FTC Reopens Fortnite Case
Drama
01 July 2025 08:53
Fortnite players in the United States who believe they were misled into making unwanted in-game purchases now have another opportunity to claim a refund. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has reopened the refund application process for part of the $245 million settlement with Epic Games, with the new deadline set for July 9, 2025.
This refund program stems from a 2022 settlement in which Epic agreed to pay a total of $520 million—$275 million for violating children’s privacy laws and $245 million to compensate players affected by what the FTC described as “dark patterns” that led to accidental purchases.
According to the FTC, nearly $200 million has already been distributed in refunds. The first round of payments went out in December 2024, covering 629,344 approved claims. Last week, the agency issued a second wave, delivering 969,173 additional payments on Wednesday and Thursday.
More:Fortnite Player Counts Drop
The FTC’s renewed application window gives eligible players a final chance to file a claim through the official website at www.ftc.gov/fortnite. The agency outlines several conditions under which individuals can qualify:
You were charged for in-game items you didn’t intend to purchase between January 2017 and September 2022.
Your child made purchases using your credit card without your permission between January 2017 and November 2018.
Your Fortnite account was locked between January 2017 and September 2022 after disputing unauthorized charges with your credit card company.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and based in the United States. Parents can file on behalf of minors.
“We expect additional payments to be sent out in 2026 after we have reviewed and validated all claims,” the FTC said in a statement.
The reopened claims process underscores the growing scrutiny on game developers over deceptive user interface designs, especially those that impact children and result in unauthorized spending. The case against Epic Games has become one of the most significant enforcement actions in gaming history related to consumer protection.
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