Fortnite players, and in some instances, their parents, may soon find themselves eligible for monetary compensation as part of an agreement reached between Epic Games, the company behind the popular game, and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
On Tuesday, the FTC announced that it has initiated the process of identifying individuals who may be entitled to compensation resulting from a settlement that was finalized back in March. This settlement arose from allegations that Epic Games engaged in the use of “dark patterns and other deceptive practices” to manipulate players into making unwanted in-game purchases.
The initial complaint was publicly disclosed in December 2022, and it asserted that Epic Games employed various design tactics to encourage players of all ages to make unintentional in-game purchases. As part of the settlement, Epic Games agreed to pay a substantial $245 million to the FTC.
Additionally, the complaint alleged that the company made it relatively simple for children to accumulate charges on their parents’ credit cards without obtaining proper consent. Furthermore, it was claimed that Epic Games would lock the accounts of consumers who raised objections to unauthorized charges with their credit card companies.
Here is essential information about the settlement and the process of applying for a refund.
Who Is Eligible to Apply for a Refund?
The FTC has provided specific criteria for eligibility to apply for a refund. You are eligible to submit a refund claim if any of the following statements apply to your situation:
- You were charged in-game currency for items you did not intend to purchase 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 between January 2017 and September 2022 after you reported wrongful charges to your credit card company.
It’s essential to note that claimants must be at least 18 years old to complete a claim form. For those under 18, a parent or guardian must handle the claim submission process on their behalf.
How to Apply for a Refund
To request a refund, you can conveniently do so online by visiting www.forniterefund.com/file-a-claim. In order to apply, you will need either a claim number or your Epic Account ID. Please remember that the deadline for submitting refund claims is January 17, 2024.
How Much Will I Receive and When Will I Receive It?
The specific amount of your refund will depend on various factors, including the number of individuals who file a claim. The FTC has not yet provided a mailing date for the payments, but they have assured that they will update their website with more information as it becomes available.
In conclusion, Fortnite players and parents who have been affected by questionable in-game practices by Epic Games may have the opportunity to recoup some of their losses through the FTC settlement. If you meet the eligibility criteria, it’s advisable to submit a refund claim by the January 17, 2024 deadline to potentially receive compensation for unwanted in-game charges. Keep an eye on the FTC website for updates regarding payment distribution.
