The FTC has ordered Epic Games to pay $72 million in refunds to Fortnite players after finding deceptive in-game purchase tactics. Learn the details now.
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission announced a $72 million settlement that will be returned to players of the popular battle‑royale title Fortnite. The agency concluded that Epic Games, the developer behind the game, employed deceptive practices that nudged users into making unintended purchases.
What the FTC found
According to the commission, Fortnite’s in‑app purchase flow was designed to obscure the cost of virtual items, making it difficult for players—especially minors—to recognize when they were spending real money. The FTC’s investigation revealed that many users were charged for items they never intended to buy, often through “press‑to‑buy” prompts that appeared during gameplay.
Settlement details
Under the agreement, Epic Games will reimburse affected consumers a total of $72 million. The money will be distributed directly to players who can submit a claim through a dedicated FTC portal. The settlement also requires Epic to overhaul its purchase interface, provide clearer pricing information, and implement stricter age‑verification measures.
Industry reaction
Consumer‑advocacy groups welcomed the decision, calling it a "significant victory for gamers who have been bombarded by hidden costs." Meanwhile, industry analysts note that the settlement could set a precedent for how other mobile and console games handle microtransactions.
What gamers need to do
Players who believe they were charged without consent should visit the FTC’s claim site, provide proof of purchase, and follow the outlined steps to receive a refund. The deadline for filing claims is set for 90 days from the announcement date.
Looking ahead
The FTC’s action underscores growing scrutiny of monetization tactics across the gaming sector. As developers continue to explore new revenue models, regulators are signaling that transparency and consumer protection will remain top priorities.
Epic Games has pledged to comply with the settlement terms and has begun working on a redesign of Fortnite’s purchase system. The company also announced plans to launch an educational campaign aimed at helping younger players understand in‑app spending.
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