Nearly one million Fortnite players will receive refunds totaling $126 million from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for unwanted purchases made while playing the popular video game. The payments, being distributed between June 25-26, 2025, represent the second wave of refunds following a major settlement with Epic Games, the company behind Fortnite.
The settlement stems from accusations that Epic Games used “dark patterns” – deceptive design tactics that tricked players into making unintended purchases. These tactics included charging players when they merely woke the game from sleep mode, displayed charges during loading screens, and designed confusing button layouts that led to accidental purchases.
“Epic used privacy-invasive default settings and deceptive interfaces that tricked Fortnite users, including teenagers and children,” FTC Chair Lina M. Khan stated when announcing the settlement.
The $126 million refund is part of a larger $520 million settlement reached in December 2022. This total includes $245 million for consumer refunds and $275 million in penalties for violating children’s privacy laws. The latest refund wave follows an earlier $72 million distribution, bringing the total amount refunded to nearly $200 million.
For players who believe they qualify but haven’t filed a claim, there’s still time. The FTC has reopened the claims process until July 9, 2025.
You may be eligible for a refund if:
- You were charged for unwanted in-game items between January 2017 and September 2022
- Your child made purchases without your knowledge between January 2017 and November 2018
- Your account was locked after disputing charges with your credit card company
The average refund in the first round was approximately $114 per person, while the second round averages about $130 per claim. The exact amount each player receives depends on the total number of valid claims filed.
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To submit a claim, visit www.ftc.gov/fortnite. You’ll need either a claim number (if you received an email from the FTC) or your Epic Account ID. If you’re under 18, a parent or guardian must complete the form for you. Approved refunds will be sent via check or PayPal, depending on your selection during the application process.
The FTC warns players to be cautious of scams related to the refund process. The agency will never charge a fee or request bank login details to process refunds. Currently, the claims process is limited to U.S. residents only.
For those with questions about the refund process, contact Rust Consulting Inc., the administrator handling the refunds, at 1-833-915-0880 or email admin@fortniterefund.com.
This landmark settlement sets an important precedent for the gaming industry, signaling that regulatory bodies are taking a harder stance against manipulative design practices, particularly those affecting children. Epic Games has not admitted wrongdoing but stated its desire “to be at the forefront of consumer protection and provide the best experience for our players.”
Remember: the deadline to submit a claim is July 9, 2025, so eligible players should act quickly to receive their refund.