The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has decided to fine Epic Games $245 million. The fine comes as punishment for Epic, which uses what the FTC calls “dark patterns to trick players into making unwanted purchases and allow children to collect unauthorized payments without parental involvement.”
In particular, the FTC refers to Epic Games’ popular Fortnite. According to the FTC, the dark patterns contained button configurations that it found to be both inconsistent and confusing. In this configuration, players were able to make purchases at the push of a button.
“The company also made it easy for children to make purchases while playing Fortnite without parental consent,” the order says.
What Does the FTC Fine Against Epic Games Target?
The $245 million fine will be used to pay restitution to customers. The FTC order also prevents Epic from charging players without “affirmative consent” going forward.
Finally, Epic will no longer be allowed to lock the accounts of players who open disputes over unauthorized charges.
In terms of receiving a refund, eligibility is determined by the FTC as follows:
- Parents whose children made an unauthorized credit card purchase on the Epic Games Store between January 2017 and November 2018
- Fortnite players who were charged in-game currency (V-Bucks) for unwanted in-game items (such as cosmetics, llamas, or battle passes) between January 2017 and September 2022
- Fortnite players whose accounts were locked between January 2017 and September 2022 after disputing unauthorized charges with their credit card companies.
Anyone who believes they are owed a refund can get more information at on the FTC’s website. More information about the process will be added to the site as it becomes available.
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