Fortnite Players: Millions Coming Back in Refunds Due to ‘Dark Patterns’
Millions of gamers who may have accidentally spent money on Fortnite are getting a financial reprieve.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced the first round of refunds, totaling over $72 million, for roughly 629,000 customers impacted by Epic Games’ controversial "dark patterns" within the popular battle royale game.
What are "Dark Patterns"?
"Dark patterns" are manipulative design tactics used by companies to trick users into making unintended purchases or decisions. In the case of Fortnite, the FTC argued that Epic Games employed these patterns to mislead players into making accidental in-game purchases.
How Much Will Players Receive?
Each eligible individual will receive around $114. While this initial payment marks a significant step, the FTC has indicated that additional rounds of refunds will be distributed in the future.
Payment Details:
The FTC will distribute the refunds via checks and PayPal. Recipients have 30 days to redeem PayPal payments and 90 days to cash checks. More information regarding the refund process, including contact details for the refund administrator, can be found on the FTC’s official announcement.
A Previous Settlement:
These refunds stem from a 2022 settlement worth $520 million. In addition to addressing violations of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, the FTC’s investigation highlighted Epic Games’ use of dark patterns, leading to the current round of consumer reimbursements.
Still Time to Claim Your Refund:
Did you suspect you made unintended purchases in Fortnite? Don’t despair! Players who believe they may be eligible for a refund can still file a claim online.
Take Action:
Visit the FTC’s website to learn more about the Fortnite refund program and submit a claim today.
