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Today, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC or FTC) issued a ruling against Epic Games in a case of unwanted purchases in Fortnite. The FTC alleged that Epic used a number of tactics to encourage unwanted in-game virtual currency purchases; these tactics have resulted in millions of dollars in unauthorized consumer spending. According to the adopted resolution, the company will have to pay a fine of $245 million. This money will go towards refunds to players affected by this practice.
Consumers who believe they have been unfairly charged for their Fortnite purchases can turn to the site set up by the FTC to request a refund. The FTC intends to provide refunds to the following users:
- Parents whose children made an unauthorized credit card purchase on the Epic Games Store between January 2017 and November 2018.
- Fortnite players who were credited with in-game currency (V-Bucks) for unwanted in-game items (such as cosmetics, blades, or Battle Pass) between January 2017 and September 2022.
- Fortnite players whose accounts were suspended between January 2017 and September 2022 after disputing unauthorized charges with credit card companies.
In addition, the ruling will prohibit Epic Games from charging customers without their consent. Fortnite will no longer be able to block access to their accounts for consumers who dispute unauthorized charges.
The Commission’s vote was unanimous, 4-0 in favor of approving the complaint and order against Epic Games. The company will have to pay, and players who feel they have been unfairly charged will be refunded.