FTC Distributes $126M in Fortnite Refunds, Extends Claims Period
Federal agency continues enforcement action against Epic Games over transaction practices
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced the distribution of more than $126 million in refunds to Fortnite players who made unwanted purchases in the game. The federal agency is also reopening the claims process until July 9, 2025, allowing additional players and their guardians to seek compensation for disputed transactions.
This latest round of refunds follows 629,344 payments issued in December 2024, which the FTC authorized after determining Epic Games had employed what they classified as deceptive practices leading to unwanted purchases. The agency will begin delivering 969,173 refunds through PayPal or check starting immediately. Recipients are advised to cash checks within 90 days and redeem PayPal transfers within 30 days of receipt.
KEY POINTS
- •FTC distributing $126M in refunds
- •Claims period extended to July 9
- •Part of $245M fine against Epic Games
The current distribution brings the total compensation provided to players to over $200 million as part of the FTC's enforcement action against Epic Games. This regulatory action stems from a $245 million fine imposed on Epic Games regarding its microtransaction practices in Fortnite. The initial claims process operated from September 2023 through January 2024, with this extension providing additional opportunity for affected consumers.
The FTC's action represents one of several significant consumer protection enforcement cases undertaken by the agency in the digital marketplace. While the average refund in December 2024 was reported at $114 per person, the agency has not disclosed the expected average for this current distribution phase. The extended claims window provides consumers who missed the original filing period a final opportunity to participate in the settlement.