Summary
SelectFortniteplayers will soon receive refunds as part of a new initiative by the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The reorganization is moving forward with issuing payments intended to help players affected by what it calls “dark patterns” carried out byFortnitedeveloper Epic Games. Millions of dollars will be sent out in the coming weeks, and affected players will receive notifications that they are eligible.
Launched all the way back in 2017,Fortnitehas managed to remain at the forefront of the video game sphere thanks to consistent updates, quality-of-life improvements, and, of course, a steady flow of cosmetic monetization. FromFortnite’s in-game storefront to constant new collaborations, there’s near limitless potential as to what can be brought into the world-famous battle royale third-person shooter. This is especially true forFortnite’s last two seasons, which saw several legendary faces, both real and fictional, make their way into the game. However, the FTC is taking issue with certain parts ofFortnite’s monetization model and is now set to issue refunds for affected players.
The FTC will issue over $72 million to players affected by what it calls “dark patterns” from Epic Games. “Fortnite’s counterintuitive, inconsistent, and confusing button configuration led players to incur unwanted charges based on the press of a single button,” reads thelatest statement from the FTC. “The company also made it easy for children to make purchases while playingFortnitewithout requiring any parental consent." According to theFTC’s complaint against Epic Games, the studio also made it difficult for customers to dispute credit card charges, locking the accounts of those who attempted to file a claim. The average payment to each eligible player will be roughly $114.
FTC Paying Out Refunds to Fortnite Players
The FTC argues Epic Games let children rack up unauthorized purchases without the need of parental approval. The original complaint dates back to December 2022, which alleged Epic Games used a variety of design tricks to allow players of all ages to make in-game purchases in theever-changingFortniteshop.Fortnitehas thrived on this “fear of missing out” for quite some time, though things appear to be changing. Public opinion has certainly changed regarding limited-time content withinFortnite, with Epic Games recently announcing previous battle passes will be made available in the future. Fans have long complained about seeing some of their favorite characters locked behind a timed event or battle pass, and this change seeks to address these concerns.
Fortniterecently entered its Chapter 6 update, which marks a brand-new era for the game as a whole. Not only isFortnite’s battle royal map littered with exciting new locations to uncover and explore, but the game also rolled out a brand-new battle pass. Chapter 6 will also include changes toFortnite’s LEGO and Festival modes, with several entirely new experiences likely on the way.
Fortnite
WHERE TO PLAY
Create, play, and battle with friends for free in Fortnite. Be the last player standing in Battle Royale and Zero Build, experience a concert or live event, or discover over a million creator made games, including racing, parkour, zombie survival, and more. Each Fortnite island has an individual age rating so you can find the one that’s right for you and your friends.Explore large, destructible environments where no two games are ever the same. Team up with friends by sprinting, climbing and smashing your way to earn your Victory Royale, whether you choose to build up in Fortnite Battle Royale or go no-builds in Fortnite Zero Build.Discover even more ways to play across thousands of creator-made game genres: adventure, roleplay, survival and more. Or, band together with up to three friends to fend off hordes of monsters in Save the World.
