In one of the most significant consumer protection cases in gaming history, Epic Games has agreed to pay out $245 million in refunds as part of a broader $520 million settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This massive settlement stems from allegations that Epic used deceptive user interface designs—known as dark patterns—to trick players into making unwanted in-game purchases in Fortnite, one of the world’s most popular online video games.
The Fortnite class action settlement not only addresses these unauthorized charges, but also covers instances where children’s purchases were made without parental consent and where players had their accounts unfairly locked for initiating chargebacks. This is the second round of refund payments, following a $72 million disbursement already made. With the new claims deadline set for July 9, 2025, players still have a chance to recoup their losses.
At Sparrow, we keep readers informed on vital settlements like the Mattress Firm false discount case and Disney gender discrimination settlement. This article breaks down everything you need to know about the Fortnite case, including eligibility, deadlines, and how to claim your refund.
Table of Contents
- What Is the Fortnite Class Action Settlement?
- Why Epic Games Faced Legal Action
- Who Is Eligible for a Refund?
- How Much Can You Receive?
- How to File a Claim for the Fortnite Settlement
- Key Deadlines and Dates
- What Changes Epic Must Make Going Forward
- Conclusion: What This Means for Gamers
What Is the Fortnite Class Action Settlement?
The Fortnite class action settlement is the result of a multi-year investigation and lawsuit by the FTC. Epic Games was accused of:
- Charging players for items they didn’t intentionally purchase.
- Letting children make purchases without parental approval.
- Locking accounts when players disputed charges with credit card providers.
As part of the resolution, Epic will:
- Pay $245 million in consumer refunds.
- Pay $275 million in civil penalties for violations of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
- Overhaul its in-game purchasing system to ensure clear consent.
Why Epic Games Faced Legal Action
The FTC alleges that Epic’s interface and billing practices were not just careless—they were unlawful. From January 2017 to September 2022, players could accidentally buy items with the press of a single button. In some cases, players who had their payment method saved were automatically charged for cosmetic items, emotes, or battle passes they never intended to buy.
Further complicating the issue, children made purchases without adult approval. When parents disputed these charges with banks, Epic reportedly locked players’ accounts, stripping them of access to in-game items and previously purchased content.
Who Is Eligible for a Refund?
You may be eligible for compensation if:
- You were charged in-game currency (V-Bucks) for unwanted items between Jan. 2017 – Sept. 2022.
- Your child made unauthorized credit card charges between Jan. 2017 – Nov. 2018.
- Your Epic account was locked after disputing a charge with your credit card company between Jan. 2017 – Sept. 2022.
Note: This settlement only applies to players in the United States.
How Much Can You Receive?
The amount you’ll receive depends on how many people file claims. Previous claimants received refunds from the first $72 million disbursement. The current claim round covers the remaining $173 million of the $245 million payout.
Payments can be received via:
- Check (must be cashed within 90 days)
- PayPal (must be accepted within 30 days)
No specific refund amount is guaranteed—it will be proportional to your claim and total valid submissions.
How to File a Claim for the Fortnite Settlement
- Go to FortniteRefund.com.
- Enter your Epic Account ID or your claim number to check eligibility.
- Submit your claim by the July 9, 2025 deadline.
If you submitted a claim to the FTC before Feb. 14, 2025, you’re already eligible. No further action is required.
Need guidance? Use our Step-by-Step Claim Filing Guide to walk you through the process.
Key Deadlines and Dates
- FTC Pre-Deadline for Automatic Eligibility: February 14, 2025
- Claim Submission Deadline: July 9, 2025
- Second Round Refunds Begin: Sometime in 2026
What Changes Epic Must Make Going Forward
In addition to issuing refunds, Epic Games must implement:
- Clear consent mechanisms before purchases are processed.
- Protections to prevent accidental or unauthorized charges.
- Policies that prohibit account locking after legitimate charge disputes.
These changes aim to improve transparency and prevent similar issues in the future.
Conclusion: What This Means for Gamers
The Fortnite class action settlement represents a pivotal moment in digital consumer protection. If you were wrongly charged, had your account locked, or dealt with unauthorized child purchases, you may be entitled to a refund.
Make sure to file your claim by July 9, 2025, and share this resource with friends and family who may qualify. At Sparrow, we’ll keep you updated on further developments.
Act now—visit FortniteRefund.com and submit your claim to ensure you receive what you’re owed.
