FTC Issues $72 Million in Refunds to Fortnite Players Over Deceptive Purchases
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has begun distributing over $72 million in refunds to Fortnite players affected by Epic Games’ controversial purchase practices. This marks the first wave of payments from a landmark $245 million settlement finalized in March 2023, addressing claims that the game used manipulative design tactics to trick users into unwanted purchases.
The Dark Patterns Controversy
The FTC found Epic Games guilty of employing “dark patterns”—deceptive interface designs that mislead users. Key issues included:
- Misleading button configurations that triggered accidental purchases
- Charges during game loading screens after waking from sleep mode
- Unauthorized purchases when previewing in-game items
These tactics disproportionately impacted children, who often racked up charges without parental consent.
Settlement Terms and Consumer Protections
As part of the settlement, Epic Games must:
✔ Discontinue all deceptive purchase mechanisms
✔ Obtain explicit consent for digital transactions
✔ Stop locking accounts of users disputing charges
Refund Distribution Details
- 629,344 payments issued in this initial round
- 50% via PayPal, 50% by physical check (based on claimant preference)
- Average refund: Approximately $114 per recipient
Important deadlines:
- PayPal recipients must claim within 30 days
- Check recipients must cash within 90 days
Affected players who haven’t filed can still submit a claim via the FTC’s online portal.
FTC’s Crackdown on Deceptive Practices
This case reflects the FTC’s broader campaign against dark patterns, having recently targeted:
- Subscription apps with hidden recurring charges
- Neobank Dave for misleading marketing
- Amazon over Prime enrollment tactics
“These refunds represent a significant victory for consumer protection in digital marketplaces,” the FTC stated, signaling continued vigilance against deceptive digital practices.
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