Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite, reached settlements with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the previous year, addressing privacy concerns and allegations of deceptive "design tricks" that led players to unintentionally spend money. As part of this settlement, Fortnite players now have the opportunity to register for a refund, with the FTC launching a dedicated settlement page on Tuesday. Eligible players, meeting specific criteria, can apply for refunds until January 17, 2024, and must link their Epic Games account during the process.
This initiative stems from a $245 million portion of the overall $520 million settlement, focusing on what the FTC labeled as "dark patterns and billing practices" embedded in the Fortnite game. The FTC website provides additional information on the settlement details. Notably, the refund process is distinct from a return, ensuring that players do not lose any in-game items by enrolling.
The following individuals are eligible for refunds:
- Players charged V-Bucks (Fortnite's in-game currency) for items they did not intend to purchase from January 2017 to September 2022.
- Fortnite users experiencing a credit card charge after an unwanted purchase made by a child in the game between January 2017 and November 2018.
- Individuals whose Fortnite accounts were locked by Epic Games for disputing credit card charges related to transactions between January 2017 and September 2022.
The final refund amounts are yet to be determined, influenced by the total number of claims, which will play a role in dividing the $245 million among eligible users. If you have been affected by the aforementioned issues, submitting a claim is advisable to explore the potential refund you may receive.
