Fortnite players have begun receiving payments as part of a settlement between Epic Games and the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC). These compensations, totaling $72 million, have already been distributed to more than 600 thousand players affected by the controversial configuration of the game interface. The FTC found that the game’s confusing button layout led to unintended purchases. The total settlement amount is $245 million, making it one of the largest in the history of the gaming industry.
Image source: store.epicgames.com
The $72 million payment applies to affected users whose claims were submitted before October 8, 2024 and were found to be valid. Applications received after this date are still under review. Interestingly, among those who have already received compensation, there are not only ordinary players, but also representatives of the media, including journalists from The Verge, which emphasizes the scale of the problem.
Fortnite players who have not yet submitted a claim for compensation have until January 10, 2025 to do so. To receive payments, you must confirm that unwanted purchases occurred due to the confusing configuration of buttons in the game interface. Full details of the application process, including instructions and forms, are available on the FTC’s official website.
The situation surrounding Fortnite highlights the importance of maintaining ethical standards in the gaming industry and protecting consumer rights. The FTC has made clear that companies have a responsibility to design interfaces that provide an intuitive, logical, and secure user experience. The agreement between the FTC and Epic Games not only compensates for the damage to players, but also creates an important precedent, reminding developers of their responsibility to their audience, because their trust is their main capital, which is difficult to restore.