Fortnite Maker Epic Games Reaches $26.5M Class Action Settlement Over In-Game Purchases

A judge has granted preliminary approval to a $26.5 million settlement over claims regarding Fortnite maker Epic Games Inc.’s in-game purchases.

Anyone in the United States who, at any point between July 1, 2015, and the date of preliminary approval, had a Fortnite or Rocket League account they used to play either game on any device, in any mode, and exchanged in-game virtual currency for an in-game benefit, or who purchased virtual currency or other in-game benefits for use within Fortnite or Rocket League is eligible to make claim. 

Those who file valid claims can receive up to $50 or virtual Fortnite or Rocket League credits.

A settlement website has been established for Class Members to get more information or submit a claim. No claim deadline has been established yet.

Plaintiffs in a class action lawsuit accused Epic Games of violating consumer protection laws, negligently misrepresenting the value of in-game items in Fortnite and Rocket League, and preventing minors from exercising their contractual disaffirmation rights.

Epic Games denies all allegations of wrongdoing and has not been found guilty in court.

Starting today, Epic Games will deposit 1,000 V-Bucks — the virtual currency used in Fortnite — or 1,000 Rocket League Credits into the accounts of players in the U.S. who purchased a random-item loot box, according to Business Wire. Those deposits will be made automatically, and it may take a few days before all eligible players have been credited.

Players who believe they were harmed through their in-game Fortnite or Rocket League purchases and meet other criteria may also file a claim form for a cash payment of up to $50 or 13,500 Fortnite V-Bucks or Rocket League credits, Business Wire reported.

Legal guardians of players who are minors and made in-game purchases without permission are able to seek partial refunds of up to $50, but must agree to close the minor’s Epic Games accounts.

Class Members who request a cash or digital payment and whose claim does not exceed $25 may be awarded the entire amount in cash, according to the settlement website.

For those who request a cash payment for a claim greater than $25, the payment will be capped at $25 plus 50 percent of the amount by which the claim exceeds $25, up to a maximum payout of $50.

Class Members’ payments may be reduced depending on the number of claims filed.

Have you made in-app purchases in Fornite or Rocket League? What do you  think of the settlement? Let us know in the comment section below,

The Epic Games Class Action Lawsuit is Zanca, et al. v. Epic Games Inc., Case No. 21-CVS-534, in the Superior Court of Wake County, North Carolina.

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