Epic Games Faces Fallout Over Manipulative In-Game Purchases
In a major development for Fortnite players, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has approved a massive $126 million refund to more than 969,000 users, following accusations that Epic Games used deceptive practices to manipulate players into making unwanted in-game purchases.
This marks the third round of reimbursements as part of a broader settlement reached in December 2022, when Epic agreed to pay $520 million to resolve claims that it violated children’s privacy laws and employed dark patterns to prompt unintentional spending.
What Triggered the FTC Investigation?
According to the FTC, Epic Games designed confusing purchase flows and displayed misleading offers that led many players—especially minors—to accidentally spend money. Some users reported being charged when waking the game from sleep mode, accessing in-game items, or even during loading screens.
Additionally, the game allowed underage account holders to make purchases without parental consent, a serious breach of consumer trust and children’s online privacy protection laws.
Refund Process and Eligibility
The first round of refunds occurred in December 2024, with over 629,000 players receiving a total of $72 million. The average refund then was $114. Now, in this second phase, the FTC reports the average payout will increase to $130.
Players who made qualifying purchases between January 2017 and September 2022 can file a claim on the FTC refund portal until July 9, 2025. To be eligible, the applicant must be at least 18 years old, or have their parent or legal guardian submit the request on their behalf.
Users can choose to receive their refund by check (redeemable within 90 days) or via PayPal (within 30 days).
To start a claim, visit the official FTC refund page.
Epic’s $520M Settlement Explained
This refund initiative is part of a larger $520 million settlement, which included a $275 million fine for violating the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and a $245 million refund pool for affected consumers.
Epic Games responded by stating they’ve since made improvements to their user interface, including the implementation of a “hold-to-purchase” mechanic and expanded parental controls, aiming to enhance transparency and prevent future misunderstandings.
Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale for Gaming Giants
The FTC’s decision to greenlight this latest round of refunds sends a clear message to game developers: transparency matters. As digital marketplaces evolve, companies will face increasing scrutiny over how they design user experiences—especially when it involves monetizing young audiences. For players, this is a step toward consumer protection and accountability in the gaming industry.
