In a significant development for gamers across the United States, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced an extended opportunity for Fortnite players to claim refunds from a historic $245 million settlement with Epic Games, the developer of the wildly popular battle royale game. The FTC revealed that it is distributing over $126 million to nearly 970,000 eligible players who were charged for unwanted in-game purchases, with payments being issued via PayPal or checks on June 25 and 26, 2025. For those who have not yet filed a claim, the deadline has been extended to July 9, 2025, offering a final chance to secure a portion of the settlement funds.
Background of the Settlement
The settlement stems from a 2022 agreement between the FTC and Epic Games, addressing allegations that Fortnite employed deceptive practices, known as "dark patterns," to trick players into making unintended purchases. According to the FTC, the game’s interface featured counterintuitive and confusing button configurations, leading players of all ages to inadvertently spend money on in-game items, such as costumes, dance moves, and other microtransactions, between January 2017 and September 2022. These design tactics reportedly allowed a single button press—sometimes during loading screens or while attempting to preview an item—to trigger costly purchases.
Additionally, the FTC alleged that Fortnite enabled children to rack up unauthorized charges without parental consent, violating the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). In some cases, players who disputed these charges with their credit card companies found their accounts locked, preventing access to purchased content. As part of the settlement, Epic Games agreed to pay $245 million to refund affected players and an additional $275 million penalty for COPPA violations, marking the largest refund amount in the FTC’s history for a gaming industry case. The company has since implemented changes, including requiring explicit consent for purchases and introducing protected accounts for players under 13 to enhance privacy and safety.
Refund Eligibility and Process
The FTC has outlined clear criteria for eligibility. U.S. players may qualify for a refund if they meet any of the following conditions:
They were charged in-game currency (V-Bucks) for items they did not want between January 2017 and September 2022.
Their child made unauthorized charges on their credit card between January 2017 and November 2018.
Their account was locked between January 2017 and September 2022 after disputing wrongful charges with their credit card company.
To file a claim, players need their Epic Account ID or a claim number provided by the FTC. The process is straightforward and can be completed online at www.ftc.gov/fortnite. Players under 18 must have a parent or guardian submit the claim on their behalf, ensuring the parent’s name and contact information are included. The FTC emphasizes that no receipts or additional documentation are required at this stage, and filing a claim will not affect a player’s Fortnite account or purchased items.
Payments are issued via PayPal or check, with PayPal recipients required to accept funds within 30 days and check recipients given 90 days to cash their payments. The amount each player receives depends on the number of claims filed and the extent of unauthorized purchases, with previous payouts averaging around $114 per player. The FTC has already distributed $72 million in a first round of refunds in December 2024 to over 629,000 players and expects to issue additional payments in 2025 after reviewing all claims.
How to Apply and Avoid Scams
For those who missed the initial February 14, 2025, deadline, the reopened claims process offers a critical opportunity. Players can visit www.ftc.gov/fortnite to check eligibility and submit a claim by July 9, 2025. Those who filed after February 14 need not take further action, as the FTC is still reviewing these claims. For assistance, players can contact the refund administrator, Rust Consulting, Inc., at 1-833-915-0880 or via email at [email protected].
The FTC has warned players to be vigilant against scams, emphasizing that it will never ask for payment to file a claim or receive a refund. Any email or text requesting payment or sensitive account information in exchange for a refund is fraudulent. Players are urged to verify all communications through official FTC channels to protect their personal information.
Epic Games’ Response and Industry Impact
Epic Games has acknowledged the settlement, stating in 2022 that it aims to be at the “forefront of consumer protection.” The company has updated Fortnite’s payment systems to require explicit approval for saving payment information and has introduced measures to prevent accidental purchases, such as holding down the purchase button instead of a single tap. These changes reflect a broader shift in the gaming industry toward greater transparency and accountability in microtransaction practices.
The FTC’s actions against Epic Games underscore its commitment to protecting consumers from deceptive practices in the gaming industry. The settlement not only provides financial relief to affected players but also sets a precedent for how game developers design in-game purchasing systems. By addressing issues like dark patterns and unauthorized charges, the FTC is pushing for a safer and Elizabeth Anderson, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, noted, “These enforcement actions make clear to businesses that the FTC is cracking down on these unlawful practices.”
What This Means for Players
For Fortnite players, this settlement offers a chance to recoup losses from unintended or unauthorized purchases, particularly for parents whose children racked up significant charges. The extended deadline ensures that more players can benefit from the $245 million fund, which is part of a broader $520 million agreement that also addressed privacy violations. As Fortnite continues to dominate the gaming world with events like the Fortnite x Squid Game collaboration launching on June 27, 2025, and the return of Fortnite Blitz Royale through the winter, this refund program highlights the importance of consumer protections in the evolving landscape of online gaming.
Players are encouraged to act quickly to meet the July 9 deadline and take advantage of this opportunity to claim their share of the settlement. For more information, visit www.ftc.gov/fortnite or contact the refund administrator directly.
Source: FTC
