GAMERS in the US will be able to claim refunds for misleading in-game purchases.
The Federal Trade Commission is issuing refunds to video gamers who were charged for unwanted purchases in Fortnite – here’s everything you need to know.
Fortnite was played by over 650 million gamers in 2023[/caption]
Fortnite was created by Epic Games and is a free-to-play online video game known for its addictive, fast-paced battle royale mode.
In each battle, up to 100 players can compete to be the last one standing.
According to Statista, the game amassed a jaw-dropping 650 million users in 2023.
The popular game has been alleged to have used deceptive tactics to trick players.
How much is the Fortnite refund?
The FTC alleged that the video game giant used misleading online design tactics to encourage in-game purchases.
It is reported that the company, which was the brains behind games like Infinity Blade and Fall Guys, owes a current total refund amount of $126m.
For customers in the US who have been affected, refunds tend to average around $114, according to the FTC.
The original settlement in 2022 between the FTC and Epic Games totalled $245m in refunds – the biggest gaming-related refund in FTC history.
How can Fortnite gamers claim?
If customers believe they have been affected they can submit a claim to: www.ftc.gov/fortnite.
Claims must be submitted by July 9, 2025 in order to receive a refund.
The claimants who have already submitted the form will receive payments on June 25 and June 26, if the claim is valid, according to the FTC.
Almost 1 million users, including children were impacted and could claim[/caption]
The independent agency has advised that they will send out 969,173 checks and PayPal payments to consumers, to their chosen payment method stated when they completed the claim form.
The organisation also advised that consumers should cash their checks within 90 days of receiving it, in accordance with the check instructions.
For PayPal, recipients must redeem the payment within 30 days.
Why does Fortnite owe video gamers?
The total refund is the biggest in FTC history[/caption]
The video game giant came under scrutiny by the FTC after it announced in December 2022 that they misled gamers, including children, to make unintended purchases on Fortnite.
These unintended purchases could be made with the press of a single button.
Gamers would be doing simple gameplay activities and could incur big charges in the process.
The FTC explained that consumers could be trying to wake the game from sleep mode or press a button to preview and item.
The FTC also accused Epic Games of blocking users who disputed the charges from accessing the content they purchased.
Who is eligible for the refunds?
Refunds are eligible for players who were charged in-game currency for items they did not want to purchase.
The purchase had to take place between January 2017 and September 2022.
Parents with children who made in-game purchases without their knowledge between January 2017 and November 2018 can also apply.
