Back in March 2023, Epic Games was ordered they had to pay back $245 million due to ‘unwanted’ Fortnite purchases, and today those refunds have started.
For the uninitiated, back in March 2023, the FTC has finally reached a verdict in the Epic Games Fortnite case that saw the gaming giant responsible for violating the COPPA Rule in December 2022. During discovery, the FTC found Epic Games on the side of noncompliance with a rule designed to protect children’s personal information regarding Fortnite purchases. During these findings, the FTC determined Epic Games was responsible for $520 million in damages, most of which is to go to consumer refunds.
The FTC detailed the findings and results of their report at the time saying “an order requiring Epic Games, the maker of the Fortnite video game, to pay $245 million to consumers to settle charges that the company used dark patterns to trick players into making unwanted purchases and let children rack up unauthorized charges without any parental involvement.” Fans who believe they may fit the criteria for Epic Games refunds can visit this website to apply for the refund as there’s still time to do so (you may have to search your Epic Games account email for a reference number).
Due to the results of the FTC findings, players of the Epic Games battle royale title are entitled to refunds with the first $72 million arriving this week. Some fans have even taken to the internet to boast what they’re calling the ‘Fortnite stimulus’. While on the rare occasion the entire internet appears to agree on something, all fans are agreeing the refund is a good thing.
The Fortnite Reddit page contains a thread regarding the refund, and fans have taken to the post to share their happiness on the refund results. One fan, brianh418, commented on how easily the refund appeared saying “Just got a 190 dollar payment directly into my PayPal account.” Fans have also flocked to X (formerly Twitter) to express their happiness for the refund, posting memes about the stimulus. Ironically, most fans have even claimed that they intend to spend their refund on more Fortnite purchases. User @TheRaccRT said “just got a 100 dollar fortnite refund finna spend that money on fortnite.”
While reactions range from hilarious to wholesome, the Epic Games refund has accomplished a rare feat, gotten most people to agree on something internet-wide. Fans can go to the official refund page to see if they’re eligible for the next wave of refunds.
