The FTC distributes refunds to Fortnite players who were billed for unwanted in-game items; discover who qualifies.
Headline
The FTC distributes refunds to Fortnite players who were billed for unwanted in-game items; discover who qualifies.
The Federal Trade Commission unveils that it's distributing refunds to Fortnite gamers, with the game's developer settling a complaint last year over accusations of persuading players into unwanted transactions.
Crucial Points
Over $72 million in refunds are being distributed to Fortnite players in the United States who unintentionally purchased items within the online game, which features microtransactions for in-game attire, emotes, weapon skins, and more.
The compensation is being distributed to those who submitted a claim by October 8, according to the FTC, while those who submitted claims afterwards should receive their refunds soon, and those who haven't submitted a claim have until January to do so.
The $72 million in refunds is just the initial portion of payments the FTC plans to distribute, as per Lina Khan, the regulatory agency's chairperson.
Claimants can opt for a check or PayPal as the mode of refund.
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Who's Eligible for the Fortnite Refunds?
Gamers who were charged for items they didn't want between January 2017 and September 2022 can apply for a refund. Parents whose child made unauthorized charges to their credit card between January 2017 and November 2018 can also apply. Lastly, Fortnite players whose accounts were locked between January 2017 and September 2022 after disputing wrongful charges are eligible. Claimants must be at least 18 years old to submit a claim. Parents or guardians can complete claim forms for those under 18.
Deadline to Apply for Next Round of Refunds?
Gamers wishing to submit a claim must do so by January 10, 2025.
Amount of Refunds?
The FTC stated that payment amounts will depend on "several factors, including how many people file a claim." It hasn't specified what these factors are and did not immediately respond to Our Website' request for clarification.
Points to Keep an Eye On
The game developer still owes roughly $173 million in refunds after the initial round.
Background
Fortnite developer Epic Games agreed to pay $520 million in penalties and refunds in 2022 to settle allegations it tricked players into making unwanted purchases. Regulators specifically accused Fortnite's "counterintuitive, inconsistent, and confusing button configuration" of causing unintentional purchases with the press of one button. They also claimed Epic Games made it simple for children to make purchases without parental consent and locked accounts of customers who disputed charges. Epic Games is a private company, so details on how much money Fortnite generates have not been disclosed. However, the free game is likely one of the most successful and popular titles in the gaming industry since its release in 2017. Fortnite is one of the most-watched games on streaming platform Twitch and has struck partnerships with companies such as Disney and hosted virtual concerts featuring artists like Travis Scott that have generated tens of millions of views.
Further Reading
Apple and Fortnite Maker Epic Games Are Heading Back to Court Again — Here’s Why (Our Website)
- The FTC is distributing refunds to Fortnite players due to the game's developer settling a complaint over microtransactions, claiming players were persuaded into unwanted purchases.
- Gamers who unintentionally purchased items in Fortnite between 2017 and 2022, including V-Bucks and in-game attire, can submit a claim for a refund by January 10, 2025.
- The FTC is offering a compensation of $72 million to US Fortnite players for unwanted transactions, with options for refunds via check or PayPal.
- Twitch, a popular streaming platform, features live Fortnite streams and partnerships with brands like Disney, which have resulted in tens of millions of views for the game's virtual concerts.
- Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite, pays $520 million in penalties and refunds to settle allegations of tricking players into unwanted purchases, including through a controversial button configuration and lack of parental consent.