Epic Games, the creators of the popular video game Fortnite, recently announced that they will be providing refunds to U.S. players as part of a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC had alleged that Epic Games had violated consumer protection laws by failing to adequately disclose certain in-game purchases and by not providing refunds when requested.
Under the terms of the settlement, Epic Games will provide refunds to players who purchased certain in-game items between October 13, 2015 and January 31, 2019. Players who purchased items during this time period will be eligible for a full refund if they can provide proof of purchase. Epic Games has also agreed to make changes to their in-game purchasing system to ensure that players are better informed about the cost of in-game items before they make a purchase.
The settlement is a victory for consumers who have been frustrated with the lack of transparency in the in-game purchasing system. Epic Games has been criticized for not providing adequate information about the cost of certain items and for not offering refunds when requested. The settlement will provide some relief to those who have been affected by these practices.
The settlement is also a reminder to other video game companies that they must be transparent about their in-game purchasing systems and provide refunds when requested. The FTC has made it clear that they are willing to take action against companies that fail to comply with consumer protection laws.
Overall, the settlement between Epic Games and the FTC is a positive step forward for consumers. Players who purchased items during the specified time period will be eligible for refunds, and Epic Games has agreed to make changes to their in-game purchasing system to ensure that players are better informed about the cost of in-game items before they make a purchase. This settlement should serve as a reminder to other video game companies that they must be transparent about their in-game purchasing systems and provide refunds when requested.
