Fortnite Players Get Refunds After Two Years Post Epic’s FTC Settlement

As part of a settlement reached in 2022 with Epic Games, players of Fortnite have begun to receive refunds from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This follows a series of complaints filed by the FTC which accused the developer of violating online privacy protections aimed at children under the age of 13, as well as misleading players into making unintentional in-game purchases.

In December 2022, Epic Games agreed to a substantial settlement totaling $520 million. A significant portion of this—$275 million—was designated as a penalty for breaching the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The remaining $245 million is intended to compensate users who were caught in the game’s “confusing, counterintuitive, and inconsistent button configuration”that led to accidental charges.

Refunds Underway for Eligible Fortnite Players

The FTC has provided an update on its website, confirming the initiation of refunds for Fortnite players who submitted valid claims regarding charges for “unwanted items.” To date, the agency has processed more than 600,000 payments totaling approximately $72 million. The FTC has advised that recipients of refund checks should cash them within 90 days, while those opting for PayPal payments need to accept them within 30 days.

Importantly, Fortnite players who missed the initial claim deadline of October 8, 2024, still have an opportunity to file a claim. Claims must be submitted to the FTC by January 10, 2025, to be considered for compensation.

As of now, the timeframe for the completion of the refund process remains unclear. This update arrives nearly two years after Epic Games reached the settlement, during which Fortnite has seen significant transformations. The most recent update—Chapter 6 Season 1—introduced a range of new features, including mythical Oni Masks and unique sprites that alter gameplay.

Looking ahead, players can anticipate an exciting new LEGO Fortnite mode, dubbed “Brick Life,” which aims to create a social roleplay experience reminiscent of GTA Roleplay. This new mode is set to launch on Thursday, December 12, enhancing the already dynamic universe of Fortnite.

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