauthorized charges, further complicating their gaming experience. The refunds are being processed in two forms: checks and PayPal, with an average refund amounting to approximately $114.
Eligibility for Refunds
To qualify for a refund, players must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- You were charged in-game currency for items you didn’t want between January 2017 and September 2022.
- Your child made charges to your credit card without your knowledge between January 2017 and November 2018.
- Your account was locked after you disputed unauthorized charges from January 2017 to September 2022.
Players must be at least 18 years old to file a claim independently, but parents or guardians can submit claims on behalf of minors.
How to File a Claim
Eligible players can file their claims online. To do so, they will need their claim number or Epic account ID. Those who haven’t received an email regarding their claim can find their Epic account ID through the Epic Games website. The deadline for submitting claims is January 10, 2025.
Payment and Future Refunds
The FTC has already dispatched the first batch of refunds, with payment methods chosen by consumers during the claim process. Recipients should cash checks within 90 days and redeem PayPal payments within 30 days. Further payments are expected to be issued in 2025 as the FTC continues to review and validate additional claims.
For more information or assistance regarding the refund process, players can contact the refund administrator directly. This initiative reflects a growing trend of regulatory oversight in the gaming industry, particularly concerning consumer protection.
