🎮 245 Million Fortnite Settlement: Are You One of the 37 Million Eligible for a Refund?
Some players (and parents) have already reported to receive $100 - $250 payments via PayPal for those that filed a claim form.
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It's all fun and games 'till someone loses an eye, then it's just fun you can't see.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has begun notifying a staggering 37 million people who may be entitled to a refund from Fortnite-maker Epic Games. In 2022, Epic Games agreed to pay a jaw-dropping $520 million to settle government allegations of deceptive practices, including the use of "dark patterns" to trick players into buying items like costumes, dance moves, and "loot crates."
But wait, there's more. The government also accused Epic Games of making it easy for kids under 13 to rack up charges without their parent's consent, violating federal laws designed to protect children's privacy. And if you dared to dispute these unauthorized charges with your credit card issuer? Epic Games would lock your Fortnite account. Talk about adding insult to injury.
The Refund Pool
Out of the $520 million settlement, $245 million is earmarked for providing refunds to eligible consumers. So, who's eligible? According to the FTC, you may apply for a refund if:
You were charged in-game currency for unwanted purchases between January 2017 and September 2022.
Your child used your credit card for in-game purchases without your knowledge between January 2017 and November 2018.
Your account was locked between January 2017 and September 2022 after you complained to your credit card company about unwanted charges from playing Fortnite.
How to File a Claim
Ready to get your money back? Head over to the FTC's claim site to begin filing your claim. You'll need either a claim number or your Epic Account ID to proceed.
The FTC began sending millions of emails to Fortnite gamers on September 19 and will continue for a month. Your claim number is included in this email.
The deadline for filing a claim is January 10, 2025. If you have questions, you can reach out to the FTC at (888) 915-0880 or email at admin@fortniterefund.com.
How Much Will You Get?
The million-dollar question—literally. The FTC hasn't specified the per-person refund amount yet. The final amount will depend on several factors, including the number of people who file a claim.
Epic Games has implemented additional measures to prevent unintended purchases, stating, "The video game industry is a place of fast-moving innovation, where player expectations are high and new ideas are paramount." They argue that laws written decades ago don't specify how gaming ecosystems should operate today. In an updated statement, they referred people to the FTC's page for more information.
This settlement is a monumental step in holding tech companies accountable for their actions. It's a win for consumers and a cautionary tale for the gaming industry. The laws may not have changed, but their application has evolved, and it's high time companies like Epic Games adapt to these changes or face the consequences.
So, Fortnite players and parents, it's time to claim what's rightfully yours. Don't miss out on this opportunity for justice.
