Fortnite may be over seven years old, but its massive player base of over 650 million registered users is still going strong, with more than a million people logging in daily. Whether you’re still actively building and battling on the island or just occasionally popping in, Epic Games’ flagship title continues to captivate millions of players worldwide. However, for some, Fortnite has been a source of frustration—and not just because of the competition.
Epic Games is now in the midst of distributing payouts as part of a legal settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The reason? The company was accused of tricking players into making accidental purchases, including many from unsuspecting children. Here’s what you need to know about the legal saga and how to claim your refund.
What Did Epic Games Do?
It’s been two years since the FTC ordered Epic Games to pay over $245 million in fines, with $72 million earmarked for direct player refunds. In 2022, the FTC accused the game maker of employing “counterintuitive, inconsistent, and confusing button configurations” that led users into making unintended purchases.
These “accidental” charges weren’t a matter of players misclicking once or twice—they often happened during moments players weren’t even actively engaging with the game. For example, charges occurred when Fortnite was loading, when players returned from sleep mode, or even when they were simply previewing an item without intending to buy it. In many cases, children were the ones affected, racking up charges without their parents’ knowledge.
For parents, the rude awakening came when they checked their credit card statements and discovered unauthorized purchases made by their kids.
Are You Eligible for a Refund?
If you were one of the players impacted by these unwanted charges, you could be entitled to a refund. The FTC has outlined several scenarios in which players are eligible for compensation:
- You were charged in-game currency for items you didn’t want between January 2017 and September 2022.
- Your child made charges to your credit card without your knowledge between January 2017 and November 2018.
- Your account was locked after you filed a complaint with your credit card company about wrongful charges, between January 2017 and September 2022.
If any of these situations apply to you, it’s likely you’ll be receiving some form of reimbursement.
When Are the Refunds Rolling Out?
Payments to claimants have officially begun. The first round of payouts took place on Monday, with 629,344 payments being sent out. Half of these payments were processed through PayPal, while the other half were issued via checks.
If you filed for a refund and specified your preferred payment method, you may have already received a payment or check. The average refund amount is $114, though the exact sum may vary depending on the details of your claim.
- PayPal Users: If you received your payment via PayPal, you’ll need to claim the funds within 30 days of the email notice.
- Check Recipients: If you were sent a physical check, you’ll have 90 days to cash it.
Can I Still Apply for a Refund?
Not yet part of the first round of payouts? Don’t worry—you still have a chance to claim your refund. The FTC is still processing claims filed after October 8, 2023, so if you applied later than that date, your claim may still be under review.
Additionally, if you haven’t yet applied for a refund, you can still do so. The deadline to apply for a refund is January 10, 2025. To submit your claim, visit the official FTC website and apply with your Epic Account ID or claim number. If you haven’t filed yet, now’s the time to act.
Why Is This Settlement So Important?
This case highlights a growing issue with in-game purchases, particularly when children are involved. The FTC’s decision to impose a large fine on Epic Games serves as a reminder to game developers and companies about the importance of clear, transparent design in their payment systems. It also underscores the need for better protections for players—especially parents—against accidental or unauthorized charges.
For Fortnite players, the settlement may serve as a small but important step toward ensuring fairer practices in online gaming. It also offers a way for players who were wronged by Epic Games to receive compensation for their troubles.
Conclusion: A Win for Players, But Don’t Miss Your Chance to Claim
Epic Games’ legal troubles may have come and gone, but for the millions of affected players, the refund process is just beginning. If you were one of the many players who encountered accidental charges or had your child unknowingly rack up in-game purchases, the FTC’s settlement ensures that you can get some of that money back.
Make sure to check whether you’re eligible for a refund, and if so, keep an eye out for your payout. And remember: you’ve still got time to apply, but don’t wait too long—the deadline for claims is January 10, 2025.
