FTC grants victimized parents hundreds of millions in refunds in Fortnite

For those wondering about their eligibility to partake in this compensation, the FTC has listed three primary scenarios: Players who faced unwarranted deductions of in-game currency for items they didn't intentionally purchase between January 2017 and September 2022. Parents who found unexpected charges on their credit cards, carried out without their knowledge by their children between January 2017 and November 2018. If a player's account was suspended between January 2017 and September 2022 due to raising complaints about improper charges with their credit card provider At the end of the day, the amount compensated is a small drop in the bucket compared to how much more money Epic Games makes from Fortnite.

While the specific amount of compensation is still under deliberation, it will be largely determined by factors including the total number of claimants. Moreover, while there is no fixed timeline currently announced for the disbursement of these compensations, the FTC assures that updates will be posted on their claims page.

To be deemed eligible for this refund, claimants must file their claim by January 17, 2024. It is imperative that they are either 18 or older or have a guardian to complete the claim on their behalf. Additionally, a valid Epic Account ID is mandatory.

This settlement and the subsequent refund initiative come as a significant move, emphasizing the need for video game companies to prioritize player safety, transparency, and ethical business practices. Similar actions could set standard to ensure that companies remain accountable for their actions and in-game environments remain player-centric.