The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced the distribution of more than $126 million in refunds to Fortnite players who were charged for unwanted in-game items. This action is part of a broader settlement with Epic Games, the developer behind the globally popular video game, following allegations that the company used deceptive practices to trick users—including children—into making unauthorized purchases.
The FTC has also reopened the claims process, giving eligible players and their guardians until July 9, 2025, to submit new claims if they have not already done so.
Why Are Refunds Being Issued?
The FTC’s investigation revealed that Epic Games employed so-called “dark patterns”—design tactics that misled players into spending money unintentionally. Examples included triggering payments by simply waking the game from sleep mode or pressing a button while trying to preview an item.
The agency also found that some users who disputed charges were blocked from accessing content they had already paid for. As a result, Epic Games agreed to a $245 million settlement to compensate affected players, part of a larger $520 million resolution addressing both deceptive billing and privacy violations.
Who Is Eligible for a Refund?
Refunds are available to U.S.-based Fortnite players who meet any of the following criteria:
- They were charged in-game currency for unwanted items between January 2017 and September 2022.
- Their child made unauthorized charges to their credit card between January 2017 and November 2018.
- Their account was locked between January 2017 and September 2022 after disputing wrongful charges4.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old to complete the claim form, though parents or guardians can file on behalf of minors.
How to Submit a Claim Before the July 9 Deadline
Players who have not yet filed a claim can do so online at the FTC’s dedicated portal. To apply, claimants will need either a claim number (if they received an email from the FTC) or their Epic Account ID. The process is straightforward, and the FTC emphasizes that it never requires payment or sensitive account details to process a refund.
What Happens Next?
As of June 25 and 26, the FTC began sending nearly 970,000 checks and PayPal payments to eligible claimants who previously filed. Those receiving checks should cash them within 90 days, while PayPal recipients have 30 days to redeem their payments. The average refund amount is approximately $114 to $130, depending on individual circumstances and the total number of claims.
The FTC’s ongoing efforts underscore a commitment to consumer protection in the digital age, especially for younger gamers and their families. Players and parents are encouraged to act quickly, as the window to file new claims closes on July 9, 2025.
Consumers with questions about their eligibility or the refund process can contact the refund administrator directly. The FTC’s initiative stands as one of the largest consumer refund efforts in gaming history, reflecting the agency’s dedication to upholding fair practices in online entertainment.
