Epic Games faces €100 million lawsuit over Fortnite design

The Dutch consumer organization Stichting Massaschade & Consument (SMC) has launched a class action lawsuit against Epic Games, seeking over 100 million euros (approximately 110 million dollars) in damages and compensation. The lawsuit alleges that the developer used deceptive commercial practices and design patterns within Fortnite to pressure young players into making purchases.

Specific allegations include the use of artificial urgency, such as countdown timers that suggest an item is about to disappear when it remains available in the shop for days. The claim also involves the collection of personal data from minors without explicit parental consent. SMC has requested that Epic Games enter negotiations to adjust the game's design to comply with consumer protection regulations; if an agreement is not reached, the case will proceed to the Dutch courts.

Epic Games has defended its practices, stating that it provides advanced parental tools, such as PIN requirements for purchases and 'Cabined Accounts' for users under 16 in the Netherlands to prevent unauthorized transactions. The company maintains that its store does not use timers in that territory.