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FTC Sending Refunds To Fortnite Players Charged For Unwanted Items—Here’s Who Is Eligible

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FTC Sending Refunds To Fortnite Players Charged For Unwanted Items—Here’s Who Is Eligible

Topline

The Federal Trade Commission announced Monday it is sending refunds to players of the popular online game Fortnite, the developer of which settled a complaint last year centered around accusations of tricking players into unwanted purchases.

Key Facts

More than $72 million in refunds are being sent to Fortnite players in the U.S. who were charged for purchases they did not intend to make on the video game, which offers microtransactions for in-game outfits, emotes, weapon skins and more.

The payments are going to people who filed a claim by Oct. 8, according to the FTC, while those who filed claims after that date are expected to receive refunds in the future, and those who haven’t filed a claim have until January to do so.

The $72 million in payments is just the first round of refunds the FTC intends to dish out, according to Lina Khan, the regulatory agency’s chair.

Claimants can choose to be refunded through a check or PayPal.

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Who Is Eligible For The Fortnite Refunds?

Players who were charged in-game currency for items they did not want between January 2017 and September 2022 can apply for a refund. Parents whose child made charges to their credit card without their knowledge between January 2017 and November 2018 can also apply. Lastly, Fortnite players who had their accounts locked between January 2017 and September 2022 after complaining to their credit card company about 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.

When Is The Deadline To Apply For The Next Round Of Refunds?

Players looking to file a claim must do so by Jan. 10, 2025.

How Much Will The Refunds Be?

The FTC said payment amounts will depend on “several factors, including how many people file a claim.” It has not specified what the factors are and did not immediately respond to Forbes’ request for clarification.

What To Watch For

The video game developer will still owe about $173 million in refunds after the first round is completed.

Key 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 leading players to make unintended purchases with the press of one button. They also claimed Epic Games made it easy 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 has not been disclosed. However, the free game is likely one of the most successful and popular titles in the gaming industry since releasing 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 (Forbes)

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