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Players of Epic Games' blockbuster title Fortnite who were “charged for unwanted purchases while playing the game” are set to receive more than $126 million in refunds, according to an announcement by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

This brings the total amount refunded to consumers related to Epic’s controversial billing practices to nearly $200 million.

Background of the Settlement

The massive refund stems from a December 2022 agreement, in which Epic Games agreed to pay $245 million to settle FTC allegations that the company employed deceptive design practices to trick users—particularly minors—into making unintended in-game purchases.

According to the FTC, Epic used “dark patterns” and confusing interface layouts that led players to buy in-game items without realizing it. The initial refund round, issued in December 2024, included 629,344 payments totaling $72 million.

New Round of Refunds and Extended Deadline

Now, a second wave of compensation is underway. The FTC confirmed that between June 25 and June 26, it will issue 969,173 checks and PayPal payments to qualifying claimants who selected their preferred payment method when filing.

Recipients are advised to cash checks within 90 days or redeem PayPal transfers within 30 days to ensure funds are received.

https://usaherald.com/fortnite-game-maker-takes-on-google-epic-games-wants-open-play-store/

Those who missed the initial claim period now have another opportunity. The FTC has reopened the claims portal, and eligible Fortnite players or their guardians have until July 9, 2025, to submit a claim via www.ftc.gov/fortnite.

“This marks another significant milestone in ensuring consumers are compensated after being misled,” said an FTC spokesperson. “We urge eligible players to act before the deadline.”

A spokesperson for Epic Games declined to comment on the latest developments, referring instead to their original blog post from 2022.

Fortnite Festival Continues to Draw Icons

Meanwhile, Fortnite remains a cultural juggernaut. The game recently announced Bruno Mars as the icon of Season 9’s Fortnite Festival, where he will perform on a neon-lit Main Stage beginning June 18. Previous icons include Sabrina Carpenter, Metallica, and Billie Eilish, showcasing Fortnite's continued commitment to mixing gaming and pop culture.

For more on Epic’s broader legal battles, including its ongoing antitrust fight with Google, read the full story from the USA Herald.