Fortnite’s dispute with the FTC looks to be reaching a conclusion, with millions of dollars paid to eligible players, and we’ve got all the details of the FTC vs Fortnite controversy.
It has been confirmed that Fortnite players have been paid out a total of $126m by the FTC so far, with claims continuing to be processed following a settlement agreed with Epic Games over two years ago.
If you’re only just seeing the headlines and want to know what it’s all about, check out our full explainer for the FTC vs Fortnite situation.
What is the FTC vs Fortnite Controversy?
The United States’ Federal Trade Commission judged Epic Games to have unlawfully charged players for unwanted items, resulting in children racking up unauthorized charges without permission of a parent.
Some of those who disputed the wrongful charges were blocked from accessing purchase consent, and the settlement reached with Epic Games requires the company to get consent before charging users. Epic Games has also been banned from locking players out of their accounts for disputing such charges.
Epic Games settled with the FTC in December 2022, paying $245 million to “resolve concerns related to past designs of the Fortnite Item Shop and refund systems.” On top of this, Epic Games also paid $275 million to “resolve concerns related to children’s privacy.”
Following the settlement, major changes were made to purchases in Fortnite, introducing instant purchase cancellations and self-service refunds. Now, if you change your mind on an item purchased in the Item Shop soon after purchasing, you can instantly get your V-Bucks back.
The difference in the FTC vs Fortnite refunds is that those eligible will receive payment in cash, either via a check or via a PayPal payment.
Who is Eligible For a Refund?
According to the FTC website, players can apply for a refund if any of the following statements are true:
- You were charged in-game currency for items you didn’t want between January 2017 and September 2022.
- Your child made charges to your credit card 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 wrongful charges.
To complete a claim form, you must be at least 18 years of age. If you are not 18, a parent or guardian can complete the form for you.
Have you received a refund from the FTC, or are you waiting for a claim to arrive? Let us know in the Insider Gaming forum.
For more Fortnite content, read about a cheater required to pay $175,000 to Epic Games, take a look at Fortnite’s version of Grow A Garden, and check out news that Blitz Royale has been extended.
