FTC Distributes $126M Fortnite Refunds to 970K US Players

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is distributing over $126 million in refunds to Fortnite players as part of a $245 million settlement with Epic Games, addressing deceptive billing practices involving unwanted in-game purchases and unauthorized charges by minors. This latest payout follows a previous $72 million distribution, bringing total refunds to nearly $200 million, with claims now reopened until July 9, 2025, for those who have not yet filed. The FTC accused Epic Games of using 'dark patterns'—manipulative interface designs that pressured users into unintended purchases—and blocking users who disputed charges from accessing content. Eligible claimants include players charged for unwanted items, parents of children who made unauthorized purchases, and users whose accounts were locked after disputing charges. Epic Games denied wrongdoing but agreed to the settlement, which also includes $275 million in penalties for violating the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). Consumers can file claims online, and payouts average around $114 to $130 per individual, with instructions provided for claiming refunds via check or PayPal.