FTC Issues $198M Fortnite Refunds, Claims Open Until July 2025

Epic Games has agreed to pay $245 million in refunds to Fortnite players following an FTC settlement over deceptive in-app purchase practices and violations of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The FTC alleges that Epic used manipulative design tactics that led to unwanted purchases, especially by children, without parental consent, automatically charging parents' credit cards. The refund process began in December 2024 with $72 million paid out and has continued with a second wave covering nearly one million players, totaling $198 million refunded so far. Eligible players or their guardians can file claims for remaining refunds by July 9, 2025, with funds distributed via PayPal or check to U.S. residents meeting specific criteria related to unauthorized charges or account lockouts. Epic Games is also prohibited from blocking players who dispute unauthorized charges from accessing their accounts, reflecting the FTC's commitment to consumer protection in the gaming industry. This refund initiative is part of a larger $520 million settlement addressing Epic's practices, while the company continues to engage in various legal actions related to Fortnite.