Epic Games’ controversial in-game purchase tactics have led to a significant $245 million settlement, and now Fortnite players who were impacted by these deceptive practices are getting compensated. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced on Monday, Dec. 9, that it has begun sending payments to those who were charged for unwanted purchases in Fortnite between January 2017 and September 2022. Players who are eligible for this settlement have until Jan. 10, 2025, to submit their claims.
The FTC's investigation revealed that Epic Games employed "dark patterns," or deceptive design tactics, to encourage in-game purchases. These included confusing and inconsistent button configurations that caused players to unintentionally incur charges with a single click. The agency’s March 2023 announcement highlighted these design flaws as the reason for the unwanted charges.
Payments are already being sent out, with approximately 629,344 players set to receive compensation. The average payout is around $114 per eligible claimant. One lucky recipient, a staff member at CNET, received a PayPal deposit of $95.98 as part of the settlement, a welcome surprise after forgetting about the claim.
Fortnite, which boasts a massive player base, especially among teens, is free-to-play, relying heavily on in-game purchases like Battle Passes and V-Bucks. However, as a platform that attracts many young players, Epic Games has made efforts to improve its security and ensure payments are only made with proper authorization.
Who is Eligible to File a Claim?
To file a claim, players must have been charged for unwanted in-game items between January 2017 and September 2022. This includes cases where:
Players were charged for in-game currency without their consent.
A child made unauthorized credit card purchases between January 2017 and November 2018.
An account was locked after disputing a charge between January 2017 and September 2022.
Only individuals 18 or older can file a claim, though parents or guardians can file on behalf of minors.
How to File a Fortnite Claim
The claims window remains open until Jan. 10, 2025. To submit a claim, visit the FTC's Epic Games/Fortnite page. If you received a claim number via email, simply provide it and complete a CAPTCHA test to file your claim. If you didn’t get a claim number or have lost it, you can still file by using your Epic Games account ID. For help finding your Epic account ID, consult the Epic Games support page.
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Your gaming experience can hinge on the quality of your controls, which is why Microsoft and Sony pour resources into crafting high-performance, comfortable console controllers. If you're an Xbox Series X or Series S owner, you already have one controller in the box, but additional controllers are often a must for multiplayer gaming or game nights with friends. This Black Friday, you can grab an extra Xbox wireless controller for just $40—a deal you won’t want to miss.
Both Best Buy and Walmart are offering the Xbox Core controller at this discounted price. While many colors are discounted, the $40 deal applies to the White and Carbon Black variants. Other colors, like Electric Volt and Deep Pink, are slightly more expensive at around $45. Each controller features Bluetooth compatibility, a Share button for capturing screenshots and videos, and a 3.5mm audio jack for headphones. With the Xbox Accessories app, you can also customize the button mapping to suit your play style.
In addition to controllers, Black Friday brings plenty of Xbox deals on games, consoles, and accessories. An Xbox Game Pass subscription complements your controller perfectly, giving you access to a massive library of games. If you're stuck on gift ideas for your siblings or friends, an Xbox controller or Game Pass could make the perfect present.
Why This Deal Stands Out
Xbox controllers typically retail for $60 or more, and it's rare to see them drop below $40. This price point is one of the lowest you’ll find outside of buy-one-get-one offers. Whether you need an extra controller or want to add some variety to your setup, this is the ideal time to buy.
More Deals Under $50
Black Friday season is here, offering a plethora of amazing deals without breaking the bank. We've curated a list of the best finds under $50, including gadgets like speakers and power banks, along with household essentials like towels and small kitchen appliances. Looking for even more savings? Check out our guide to the best Black Friday deals under $25 for budget-friendly options or explore deals under $100 for discounts on headphones, small TVs, and other tech.
Stay tuned as they continue to update these roundups throughout the holiday season to bring you the latest and greatest deals!
For even more gaming deals and convenience, visit the Z2U website, a trusted marketplace for all your digital gaming needs. Whether you're looking to purchase Xbox Gift Cards For Sale or check out the best deals on Xbox Gift Cards Balance Digital Code, Z2U.COM offers competitive prices and secure transactions. It's the perfect platform to stock up on gaming essentials and enhance your Xbox experience this holiday season!