December 11, 2024 - 05:27
Federal regulators have announced that Epic Games, the developer behind the popular game Fortnite, misled players of all ages into making unwanted in-game purchases. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) determined that the company’s practices violated consumer protection laws. As a result of this settlement, affected players will begin receiving refunds for these unintended transactions.
The FTC's investigation revealed that Epic Games employed deceptive tactics that led players, including children, to spend money without fully understanding the implications. Many users reported that they were charged for items they did not intend to buy, often due to unclear prompts and aggressive marketing strategies within the game.
In response to the settlement, Epic Games has committed to changing its business practices to ensure transparency and fairness for its players. The company will implement measures designed to prevent similar issues from arising in the future. This decision marks a significant step in protecting consumers in the gaming industry, especially younger audiences who may be more vulnerable to such tactics.